In the summer term, children in Year 2 and Year 6 will take the new SATs papers. These tests in English and maths will reflect the new national curriculum, and are intended to be more rigorous. There will also be a completely new marking scheme to replace the existing national curriculum levels.

At the end of Year 6, children will sit tests in:

• Reading
• Maths
• Spelling, punctuation and grammar

These tests will be both set and marked externally, and the results will be used to measure the school’s performance (for example, through reporting to Ofsted and published league tables). Your child’s marks will be used in conjunction with teacher assessment to give a broader picture of their attainment.

The reading test will be a single paper with questions based on three passages of text. Your child will have one hour, including reading time, to complete the test.

The grammar, punctuation and spelling test will consist of two parts: a grammar and punctuation paper requiring short answers, lasting 45 minutes, and an aural spelling test of 20 words, lasting around 15 minutes.

Not all children in Year 6 will take science SATs.  For those who are selected, there will be three papers.

Children will sit three papers in maths: Paper 1: arithmetic, Papers 2 and 3: reasoning.

Schedule time.
Help your child revise by rearranging your family’s schedules and usual priorities around their work.

Relax about chores.
Be more lenient with their untidiness and jobs around the house.

Be patient.
Try to be understanding and tolerant of their moods and lost tempers.

Stay positive.
Don’t nag, blame or criticise them about their revision. Try to talk to them in a relaxed and constructive way, helping them to plan their time or to get the help they need.

Create the right environment.
Make sure the house is conducive to studying. Younger siblings need to understand that they mustn’t interrupt study and the TV and music shouldn’t be too loud. But also accept that some children actually study better with background music or noise.

Kit them out.
Give practical help, such as buying the correct equipment – pens, compasses or highlighters. This takes away the last minute stress of not being prepared, too.

Plan treats.
Suggest a family treat each week or at the end of the tests to give your child something to look forward to. Let them choose what they would like.

Give them a good start.
Prepare a hearty breakfast every morning and be there to give them a positive send off.

Offer encouragement.
Be calm, positive, encouraging, kind and compassionate. Let your child know that you love them, respect their efforts, and will be there to support them regardless of their results.

Make time for fun.
Remember to still have a laugh together. A smile is a curve that puts a lot of things straight!