Education for Children

Please note that what we are explaining here is the system of education in England, Wales and Scotland but not in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland, it’s a different system.

.: Children Under 5 Years Old.

Education for children under five years old is not compulsory however, refugee children have full entitlement to all under-five services. This type of education is called for children under five are called nursery education, childcare and early year education. There are different choice of services varies from place to place. If you need help to any of these services, you should contact the social services or department of education of your local authority about childcare in your area. For children who are under five and speak little English or nothing at all will be at their advantage for them to start as soon as possible in nursery school to help them with there English language before reaching there compulsory age to begin to school at five years.

There are different types of nursery. Some are run by the local authority and are free. It is a place for babies and little children to help them overcome the fear of going to school and introduce them what school is like. All children over the age of four are allowed free part time nursery education. If you want your child to attend a private nursery school, you have to pay for that.

These nursery schools also have play groups, mother and toddle clubs. One o’clock clubs and crèche which are different names for places providing a range of activities for children under five. Play groups and crèche are places where you can leave your child for few hours in the morning or afternoon, mother and toddler clubs and one o’clock club are places where can take their child with them. You don’t have to leave your child there rather than having the opportunity to meet other parents and the children plays together. These groups are usually free.

.: Schools.

In the UK, education is compulsory for children between the age of five and sixteen years. It’s a law here for all parents to send their children to school up to the age of 16 years or arrange education outside the school. In the state school, education is free whatever your immigration status. Discrimination in schools are not allowed what ever your nationality or status.

.: Types of School.

In schools children are admitted to a particular class according to their age here in the UK. It is very unlikely to a child to be in a class with children who are of different age even if that child has missed previously a lot of school.

.: Primary School.

Children from the age of five start primary school until they are eleven years old. In some places, primary schools are divided: children attend an infant school from five to seven years, then attend a junior school from seven to eleven years. Most primary schools accept boys and girls.

.: Secondary School.

At eleven years, children move on to secondary school, although in some areas secondary education starts at 12. Most secondary school does not choose on the basis of their ability – they are non-selective. Non – selective secondary schools are usually called comprehensive schools. Most are for both boys and girls, but some schools are for boys or girls only.

.: Other School.

There are some schools run by churches or other religious groups. They are called voluntary aided or voluntary controlled schools. About one third of all schools in England and Wales are voluntary aided or voluntary controlled. Few schools such as Grammar school select children on their ability by taking a test to enter such school. Private schools or schools that are Independent of the state system normally charge fees to attend them.

.: Special School.

There are special schools for children with disability, learning difficulties or severe psychological problems. Children with special need, is sometimes having a one to one help of an extra teacher.