Preparing your child for the KS2 SATs

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Naomi Ottiwell & Charlotte Wood, 25.2.2026

Key Stage 2 SATs

Purpose of this session:

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• Understanding when the tests are!
• Updating you on the SATs tests
• Exploring each subject
• Explaining what it all means for your child
• Looking at how to support children at home

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When are the Key Stage 2 SATs?

Are the SATs tests important?

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• They give a snapshot of where your child is on one day and show their progression across KS2

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• In the past, children’s sets at Bridgewater have been based on their SATs results

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• Our school is judged based on cohort performance data

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• KS4 (GCSE) targets and progress indicators are based on their KS2 SATs results (this should not limit a child’s progress)

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• We just want the children to walk out knowing that they have tried their best

Writing is assessed using evidence collected in your child’s English books throughout Year 6, so there is no Year 6 SATs writing test.

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Children’s books are everything!���

The Tests!

Reading is 1 paper

Total marks / 50 (60 minutes)

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SPAG is 2 papers

Grammar paper 1 / 50 (45 minutes)

Spelling paper 2 / 20 (n/a)

Total marks / 50

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Maths is 3 papers

Arihmetic paper 1 / 40 (30 minutes)

Reasoning paper 2 / 35 (40 minutes)

Reasoning paper 3 / 35 (40 minutes)

Total marks / 110

Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (Paper 1)

Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (Paper 1) is the longer paper lasting 45 minutes.

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Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (Paper 1) focuses on the following areas: �- Grammatical terms/word classes �- Functions of sentences�- Combining words, phrases and clauses�- Verb forms, tenses and consistency�- Punctuation�- Vocabulary�- Standard English and formality

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Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (Paper 1) requires a range of answer types such as circling missing capital letters, multiple choice questions, one-word answers, but does not require longer formal answers.

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Example questions:

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Example questions:

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Children will not be awarded marks on this paper if they use capital letters incorrectly or forget full stops or other punctuation marks.

Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (Paper 2) is the shorter paper lasting approximately 15 minutes.

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Example questions:

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Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (Paper 2)

Reading

The test lasts for 60 minutes, including reading the texts and answering questions. There are three different set texts for the children to read, which could be any combination of non-fiction, fiction and/or poetry.

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The reading paper focuses on the following areas: �2a) give/explain the meaning of words in context�2b) retrieve and record information/identify key details from fiction and non-fiction�2c) summarise main ideas from more than one paragraph�2d) make inferences from the text/explain and justify inferences with evidence from the text; �2e) predict what might happen from details stated and implied �2f) identify/explain how information/content is related and contributes to meaning as a whole �2g) identify/explain how meaning is enhanced through choice of words and phrases�2h) make comparisons within the text

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The Year 6 Reading SATs paper requires a range of answering styles, including responding to multiple choice questions, one-word answers and multiple mark questions which require more formal paragraph-length answers.

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Example question, based on Text 1 – Space Tourism:

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2b) retrieve and record information/identify key details from fiction and non-fiction

Example question, based on Text 1 – Space Tourism:

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Example question, based on Text 3 – The Lost World:

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2e) predict what might happen from details stated and implied

Example question, based on Text 3 – The Lost World:

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When reading with your child at home, try asking questions like:

• Find a word in this paragraph that is closest in meaning to … annoyed
• In what year did the French authorities make it illegal for people to swim from France to England’?
• In the last paragraph, Kensuke does not want Michael to tell people about the island. Give two reasons why.

Maths Paper 1 (Arithmetic)

Maths Paper 1 (Arithmetic) lasts 30 minutes and is worth a total of 40 marks.

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It covers the four operations (division, multiplication, addition, subtraction and mixed operation calculations requiring BIDMAS / order of operations), as well as number properties, calculating percentages of amounts, calculations using decimals, and calculations using fractions.

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Maths Paper 1 (Arithmetic)

Example question:

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Maths Paper 1 (Arithmetic)

Example question:

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Maths Papers 2 & 3 (Reasoning)

The two reasoning papers last for 40 minutes and are worth 35 marks each.

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Paper 2 requires children to demonstrate their mathematical knowledge and skills, as well as their ability to solve problems and their mathematical reasoning.

Questions focus on the following mathematical topic areas: �- Number and place value– including Roman Numerals�- Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division (calculations)�- Geometry – properties of shapes�- Geometry – position and direction�- Statistics�- Measurement – including length, perimeter, mass (weight), volume, time and money�- Algebra�- Ratio and proportion�- Fractions, decimals and percentages

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The questions generally get harder throughout the paper. It is not unusual for a child to be unable to complete the entire paper in time.

Example questions:

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Example questions:

Example questions:

Access Arrangments

For some children, they may need help accessing the papers in order to allow them to perform at their best.

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This could be:

• Additional time (children with an EHCP will automatically get 25% extra time)
• A reader, scribe or prompter, a transcript after the test
• Tests copying onto coloured paper
• Breaks within the test or a quieter space

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We use the ‘mocks’ to work out what will support children the most not to get the highest scores and then use this information to apply for access arrangements. We will discuss access arrangements at Parents’ Evening or before if this effects your child.

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Access Arrangments

There are some access arrangements that all children can make use of:

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• Positioning within the room / quieter space to complete tests
• Asking for a questions to be read aloud in maths / grammar - any child can have any question read!
• Using a highlighter pen to highlight parts of a text or uestion
• A transcribe for any numbers of words that cannot be read / us double checking that we can read them

What next?

Assessment Week - 9th March

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Parents’ Evening - 24th / 25th March

Parents’ Evening - what do you need to look at?

How can I support my child in preparing for their SATs?

Be positive about the SATs; we will continue to have a full curriculum and will try to keep the children calm. Please encourage children to continue with all sports / hobbies and to enjoy Year 6.

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Some further tips:

• Come and ask us if you have any questions

• Try to provide a quiet corner of the house for homework and study

• Control screen time and have a balance!
• Easter homework

• Encourage your child to talk to us if they are anxious – just remember that most children will be a bit nervous in the run up to the tests

• Plan something nice and fun for the weekends before and after SATs – this will help your child start the week well and also give them something to look forward to

• Ensure your child is eating and drinking well and getting enough sleep!

PLEASE DO NOT USE PAST PAPERS from 2018 and 2019

What should I do if I’m worried about my child?

• Talk to us or encourage your child to talk to us
• Spend time with your child
• Try not to project your own anxieties or expectations on the SATs – talk about fun things you can do after they’ve worked their hardest, not what your child can earn if they achieve specific results

SATs focus on what children know about maths and English

They won’t reflect how talented your child is at science, geography, art, music, dance or sports, or what a kind, honest or caring person they are. Don’t worry, we notice these things!

What will you be told about your child?

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In your child’s annual report in July, you will receive your report and your child’s test results:

• Raw scores for individual papers in SPAG, reading and maths
• Scaled scores for SPAG, reading and maths
• An outcome in terms of achieving the national standard (AS) or not achieving the national standards (NS). For maths and reading, these outcomes will not say if your child is working at greater depth, just if they have met the standard (look at the scaled score, greater depth is 110+)
• Teacher assessment grade for writing

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Scaled scores are between 80 and 120

100 will always represent the ‘national age-expected standard’

110+ will represent children working at a ‘higher standard’ or ‘greater depth’

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Please be aware that thresholds for scaled scores change each year

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(2017 Reading conversion table)

Reading

Raw Score = 41/50

Scaled Score 113

Child has achieved the national standard.

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Writing (one of these)

- Child is working at greater

depth

• Child has achieved the national standard.
• Child is working towards the national standard. / Has not yet achieved the national standard

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Maths

Arithmetic = 20/40

Reasoning paper 2 = 17/ 35

Reasoning paper 3 = 8/35

Raw Score = 45/110

Scaled Score 97

Child is working towards the national standards.

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Even though we know this scaled score is over 110 and so is greater depth / higher standard. It will only say that the child is working at the national standard.

SPAG (Spelling, punctuation and grammar)

Grammar = 28/50

Spelling = 12/20

Raw Score = 40/70

Scaled Score 101

Child has achieved the national standard.

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SAMPLE

Example questions – Amazon (CGP)

Summary

SATs take place the week beginning Monday 11^th May 2026.

How can you help?

• Outstanding attendance and punctuality
• Support at home with homework, reading, spellings, handwriting, times tables, etc. At the moment about 5 children each week don’t hand homework in!
• Liaise with school if you have any issues / concerns at any point
• Don’t let your child sit all the recent past papers! (definitely avoid 2018, 2019)
• Reassure your child that we want them to do their best, but that there is also more to life at Grappenhall Heys!

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Any questions?

Information from the DFE