At school, we often use abbreviations that can sound confusing if you’re not used to them. To help parents and carers, we’ve put together this simple guide to explain the most common terms you might come across.

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🏫 General School Terms 🏫 

 

EYFS – Early Years Foundation Stage
The curriculum for children aged 0–5, including Nursery and Reception.

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KS1 – Key Stage 1
For children in Years 1 and 2 (ages 5–7).

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KS2 – Key Stage 2
For children in Years 3 to 6 (ages 7–11).

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SEND – Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Support for children who need extra help to learn.

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SENCO – Special Educational Needs Coordinator
The teacher responsible for overseeing SEND support in school.

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TA – Teaching Assistant
Supports teachers and helps children with learning in class.

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HLTA – Higher Level Teaching Assistant
A TA with extra training who can lead lessons or small groups.

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SLT – Senior Leadership Team
The headteacher and senior staff who manage the school.

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📘 Learning & Assessment 📘 

 

Phonics
A way of teaching children to read by linking sounds (phonemes) to letters (graphemes).

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SATs – Standard Assessment Tests
National tests for Year 2 and Year 6 pupils to assess progress in English and Maths.

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GD – Greater Depth
When a child is working beyond the expected standard for their age.

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EXS – Expected Standard
The level most children are expected to reach by the end of the key stage.

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WTS – Working Towards Standard
When a child is not yet meeting the expected level.

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ELG – Early Learning Goal
The expected level of development at the end of Reception.

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CPD – Continuing Professional Development
Training and learning opportunities for staff to develop their skills.

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❤️ Pastoral & Safeguarding ❤️

 

DSL – Designated Safeguarding Lead
The person responsible for child protection and safeguarding in school.

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PSHE – Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education
Lessons that help children learn about health, relationships, and wellbeing.

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RSE – Relationships and Sex Education
Teaches children about healthy relationships and growing up safely.

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EAL – English as an Additional Language
Support for pupils who are learning English as a new language.

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PP – Pupil Premium
Additional funding to help children who may need extra support.

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🧩 Curriculum & Enrichment 🧩

 

DT – Design and Technology
Creative, practical subjects involving design, building, and problem-solving.

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PE – Physical Education
Sports, fitness, and movement activities.

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ICT – Information and Communication Technology
Learning about computers, digital safety, and online skills.

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STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Subjects that promote problem-solving and innovation.

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RE – Religious Education
Learning about different religions, beliefs, and values.

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💬 Need more help?

 

If you ever hear a term you’re not sure about, please just ask your child’s teacher or contact the school office — we’re always happy to explain!