SATs season can feel like a big deal — for parents just as much as children. If your Year 6 child has SATs coming up in May, you’re probably wondering how to help without putting on too much pressure. The good news: there’s a lot you can do at home to support your child that doesn’t involve drilling practice papers every evening.
Start with a Calm Conversation
Before anything else, talk to your child. Ask how they’re feeling about SATs — not how prepared they are. Children who feel anxious often shut down, while children who feel supported are far more likely to engage with revision. Remind them that SATs measure what schools have taught, not how clever they are as a person.
Build Short, Consistent Revision Habits
Research consistently shows that short, regular sessions work better than long marathon study sessions. Aim for 20 minutes a day on the areas your child finds trickiest — whether that’s reading comprehension, arithmetic, or grammar. Consistency beats intensity every time.A good rhythm might look like:
- Monday / Wednesday / Friday — Maths focus (arithmetic and reasoning)
- Tuesday / Thursday — English focus (reading comprehension and SPaG)
- Weekend — A slightly longer, topic-based review of something they enjoyed that week
Use Practice Questions — But Don’t Overdo It
Past papers and practice questions are useful tools, but they work best when you go through the answers together. When your child gets something wrong, treat it as a discovery moment rather than a mistake. Ask: “What do you think the right answer might be?” and work through it together.Don’t save this for exam week. Start in March so your child has time to fill in any gaps without feeling rushed.
Make Maths Visible in Everyday Life
One of the most effective things you can do is bring maths into everyday conversations. Cooking together is brilliant for fractions and measurements. A trip to the supermarket is perfect for mental arithmetic. Even looking at a train timetable gives practice with time and problem-solving.When children see maths as something they use rather than something they sit and suffer through, their confidence tends to grow naturally.
Prioritise Sleep and Downtime
An overtired child will not absorb information well. As SATs approach, protect your child’s sleep routine above all else. A child who is well-rested and calm on exam day will perform better than one who has crammed until midnight.Don’t cut out activities they love. Sport, art, playing with friends — these things reduce anxiety and help the brain process and retain what it has learned. Balance is not a nice-to-have; it’s part of the strategy.
Remember: SATs Are Just One Moment
SATs results do not define your child. They’re a snapshot of where they are in one week of their whole education. Whatever the result, your child’s curiosity, resilience, and love of learning matter far more in the long run.At Smarty Panthers, our resources are designed to build confidence over time — not just in exam technique, but in the way children think about challenges. Explore our KS2 learning platform here.
