What are the SATS?

Statutory Assessment Tasks are done at the end of KS1 and KS2. They are part of the assessment process that decides the level at which your child is working in the areas of speaking and listening, reading, writing and mathematics.

What do the children actually do?

Reading The children answer a comprehension booklet. This assesses their ability to understand what they have read, and to comment on why things might have happened. It is divided into 2 parts a fiction and a non fiction part. The teacher does a practice question with the children first to show how they should answer the questions. The booklet is colourful and appealing to the children. Your child has already done a couple of practice booklets or questions to get them used to the style of the test papers. There is an option of a reading task if the teacher feels this will suit the child better.

Writing The children write a short piece and a longer piece. They will be assessed on their handwriting, punctuation, use of interesting vocabulary and grammar and their ability to write interesting sentences. They have a separate spelling test of 20 words.

Mathematics The children answer a booklet with 30 questions. They show that they can use their knowledge in number, shape, space, measure and data handling to solve problems and answer questions. Your child has already done a couple of practice papers or questions to get them used to the style of the test.

What should I tell my child about the SATS?

As little as possible! At Milverton we believe 6 and 7 year olds should not experience any stress and worry about SATS or any other form of assessment. We will be encouraging children to do their best as we do at all times in class. We often refer to the tests as ‘a little quiz’ – the booklets are visually very appealing to the children. There is no time limit to the tasks. The children often enjoy doing them and we have frequently been asked if they can do some more after the tests are over!

The children do the tests in small groups, they enjoy the extra teacher attention they receive and feel proud of their achievements. Historically the children who find it a worrying or stressful time are those who have been told they will be doing tests and that they have to do well or perform. Worried 6 and 7 year olds do not perform at their best. Happy, relaxed, confident children do.

What can I do at home to help my child?

While the children are working so hard in class the best thing you can do is give them time for relaxation and physical exercise. Some parents may notice that their children are more tired than normal and this shows itself in all of those usual ways your child lets you know they need to sleep or relax!

Your child may want to tell you about what they have been doing or they may prefer to switch off. We will be balancing hard work with plenty of physical and creative activities in school. Our home learning activities will be creative. Be a little more relaxed with reading and other activities at home too.

How will I know how my child has done in the SATS?

When you receive your report in July there will be 2 pieces of information inside. One will tell you the level at which your child is working. The other will tell you how children at Milverton performed in relation to the rest of the schools in the country.

Children at the end of KS1 are expected to achieve a level 2b. From learning review meetings you should already be well informed of the areas where your child is doing really well and those areas where they may need a bit of extra support The levels should not be a shock or surprise to you! Our teacher assessment is the most significant contribution to your child’s attainment level.

What do the results mean and how will they affect my child’s future learning at Milverton?

The SAT results will not affect the class your child is placed in next year. The children are set for maths in Year 3 but these sets are very fluid with children changing groups regularly. The level your child achieves is relevant for this stage of their school life only. Children are tracked throughout school to ensure all make good progress.

Any further questions