📚 Get Ready for SATs: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Your Child + A Chance to Win!

With SATs season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start preparing your child — not just academically, but emotionally too. As we count down to the tests in May, Hertstown is here to support local families with helpful tips, daily learning prompts, and a fun giveaway featuring signed Limited Edition book prizes from beloved local author M.G. Vaciago.

Whether this is your first time navigating SATs as a parent or you’ve done it before, the experience can feel a little overwhelming. But with a little structure, encouragement, and creativity, you can help your child approach the tests with confidence — and maybe even enjoy the process along the way.

🧠 What Are SATs and Why Do They Matter?

SATs — short for Standard Assessment Tests — are national assessments taken by primary school children in Year 6, typically aged 10–11, at the end of Key Stage 2 (KS2). The tests are designed to measure pupils’ understanding in the following areas:

• English Reading

• English Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (GPS)

• Mathematics – Arithmetic and Reasoning

These tests help teachers, secondary schools, and local authorities get a snapshot of each child’s progress and areas for support. They are also used to compare school performance across the country. However, it's important to remember — SATs do not define your child, nor do they reflect everything about their ability, creativity, or future potential.

🗓️ When Do SATs Happen?

In 2025, the KS2 SATs will take place during the week beginning Monday 12 May. The tests are usually spread over four days. Schools will often run revision sessions, trial exams, and practice materials in the weeks leading up to SATs, but home support can make a world of difference.

🧩 What the SATs Involve

Let’s break it down a bit more:

• Reading: Pupils are given a single test paper with a variety of texts and questions that assess comprehension, vocabulary, inference, and overall understanding.

• Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling (GPS): This includes a short spelling test and a more extended grammar and punctuation paper. The GPS test checks your child’s understanding of language structure and rules.

• Mathematics: There are three papers – one arithmetic (basic calculations) and two reasoning papers (problem-solving, applying maths in context).

Each paper is timed, and all children take the same tests, regardless of ability. However, schools are aware of individual needs and often make adjustments for children with special educational needs (SEN).

👨‍👩‍👧 How Parents Can Help

The weeks leading up to SATs can be stressful for children, especially if they feel the pressure of performing well. Here’s how you can help your child stay calm and confident:

1. Keep a Routine

Try to maintain regular bedtime and wake-up schedules. A good night’s sleep and nutritious meals are just as important as revision!

2. Focus on Positivity

Reassure your child that SATs are just one part of their school journey. Remind them that trying their best is what truly matters.

3. Use Practice Papers — But Don’t Overdo It

Short, regular sessions using practice SATs papers can build familiarity and confidence. But avoid overwhelming your child. Make time for breaks and play too.

4. Talk About It

Ask your child how they feel about SATs. Let them share any worries and answer questions openly. A calm, open discussion can ease a lot of anxiety.

5. Make It Fun!

Turn practice questions into games or friendly challenges. Use colourful flashcards, apps, or even YouTube videos to reinforce key skills.

🎉 Daily SATs Challenge & Giveaway!

To add a little fun to the revision period, Hertstown is running a SATs “Quick Quest” Giveaway from now until SATs week!

Here’s how it works:

🧩 Every day, we’ll post one SATs-style question on Instagram (@Hertstown_newsletter) and in the Hertstown newsletter.
📩 Parents can submit answers by commenting, replying, or messaging us directly.
🎁 Every correct entry is added to a weekly prize draw to win a children’s book by local author M.G. Vaciago – perfect for encouraging a lifelong love of reading! Winners will be picked randomly from the entries. Watch out on social channels to check if you have been picked.

We’re proud to partner with M.G. Vaciago, a local Hertfordshire-based writer whose books are filled with wonder, imagination, and inspiration — just what young minds need right now.

🏡 Why This Matters Locally

SATs may be national, but the experience is deeply local. Here in Hertfordshire, we know our children are full of potential. Whether they’re more confident in reading, better with numbers, or love drawing or building things — every child deserves a chance to shine.

While SATs offer one measure of progress, it’s how we support, encourage, and nurture our children during the process that truly matters.

💬 Final Thought

The countdown is on — but there’s still time to prepare without panic. Use the tools available. Take things one day at a time. And remember: your support, encouragement, and presence can make all the difference.

We’ll be cheering you and your children on every step of the way.

👉 Follow @Hertstown_newsletter and M.G. Vaciago on Instagram
👉 Check your social media daily
👉 Join the SATs Quick Quest Challenge and win!

SATs are a step, not a final destination. Let’s help our children take it with confidence, curiosity — and maybe even a little excitement.

Thanks for Reading!

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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