Parents being nearby helps children, and supports safe online learning. The right level changes with age.
By age
| Age | Where you are | Your role |
|---|---|---|
| 4–6 | Beside them | Device help, focus, quiet encouragement |
| 7–9 | In the room or next door | Available if needed; listen in |
| 10–13 | Nearby; check in at start and end | Hear the homework; sit in sometimes |
| 14+ | Occasional | Read progress reports; talk to the teacher |
Do
- Listen to the last 2 minutes to hear the homework.
- Keep siblings and noise away.
- Praise your child after the lesson.
Don’t
- Answer for your child or whisper answers.
- Correct them over the teacher.
- Look worried or sigh at mistakes; children notice.
Safety
Being nearby is part of good online safety for children. Parents are welcome to sit nearby in all lessons. See our Safeguarding Policy.
If your child performs worse with you there
Some children get nervous. Try sitting further away or in the doorway. See freezing in lessons.
Teacher’s tip: sitting in on a lesson every few weeks shows you exactly what to practise at home, and how the teacher explains it.
Related: What to have ready.
