Navigating primary school assessments
Image: A mother helps her primary school-age son put on a backpack in their kitchen.
From the very first stages in reception right through to Year 6, these assessments help teachers and families track progress, identify areas for support and celebrate achievements.
What are primary assessments?
Primary assessments are designed to measure how children are developing in essential skills such as reading, writing and maths. They range from informal teacher observations in the early years to more structured assessments as children approach the end of primary school. Far from being just a score on paper, they provide valuable insights into your child’s strengths and where they may need extra support.
Why do they matter?
Assessments aren’t about placing children under unnecessary pressure. They offer a clear picture of how well each child is learning, so that the right teaching approaches are in place. For parents, they are an important tool to understand how your child is progressing and how you can help them continue to thrive.
Supporting your child through assessments
While assessments can sometimes feel daunting, your support can make a world of difference. Encouragement, reassurance and creating a positive environment around learning are vital. Whether it’s reading together at home, practising times tables or simply building confidence, there are countless ways to help your child feel prepared. Our guide offers practical tips on how to make learning enjoyable and reduce anxiety around assessment time.
Be prepared at every stage
From reception baseline assessments to Key stage 1 and Key stage 2 SATs, knowing what to expect at each stage means you can guide your child with confidence. By staying informed, you can ensure they have the tools they need, not just to do well in their assessments, but to build skills that will serve them well into secondary school and beyond.
Our primary assessments guide has been created to give parents clear, accessible information on each stage of the journey. With practical advice, insights from educators and useful tips, it is designed to help you support your child every step of the way.
-
How to futureproof your child
04 October 2024AI and automation is changing our lives and work, and they are likely to take over many job roles within the next decade. To navigate this, it’s crucial that children build a strong foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and adaptability. -
Top tips to prepare your child for their first day of school
18 October 2024Starting school is a huge milestone, for children and parents. Here’s how to prepare for the first day of school, inspired by our Be School Ready Guide.
