Art and Design in Primary Schools: KS1 and KS2 Curriculum Resources Guide
Art and Design is a statutory subject within the primary curriculum, helping pupils develop creativity, technical skills and cultural understanding. The DfE Art and Design National Curriculum requires children to produce creative work, become proficient in a range of artistic techniques and learn about great artists, craft makers and designers. Choosing the right resources helps schools deliver these requirements effectively while supporting progression from Key Stage 1 through to Key Stage 2.
Jack Clarke
Green, purple and red pens for schools: marking and self-assessment explained
Colour-coded marking systems help pupils understand feedback, take ownership of improvements and make progress visible over time. While green, purple and red pens each serve different purposes, the real value lies in creating a consistent approach that helps pupils engage actively with learning rather than simply receiving feedback.
Jack Clarke
Air Dry Clay for Schools: Everything Teachers Need to Know
Air dry clay is one of the most versatile modelling materials used in primary schools because it allows pupils to create permanent sculptures, models and artwork without requiring a kiln. Suitable for EYFS through to Key Stage 2, it supports creativity, fine motor development and hands-on learning across multiple subjects. When used correctly and stored properly, air dry clay offers an accessible, curriculum-friendly alternative to traditional pottery clay.
Jack Clarke
Paint Brushes for Schools: Types, Sizes and How Many to Order
Choosing the right paint brushes helps schools deliver art lessons more effectively while reducing waste and replacement costs. Different brush sizes and types suit different age groups, activities and paint mediums. Most primary schools benefit from a combination of round and flat brushes in a range of sizes, supported by sensible stock planning that balances curriculum needs with long-term value.
Natalie McMunn
Primary School Paint Guide: Powder, Ready-Mix, Acrylic and Poster Paint Compared
Paint is one of the most frequently used resources in primary schools. From Reception handprints and colour-mixing activities to Year 6 artist studies and collaborative display projects, it supports creativity, experimentation and self-expression across every stage of a child's development. Choosing the right paint is not simply about colour or price. Different paint types serve different educational purposes, and understanding where each works best can help schools reduce waste, manage budgets more effectively and create richer artistic experiences for pupils.
Jack Clarke
Tuff Trays in Schools: Uses, Sizes and How to Set Them Up
Tuff trays have become one of the most versatile and widely used resources in Early Years classrooms. Supporting everything from sensory exploration and small world play to early mathematics, communication and creative learning, they provide practitioners with a flexible space that can be adapted to children's interests and developmental needs.
Natalie McMunn
How Classroom Layout Affects Pupil Behaviour and Focus
Classroom layout can have a significant impact on pupil behaviour, concentration and learning outcomes. Research from the University of Salford's Clever Classrooms (HEAD) study, which examined 153 classrooms and 3,766 pupils, found that classroom design factors accounted for 16% of the variation in learning progress. Elements such as organisation, flexibility, lighting, accessibility and furniture layout can influence how effectively pupils engage with learning throughout the school day.
Jack Clarke
School Lockers and Cloakroom Storage: A Buying Guide for SBMs
School lockers and cloakroom storage play an important role in maintaining organised, safe and efficient learning environments. The right storage solution helps schools manage coats, bags, PE kits and personal belongings while reducing clutter in classrooms and corridors. For School Business Managers, choosing appropriate storage is about balancing capacity, durability, safeguarding considerations and long-term value rather than simply purchasing furniture.
Natalie McMunn
EYFS Learning Environment Inspiration: Ideas for Every Area
An effective EYFS learning environment is built around the principle of enabling environments within the DfE EYFS Statutory Framework. Rather than simply housing resources, the environment should actively support children's development, independence, curiosity and confidence. The strongest EYFS classrooms carefully balance structure and flexibility, ensuring every area of provision contributes meaningfully to learning across the seven areas of development while remaining responsive to children's interests and needs.
Jack Clarke
Gratnells Trays for Schools: Sizes, Colours and How to Organise Them
Gratnells trays are one of the most widely used storage systems in UK schools because they provide a flexible, durable and standardised way to organise classroom resources. Available in multiple depths, widths and colours, they can be used for everything from daily classroom equipment to specialist curriculum resources. When organised effectively, Gratnells trays help reduce classroom clutter, improve resource accessibility and save staff time by making storage systems easier to manage and maintain.
Natalie McMunn
School Chairs and Tables Size Guide for Primary Schools
Choosing the correct size school chairs and tables is important for pupil comfort, posture, concentration and classroom safety. Most UK primary schools use furniture sizes based on pupil height ranges, following the BS EN 1729 European standard for educational furniture. Matching furniture correctly to pupils helps support healthy sitting habits, improves classroom ergonomics and reduces the need for costly furniture replacements caused by inappropriate purchasing decisions.
Natalie McMunn
Role Play Kitchens for Schools: A Complete EYFS Buying Guide
Role play kitchens are one of the most effective EYFS resources because they support multiple areas of learning through everyday play experiences. Aligned with Expressive Arts and Design and Understanding the World within the DfE EYFS Statutory Framework, they help children develop communication skills, creativity, social understanding and confidence. When chosen carefully and used as part of continuous provision, a role play kitchen can support learning every day of the academic year while delivering excellent long-term value for schools.
Carla Bonner