Parents
Do you think your child may be gifted or show a talent for sport, music or art? Are you looking for advice on how to support your child at home?
What do the terms gifted and talented mean?
Gifted and talented are nationally agreed definitions. The term 'gifted' is used to describe learners who have specific abilities in academic subjects, whilst 'talented' refers to those with particular ability in sports, music and the creative arts. 'Gifted and talented' refers to learners with high ability in both these areas.
School gifted and talented register
All schools are required to identify a gifted and talented cohort which should comprise the top 5 to 10 per cent of their students. When identifying the gifted and talented, schools need to use a range of qualitative and quantitative strategies to ensure that all learners are given an opportunity to be identified.
Easy walkthroughs
These short animations introduce you to the key issues surrounding gifted and talented education. They contain useful tips and practical advice to:
- help you identify gifted and talented learners
- introduce you to different learning styles
- suggest ways of developing your child's thinking skills.
Follow these steps for the easy walkthroughs:
- Identifying gifted and talented students
- Identifying able underachievers
- Learning styles
- Thinking skills
Further information
The websites below provide more information and advice. You can also contact the gifted and talented co-ordinator or leading teacher in your child's school. If this is not possible, get in touch with the gifted and talented lead in your local authority.
Relevant documents and links
- YG&T – information about the Young, Gifted & Talented Programme including resources, activities, news and case studies.
- National Association for Gifted Children – practical tools and courses to help you develop your child's gifts and talents.
- National Association for Able Children in Education – independent education organisation specialising in teaching and learning for able, gifted and talented pupils.
- Directgov – information about supporting gifted and talented children.
- BBC Schools homepage – learning resources for home and school.