You’ve made the decision to move to the UK and want to start a family. Bringing your children up in the UK provides them with great opportunities.

There are plenty of things you can do to make the transition easier, such as learning the language and experiencing UK culture. This guide explores some key aspects to consider when starting a family in the UK.

Learning to Speak the English Language

It’s important for all the family to get a good grasp of the language. Children pick things up very quickly by being around other UK children. In fact, there are plenty of ways for everyone to improve their language skills, such as taking English courses. If you’re looking for a good English school London has plenty.

Get out and about to practice your skills. Talk to people in shops, learn how to order food in restaurants and ask for directions. You could also sit down together to catch programmes on British TV and radio.

Immerse yourself in UK culture

Learn all about the culture by throwing yourself in from the start. Visit restaurants and cafes to sample a traditional English breakfast or fish and chips by the seaside. Take your children to the football to experience the electric atmosphere.

See a show, shop on the high street and go for lunch in a traditional British pub. It’s customary to celebrate key dates in the UK too. Kids will love the fireworks on Bonfire Night and singing Auld Lang Syne on New Year’s Eve.

UK schools

Children go through two stages of schooling in the UK. Primary education starts at age four to five and continues until age 11, when the children move into secondary education. Before primary education begins, children can attend nursery schools. After secondary education they can move onto further education.

The UK has a state funded system, where children are educated for free up until age 18. There’s a huge private school system also in place. At school your children will get a good education, interact with other children and make friends.

Family in two different countries

Moving away from extended family can be hard, but having family in two different countries can have positives. Your children may have the opportunity to visit family often and gain experience of different cultures.

Having a UK base also means your family can visit you. Show the family around your new home and let your children tell them all about life in the UK.

Raising children bilingually

Children can master two languages when taught early on. There are many benefits for bilingual children. Speaking two languages gives the opportunity to transfer knowledge from one to another, which aids learning.

Communicating in two languages can also give children a boost later in life. It may be that they find learning additional languages more easy. Being able to communicate in different languages can also be an advantage in their future careers.