Supporting your child after SATs
They’ve done the revision and taken the tests, so now it’s time to get back to life as normal. Follow these handy tips on helping your child unwind and avoid worry in the SATs aftermath.
Before you breathe a sigh of relief that SATs are over, remember that your child may still really need your support. Tests can take a lot out of them emotionally and physically. So here’s how to help them put assessments out of their mind... and relax!
- On the day your child takes SATs, make sure you’re there to take them to school and pick them up. When you collect them from school why not bring a special treat?
- Always be positive and encouraging. Whether you’re greeted by tears of joy or frustration, give your child lots of hugs and plenty of reassurance.
- If you have time to organise it, take your child somewhere special after school, such as a café for a milkshake or to a restaurant for a family meal. Otherwise you could cook your child's favourite meal at home and make sure the whole family are there to eat together.
- Before your child gets home from school, clear away all their revision things so they don’t serve as an unwelcome reminder of the tests.
- Only talk to your child about their SATs experience when they’re ready. Although you may be dying to find out what happened, don't push them to discuss it if they don't want to.
- Do remind siblings to be extra sensitive and encouraging. No teasing allowed!
- Help them to relax before bedtime, as they may be feeling stressed and need extra time to unwind. Make sure you have some nice bath treats ready and a good story to read to help them to settle down.
- In the days and weeks that follow, try to get back to life as normal. Make sure your child keeps up with their homework, but share plenty of fun, summer activities and trips too, to keep them feeling positive.
- Remember, their SATs results are out of your hands now, so try to ensure that neither you nor your child waste a lot of time worrying about the outcome.
