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Article by Chris Timm

British teachers reveal their secrets to a successful term to help families ace back to school

  • Over 1,000 current and former educators who teach primary or secondary have shared their tips for parents on how best to set their kids up for success in the new school year
  • Top tips include daily reading together, having open conversations about school life and praising their efforts
  • Almost all (89%) agree that school is more than just about traditional education and plays a critical role in building life skills
  • Money skills have also emerged as a key area to focus on with 79% saying that kids need more support building their financial capability and more than half suggest talking to kids about budgeting ahead of the new term

Now school holidays have ended, the nation’s teachers have revealed the key habits that can help parents set their kids up for a successful new term.

The new research, conducted by YouGov and commissioned by NatWest Rooster Money, spotlights first-hand insights from over 1,000 British teachers* and makes for reassuring findings for parents – showing that simple, easy-to-implement habits can go a long way in setting your child up for success in their education.

Will Carmichael, Founder and CEO of NatWest Rooster Money, comments:
“The new school year can be a huge milestone for parents and kids alike and, certainly in my family, it’s a chance to set some new routines after the summer. We all know that small habits can make a big difference and it’s encouraging to see teachers reaffirm this as we all tackle the new term.”

Engage in open conversations, encourage independence, read every day

  • Read with your child as much as possible, ideally every day (cited by 95% of teachers)
  • Try to give them independence from an early age with things like dressing themselves, packing and carrying their own bag and being responsible for their own things (90%)
  • Have open conversations with them about school life (87%)
  • Help them learn to tell the time (76%) when it comes to younger kids
  • Try to make sure all their things are ready the night before (79%)

Other popular tips included arriving at the school gates early so they have a moment to socialise before going in (58%), and talking to them about how to budget their school money for things like lunch and transport (56%).

Praise, play, and reinforcing learning are critical to motivating kids’ progress

When it comes to motivating kids to continually learn and make progress at school, teachers’* top five tips are:

  • Praise their progress and hard work (93%)
  • Provide opportunities to learn through play around the home (88%)
  • Regularly discuss school experiences to reinforce learning (85%)
  • Create games around learning to make it fun (78%)
  • Talk to your child about how school will open up opportunities for them in the future (70%)

As for using rewards as motivation, nearly a quarter (24%) of teachers* advocate using financial rewards such as pocket money. Meanwhile, three in 10 (30%) also endorse other tangible rewards such as special treats or gifts, and a further 62% suggest intangible rewards such as activities, days out or quality time together. But something almost all (94%) agree on is that treating your child with independence and responsibility is critical to their development.

School is about more than just education

The research also revealed a general feeling that kids’ learning during their formative years may benefit from an increased focus on wider life skills. 89% of teachers* agreed that, as well as providing traditional education, school is a core part of building life skills such as independence and financial capability. A further 79% say that kids need more support building their financial capability, highlighting the need for tools and conversations that help them build their knowledge and confidence around money.

Will Carmichael, Founder and CEO of NatWest Rooster Money, adds:
“Money skills play such an integral part in setting young people up for success in life, it is no surprise our brilliant teachers agree with that. The more we can do to help the next generation build their financial capability – whether that’s through tools like NatWest Rooster Money, or simply by having more frequent and open conversations about money at home – the better able we are to give children the best start in life.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1011 former or current Primary or Secondary Teachers surveyed. Fieldwork was undertaken between 5th – 8th August 2024. The survey was carried out online.

(*Current/former primary or secondary teachers surveyed)

Press contact:
Please get in touch at roostermoney@rokepartners.com

About NatWest Rooster Money

NatWest Rooster Money is a children’s prepaid debit card and pocket money app, designed to give young people a head start with money. Founded in 2015, it relaunched as NatWest Rooster Money in 2022.

The app features a range of easy-to-use tools to help get children confident with money from a young age, starting with a Star Chart through to the Rooster Card, which comes with a range of parental controls and is available for ages six to 17.

NatWest Rooster Money is part of NatWest’s wider offering for young people and families, including NatWest Adapt and NatWest First Saver.