You can get good advice by networking with other parents. © Sally and Richard Greenhill

How to find resources

'I've found that networking with other parents has been the best thing – they're the ones with the experience and knowledge. My local parents' group and the parent and toddler sessions are where you get the best advice and information on schools and everything else. Parents are always going to be more honest about schools than the head teacher!' – Sue, North London

There is a wealth of information available to parents in books, magazines, websites and on telephone helplines.

Yet the most effective and useful resource is other parents, especially those with slightly older children who have gone further through the education system.

Here are some questions you could ask:

• What's the best way to get my child enthusiastic about school and learning?



• Do you know any good parents' groups nearby? (These can be very supportive and might lead to friendships for your child)



• Which are the best local schools and how can you get into them?

Among the many websites that offer useful information, the best is probably the government site ParentsCentre. It outlines the application process for schools and has many helpful sections for parents with children aged from birth to 18 years.

_{Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party sites.}

Top