Parent guide · Families in the UAE
How can I support my child’s English at a British curriculum school in the UAE?
British curriculum schools in the UAE usually follow the National Curriculum for England, which organises English into spoken language, reading and writing, with systematic phonics in the early years. Parents can support it by reading with their child every day, talking about books, practising the phonics sounds the school uses and encouraging writing for real purposes. Speaking matters too: the curriculum says spoken language underpins reading and writing. Ask the school which phonics programme and reading books it uses, so home practice matches class.
Key takeaways
- English is organised into spoken language, reading and writing.
- Phonics is taught systematically in the early years and Year 1.
- Spoken language underpins reading and writing.
- Daily reading and talk at home make the biggest difference.
- Match home practice to the school’s phonics programme and reading books.
How is English organised in a British curriculum school?
Schools in the UAE that follow the English National Curriculum usually group year groups into stages:
| Stage | Year groups | Typical ages |
|---|---|---|
| Early Years (EYFS) | FS1, FS2 | 3 to 5 |
| Key Stage 1 | Years 1 and 2 | 5 to 7 |
| Key Stage 2 | Years 3 to 6 | 7 to 11 |
| Key Stage 3 | Years 7 to 9 | 11 to 14 |
The primary curriculum splits reading into word reading and comprehension, and writing into transcription (spelling and handwriting) and composition (organising and expressing ideas).1
Why does speaking matter so much?
The national curriculum for English says it “reflects the importance of spoken language in pupils’ development”, and treats talk as the base for reading and writing.1 Children who can explain an idea out loud usually find it easier to write it down. At home, ask open questions about the school day, a book or a film, and give your child time to answer in full sentences.
How can I help with phonics and early reading?
- Ask the teacher which phonics programme the school uses, and use the same letter sounds and actions at home.
- Read the school reading book together most days, and let your child sound out words before you help.
- Read a picture book to your child as well, for enjoyment and new words.
- Play quick sound games: “I spy something beginning with ‘sh’”.
Our guide to phonics and sight words explains how the two fit together.
How can I help with writing in Key Stages 2 and 3?
- Talk before writing. Discuss ideas out loud first, then write.
- Write for real reasons. Birthday cards, a holiday diary, a review of a film.
- Read like a writer. Point out a good opening or a strong word in a book.
- Practise spellings little and often. Five minutes a day beats an hour on Sunday. See our spelling guide.
- Praise one specific thing. “Your opening made me want to read on” helps more than “nice work”.
What if English is not our home language?
Many families at British curriculum schools in the UAE speak another language at home. Keep using it: talking about books and ideas in your home language still builds thinking and vocabulary that carry across. Add English through shared reading, audiobooks and conversations with friends. See our guide to Arabic, home language and English.
How do Little Lingos classes fit with a British curriculum school?
Little Lingos classes are not tied to one school syllabus, so they sit alongside a British curriculum school. Seeds (ages 3.5 to 6) builds letter sounds and early words, Sprouts (7 to 10) builds reading, speaking in full sentences and simple stories, and Blooms (11 to 15) builds presenting, debate and structured essays. Every 40-minute class gives each child speaking time.
Questions parents ask
Questions parents ask
Do British curriculum schools in the UAE follow the same curriculum as England?
Many base their teaching on the National Curriculum for England and use the same stage names, such as EYFS and Key Stages 1 to 3. Each school adapts it to the UAE, including Arabic and other required subjects, so ask your school how it applies the curriculum.
What is FS1 and FS2?
FS1 and FS2 are the Foundation Stage years in British curriculum schools, usually for children aged about 3 to 5. They cover the Early Years Foundation Stage, which includes early speaking, listening and phonics, before Year 1.
How much should my child read at home?
A little every day helps more than a long session once a week. For younger children, 10 to 15 minutes of shared reading is a good start; older children can read on their own for longer. Talking about what they read builds comprehension.
My child can read the words but does not understand the story. What helps?
Reading words and understanding them are different skills. Pause to ask simple questions, such as “Why do you think she did that?”, and talk about new words. Reading aloud to your child from slightly harder books also builds understanding.
Will online English classes clash with what the school teaches?
Not when they focus on skills rather than one syllabus. Speaking, reading, vocabulary and writing practice supports what school teaches. Tell the trainer which year your child is in, and share any area the teacher has mentioned.
Sources
- Department for Education, England (2013). English programmes of study: key stages 1 and 2. National curriculum in England. gov.uk.
Sources checked 27 October 2026. This guide is general information for parents, not medical or speech-therapy advice. School rules and calendars change; check with your child’s school for current details.
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