I’m desperately late posting this. I can only blame it on the fact that Dexter is not yet at school, and I don’t drive so haven’t had school-run traffic to remind me that little people everywhere are once again donning pinafore dresses and nylon ties. Yep, whereas every other mum is back to work and going through the trauma that is The School Morning Routine, I’m still in bed at 9am!

Before you all douse your laptop in orange juice as a dirty protest, I do have something useful to share with mummy’s of school age children; A range of books from Collins Back to School Learning Resources …And I better crack on with this review before the very beautiful PR girls start dishing out slapped wrists!

I signed up a few months ago to review a couple of their books. I was expecting a few pre-school workbooks and one of their award-winning picture dictionaries and atlases. I was therefore shocked & chuffed to bits by their generosity when this lot arrived! They’ve provided me with a selection of books from the KS1 and KS2 range, covering Dexter academically from age 3 right up to age 11. It includes…

Collins Children’s Picture Atlas

Collins Primary Atlas

My First Dictionary and Children’s Junior Illustrated Dictionary (6+)

Collins French Club & Spanish Club (for foundation level languages)

Collins Junior Thesaurus

Collins Easy Learning French, English and Maths (Ages 5-7)

Collins Starting School Books - 1 & 2 (For Preschoolers)

From preschool right up to A-Level, Collins covers every stage of a child’s education. Whether it be a trusted dictionary, accompanying thesaurus, handy atlas or appropriate learning book, Collins definitely has it covered.

As you can see, it’s a real bounty of reference & exercise books for Dexter! I’m seriously impressed with the quality & variety of exercises provided to support Dexter’s learning. I love how children are encouraged to work inside the books and make them their own. Although this means you’re unlikely to pass them down to the next generation, it means Dexter will be taking some responsibility for his own learning. It also means Craig and I can tutor Dexter alongside his academic studies.

When I went to primary school, foreign languages weren’t on the curriculum. I’m so out of touch with this, that I didn’t realise they are now compulsory for children at KS2 (7+). This is a very welcome overhaul in my opinion. I speak semi-fluent French (I can order a round of alcoholic drinks in a bar at least!) and love the idea of kids being given the opportunity to get a head-start on their secondary school language studies. The French Club series (available in other languages too) is fabulous as it comes with an audio CD and stickers too - adding an element of interactivity to their learning.

This is what makes these books exceptional in my opinion. It’s difficult for parents to stay abreast of every curriculum change - even big ones like the addition of new subjects! Collins books are completely up to date with the latest curriculum and allow mum & dad to better support their child’s learning - all in a user-friendly package for children. The illustrations (particularly in the picture atlas) are really engaging, and the exercises are clearly explained.

Here’s a video review to explain all the books in more detail. Dexter was supposed to join me for filming, but was on the naughty step for painting his baby sister in chocolate mousse! Apologies for the shaky video - I’ve sacked the cameraman!

Without a doubt, Collins have surpassed expectations for me as a parent. I always knew they were a tour de force in the educational arena - but I’m shocked just how relevant, interesting and thorough these resources are. I can’t wait to get started!

Collins is offering parents the chance to get 30% off their range of Back to School books until 30 September 2014. Simply use promo code SCHOOLBAG30 at Collins.co.uk

What’s more, parents can enter a competition to win one of 50 bundles of books for their child in a Collins branded school bag at Collins.co.uk/backtoschool