The 2026 phonics screening check administration guidance has been published. If you're a KS1 teacher, now’s a good time to review the updated guidance before the check in June 2026. Read the key points 👇 www.twinkl.co.uk/l/i91j5

‘Five-year-olds are not miniature KS2 pupils.’ KS1 teacher Cari Dyson argues continuous provision should be statutory — to protect development, strengthen executive function and bridge the EYFS–Y1 gap. Read her thoughts 👇 
#KS1 #PrimaryEd #ContinuousProvision www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1al54a

“I made sure the framework said play.” Sir Martyn Oliver confirms play remains key beyond EYFS, as long as it supports curriculum goals. Find out more 👇 #Ofsted #KS1 #PlayBasedLearning www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1c5een

1 in 3 primary teachers want the phonics screening check scrapped, with another third calling for reform, new polling shows. Concerns include workload, pupil anxiety and usefulness for teaching. www.twinkl.co.uk/l/px3hw

The SEND review backs the EYFS — but where does that leave KS1?  This article explores how the new white paper could place growing expectations on years 1 and 2, even without explicit KS1 reform. www.twinkl.co.uk/l/l69u8

New insights from the reading for pleasure inquiry explore how assessment pressure in KS1 can shape children’s relationship with reading — and why decoding success alone isn’t enough. www.twinkl.co.uk/l/z1xyf

Optional KS1 SATs return in 2026.
STA guidance sets out access arrangements for year 2 pupils — including SEND, EAL, SEMH support, rest breaks, scribes & assistive tech. Here’s a clear summary for schools 👇 www.twinkl.co.uk/l/74bvv

KS1 teachers: Parliament’s new reading for pleasure inquiry sheds light on bridging screen habits with love of books — and what motivates young readers. #PrimaryEd #KS1 #ReadingForPleasure www.twinkl.co.uk/l/126j23

62.5% of KS1 teachers plan to run optional year 2 SATs this year — even after their statutory status was removed. With a majority of KS1 teachers in support of the tests, we reveal how the assessments are changing. www.twinkl.co.uk/l/dkruk

QE Insights explores how year 1 and 2 teachers can explain KS1 continuous provision clearly, professionally and confidently. #continuousprovision #PrimaryEd www.twinkl.co.uk/l/o89vn

🕊️ ‘Peace’ is Children’s Word of the Year 2025!
Kids aged 6–14 across the UK chose it to reflect empathy, togetherness & awareness of global events. A great prompt for KS1 learning. #ChildrensWordOfTheYear www.twinkl.co.uk/l/jabau

Almost half of teachers say they’d like to see the phonics screening check scrapped. Find out more 👇 www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1dov5x

What can KS1 families really manage when it comes to home learning? QE Insights explores: ✔ short, simple tasks ✔ reading and number focus ✔ flexibility for real life A must-read for KS1 teachers 👇 www.twinkl.co.uk/l/6c2k3

January blues hitting your KS1 classroom? This article shares tips to help pupils reset emotionally after the holidays. www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1dm4u0

KS1 teachers: play isn’t optional anymore… at least MPs might think so! A debate on statutory continuous provision hits parliament on the 26th January. #KS1Teachers #ContinuousProvision www.twinkl.co.uk/l/vs40f

New term, new mindset! January could be the ideal time to introduce growth mindset in your KS1 classroom — helping pupils build resilience, re-engage with learning and see mistakes as opportunities. www.twinkl.co.uk/l/94x64

Back to school after the holidays can be a challenge for pupils and parents! Practical tips for reconnecting with parents in January here👇 www.twinkl.co.uk/l/xrqa3

Teaching KS1 in January feels tough — and it’s not just you! This article breaks down why it’s such a challenging time after the holidays and reminds us it’s normal. 👇 www.twinkl.co.uk/l/huqt7

What’s it really like to be a staff governor? Dive into the ups and downs of the role. 👇 www.twinkl.co.uk/l/11bklj

What is a staff governor — and why could it matter to you as a teacher? This article explains the role, how it connects classroom experience with school strategy, and what it isn’t. www.twinkl.co.uk/l/y3g4j

Are KS1 attention spans shrinking? Research suggests increased early screen use may be a key factor. Interesting insight for primary teachers 👇 www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1ad4ao

KS1 searches for “winter outdoor learning” are on the rise. Here’s why more teachers are taking lessons outdoors this season — and how it’s boosting focus and wellbeing. www.twinkl.co.uk/l/19mlq6

Almost 2026! If you're mapping out next year already, this article has a full rundown of essential 2025–26 dates for KS1 teachers. www.twinkl.co.uk/l/os62u

“Continuous provision is just play.” Not true. We bust 5 common myths — from assessment worries to behaviour misconceptions — and highlight what Ofsted really says. A clear, evidence-informed read for KS1 teachers and leaders. www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1j9zo7

Thinking about your next chapter?
Teachers possess highly transferable skills — including communication, leadership, and empathy — that are valued across many sectors. Here are 10 careers teachers can transition into. 👇 www.twinkl.co.uk/l/g6htt

Classroom feeling a bit too festive already? 🎄
Here are practical ways KS1 teachers can keep Christmas joyful, calm and focused — from maintaining routines to choosing simple decorations and protecting your own wellbeing. www.twinkl.co.uk/l/vkzlj

Is winter term behaviour hitting hard? Darker days = more tiredness, more emotional dysregulation, lower resilience. This article looks at why it happens — and which strategies are helping schools stabilise classrooms. www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1hyy4c

The DfE has accepted major recommendations from the Curriculum and Assessment Review — with big changes planned for primary foundation subjects by 2028. A quick explainer for teachers. 👇 www.twinkl.co.uk/l/73zb5

Making the case for continuous provision in KS1?
This article shows how to frame the conversation with SLT using curriculum intent, Ofsted expectations and evidence of impact — a must-read for KS1 teachers. www.twinkl.co.uk/l/17o75p

Citizenship is becoming statutory in primary schools. 
DfE confirms plans to embed citizenship from KS1 — giving pupils the knowledge and skills to be active, informed citizens. Here’s what teachers need to know.👇 
 #CitizenshipEducation www.twinkl.co.uk/l/s3x7o

Teachers — if the Sunday night scaries hit hard, you’re not the only one. This guide offers practical ways to ease anxiety, reset your nervous system, and start the week grounded. #TeacherWellbeing #SundayScaries www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1as0ax

📉 23,000 primary classrooms are now empty as falling birth rates hit schools.
Tighter budgets, reduced staff and even discussions about mergers or closures. Teachers, are you seeing the impact in your school?
#SchoolFunding www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1cfeov

Ofsted sees value in continuous provision in KS1 — when it’s curriculum-driven, intentional & used alongside direct teaching. Learn what this means for your classroom practice 👇 #Ofsted #ContinuousProvision www.twinkl.co.uk/l/6ehqm

Statutory citizenship, stronger number fluency and more focus on drama and oracy — here’s what the Curriculum & Assessment Review recommends for KS1.
#KS1 #CurriculumReview #PrimaryEducation www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1bjjkf

Winter is coming — but your classroom can stay healthy! ❄️ The DfE’s latest guidance shares 7 practical steps to cut absence and illness this season — from handwashing to better ventilation. Read more 👇 #Teachers #Education #DfE #HealthySchools www.twinkl.co.uk/l/j1ky4

New DfE target of 90% pass rate in the phonics check raises big questions for KS1 teachers. With summer-born pupils less likely to meet the standard, differentiated support is more crucial than ever. Read how age impacts outcomes and what schools can do. www.twinkl.co.uk/l/tq2nq

Heads up KS1 teachers: big update out now on the 2025 optional SATs and access arrangements. Worth a read. #primaryED #KS1 #teaching www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1htjg4

Supermarkets and food brands pledge to support free breakfast clubs with brands like Morrisons, Sainsbury’s & Weetabix providing vouchers and discounts. A welcome move – but will funding match the reality in schools? www.twinkl.co.uk/l/13wj94

Timetabling continuous provision in KS1 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. QE Insights shares how to make time for play-based learning that supports independence and curriculum mastery 👇 #KS1 #PrimaryTeaching #PlayBasedLearning ContinuousProvision www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1b1xz7

A new Youth Sport Trust report finds girls facing multiple inequalities are 1.6x more likely to not enjoy PE. Confidence gaps start early. Inclusion, choice and role models can make a real difference. #PE #PrimaryEd www.twinkl.co.uk/l/13kp7k

DfE sets a new 90% phonics screening check pass rate target. “Reading is the foundation for everything else.” — Bridget Phillipson
#Phonics #Reading #PrimaryEd www.twinkl.co.uk/l/vmd4z

2025 guidance on optional KS1 SATs is here. Find out what’s new, what’s allowed and how to support pupils fairly. #KS1 #PrimaryAssessment #SATs www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1htjg4

Effective communication with parents builds trust, boosts engagement and supports pupil success. Here’s how primary teachers can make every message count — from drop-offs to newsletters.👇
#PrimaryTeaching #ParentalEngagement www.twinkl.co.uk/l/t5koo

New safety legislation, Martyn’s Law, will mean all primary schools must have basic security plans. Teachers can expect training and guidance over the next 2 years — here’s what it means for your role. 👇 
#MartynsLaw #SchoolSafety www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1kzg2j

KS1 teachers: Are you wondering how to use continuous provision while meeting national curriculum demands? Explore how a blended model can help the transition from EYFS → KS1, preserve creativity and independence and deliver an ambitious curriculum. #ContinuousProvision www.twinkl.co.uk/l/w2zz2

The DfE has updated the #PESportPremium guidance for 2025-26. Find out what’s new, how much funding your school will receive, and what it can (and can’t) be used for. 👇 
#PrimaryPE #PESportPremium www.twinkl.co.uk/l/11g0mi

Autumn term = the busiest stretch for KS1 teachers. 📚✨ Practical tips on protecting your energy: - smarter marking - task batching - wise use of AI - boundaries and self-care - your wellbeing matters as much as your planning Read more 👉 www.twinkl.co.uk/l/89qgk
#TeacherWellbeing #Edutwitter

New survey shows 58% of teachers have been caught in disputes between separated parents — often impacting children’s learning and wellbeing. KS1 teachers are on the front line of family separation challenges. Read what you need to know and practical steps to support pupils➡️ www.twinkl.co.uk/l/m1aix

🚨 Optional KS1 SATs 2026 — some key updates revealed: a new NCA portal, revised admin dates and more. KS1 teachers — check your diary and get up to speed! #KS1 #SATs2026 www.twinkl.co.uk/l/suwi6

Heads up, KS1 teachers: Changes are coming for the 2025–26 phonics screening check — a new online portal, a new provider and fresh deadlines. Check out the key dates and what’s changing here: www.twinkl.co.uk/l/blzvw #Phonics #EdChat