Supporting Your Child Through Their SATs Year: A Parent’s Guide

If your child is in Year 6, this school year marks a big milestone: their final year in primary school and the one where they’ll sit the Key Stage 2 SATs (Standard Assessment Tests). It can feel like a lot - for both you and your child - but with the right support, this year can be about more than just tests. It can be a chance to build confidence, close gaps and celebrate how far your child has come.

As a parent, you might be asking:

• “How can I help at home without overwhelming them?”

• “What should I focus on?”

• “What even are SATs testing?”

You’re not alone - and this post will guide you through what really matters in your child’s final primary year.

What Are SATs and Why Do They Matter?

In May, all Year 6 pupils sit SATs in:

• Reading

• Maths (arithmetic + reasoning papers)

• Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling (SPaG)

These tests help schools understand pupil progress and readiness for secondary. But don’t worry - your child’s secondary school place doesn’t depend on SATs and many schools use them for planning, not ranking.

The most important thing? Your child feeling calm, prepared, and proud of their progress.

5 Ways You Can Help at Home

Build a Routine - But Keep It Light

Children thrive on routine. Set aside 10–20 minutes a few times a week for light revision, reading, or times tables. Short and regular beats long and stressful!

Read, Read, Read

SATs reading papers test inference, vocabulary, and retrieval. Reading a variety of texts (magazines, stories, fact books) helps enormously.

Ask questions like:

• “What do you think will happen next?”

• “Why did the character do that?”

Play to Their Strengths

Celebrate what your child is good at, not just what they’re “behind” in. If they love drawing or storytelling, let them show their learning that way.

Use Real-Life Maths

Get them using maths in context:

• Budgeting in shops

• Estimating cooking times

• Practising times tables in the car

It builds confidence without pressure.

Stay Positive

SATs don’t define your child. Praise effort, not just results. A confident child is more likely to try - and keep going when it’s tough.

Handy Resources

• BBC Bitesize KS2 - Videos and quizzes https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zrybvk7#zs82p9q

• Topmarks - Great for mental maths and SPaG games https://www.topmarks.co.uk/

• Past SATs Papers - Useful for familiarity (but not a must-have) https://www.satspapersguide.co.uk/ks2-year-6-sats/ks2-year-6-sats-papers/

Need Extra Help? That’s What I’m Here For!

At Little Smiles, Big Success Tutoring I work closely with Year 6 pupils to:

• Fill gaps in maths and SPaG

• Boost reading confidence

• Build test technique without pressure

• Celebrate their progress every step of the way

I offer fun, small-group tuition where children feel supported, understood, and ready to shine - not just for SATs, but for the exciting years ahead.

Final Word

The SATs year can feel like a lot, but remember: your support and encouragement are the most powerful tools your child has. With love, laughter, and a little guidance, they’ll come through stronger than ever.

If you have any questions or want personalised advice, I’d love to hear from you!