Family Guide
Understanding UK life as a family
The practical bits of UK family life, explained simply.
Use this before you rent or choose a school area. It explains the systems families meet first: schools, childcare, GP registration, council tax and the first week setup.
First week setup
Prioritise address, phone, GP search, transport routes and school/nursery calls. Do not try to solve everything on day one.
- Buy or activate a UK SIM/eSIM so banks, schools and GP surgeries can reach you.
- Save routes to work/school, nearest supermarket, pharmacy, GP and A&E.
- Keep passports, visa/eVisa, birth certificates and tenancy documents in one folder.
Schools, councils and catchments
State school applications usually go through your local council. Popular schools may prioritise distance, siblings, faith rules or catchment areas.
- Check admissions criteria before signing a tenancy.
- Ask the council about in-year admissions if you arrive outside September.
- Use Ofsted as one signal, but read the newest report and visit when possible.
Childcare, GP and health records
Childcare places can have waiting lists. GP registration is how your family accesses most NHS care.
- Ask nurseries about availability, funded hours, meals and extra charges.
- Bring vaccination records and translated notes for ongoing conditions.
- Register every family member with a GP after you have a local address.