What are SATs?

Children in English schools used to sit Standard Assessment Tests ‘SATs’ twice during their school career. The first time was in Key Stage 1, when they had tests in Year 2. Children across the country were tested in maths and reading. May 2023 was the last year where these tests were compulsory for schools to complete.

The next time children took SATs was at the end of Key Stage 2 in year 6. These are still compulsory, and our year 6 children will need to sit them this academic year.

This year, SATs week will be 13^th -17^th May 2024.These are more formal than the previous Key Stage 1 tests; they consist of written papers (in English and Maths) that are 40 to 60 minutes long and can sometimes be quite daunting for this age group. The papers are sent away for marking and the results are returned to school in July and will be shared with you in your child's end of year report.

SATs aren’t about passing or failing, but are used to reflect the level your child is working at. We don’t see them as a one-off period in the school calendar but as a part of the overall teaching your child receives throughout their whole time at primary school. We aim to ensure your child is as prepared as they can be to minimise any stress they may fell about the assessments.

SATs Breakfast

For the week of SATs, we have breakfast all together. The children will come into school for the normal time and then go straight to the hall (accessed by the outside door of the hall via the KS2 playground). We do this not only to ease any anxieties, but as a chance for the children to relax with their friends and staff who will be there during the testing. This is free of charge for the whole year group and all dietary requirements will be met. Please let us know if there have been any recent dietary changes

How can you help your child?

The key to making SATs less stressful for your child is not to panic yourself as this will put your child under enormous stress, and this makes it very difficult for a child to learn. Children are well-prepared for SATs throughout their school life.  There are also a lot commercially published and very useful practice materials available and a number of good websites to support learning in general – but please remember to only give them extra work to do in moderation.

There are lots of links and documents below which has further information and further support for your child.