At Educate Excellence, we know that when parents understand what SATs are and how they work, they can better support their child through the process. In Year 2, students take part in Key Stage 1 SATs, which are short assessments used to understand their progress in English and maths. These are not high-pressure exams but are part of how teachers check what children have learned during their first years at school.
In this blog, we explain what the Year 2 SATs involve, how they are used and how to help your child feel calm and confident.
What Are Year 2 SATs:
SATs stand for Standard Assessment Tests. They are used across England in state primary schools. In Year 2, children are assessed in:
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- Reading
- Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (optional)
- Maths (arithmetic and reasoning)
These assessments usually happen in May. They are short, child-friendly papers that are designed to match the way students are already learning in class.
How Are Year 2 SATs Marked:
The Year 2 SATs are marked by your child’s teacher. The results are used alongside classroom work, homework and teacher observations to form a teacher assessment. This means your child is not judged by a single test but by their overall progress.
The goal is to understand how well your child is doing in key skills and what they may need help with in future. Results are shared with parents as part of the end-of-year report.
What Happens During the Tests:
The tests are kept low-stress and are often spread over a few days. Children are usually not told they are taking a “test” at all. The sessions are short and may be taken in small groups or one-to-one if needed.
For example:
- The reading test may include two short booklets with questions about stories and non-fiction texts
- The maths test has two parts: one with number facts and calculations, and another with problem-solving questions
At Educate Excellence, we help children become familiar with question styles and practise staying calm when solving problems. We focus on building confidence as well as knowledge.
How to Help Your Child Feel Confident:
Parents play a big role in helping children feel prepared. Here are some simple ways to support your child in the weeks before SATs:
1. Keep a calm, positive attitude
Talk about SATs as a normal part of school, not something to be nervous about. Remind your child that they are doing their best and that is enough.
2. Practise little and often
Short bursts of reading, spelling and number work are more effective than long sessions. Use games, stories and daily routines to keep learning fun.
3. Read together every day
Reading regularly helps improve vocabulary, comprehension and focus. Talk about what you read and ask simple questions to build understanding.
4. Praise effort and progress
Celebrate small wins like learning a new word, solving a problem or staying focused. Your encouragement makes a big difference.
5. Make sure your child gets enough rest
Sleep and routine are just as important as practice. A rested child is better able to think clearly and stay calm.
How Educate Excellence Supports Year 2 Learners:
At Educate Excellence, we create a warm and supportive space where children learn at their own pace. Our tutors:
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- Build key skills in reading, writing and maths
- Use past-style questions in a calm, friendly way
- Provide regular feedback to help children feel proud of their progress
- Work in small groups so every child feels seen and supported
We also work closely with parents to make sure home learning supports school success.
SATs Are Just One Part of the Journey:
SATs help teachers understand your child’s progress, but they are not the whole story. Your child’s creativity, kindness, curiosity and love of learning matter just as much.
If you would like extra support for your Year 2 child in reading, writing or maths, Educate Excellence is here to help. Our tutors build confidence and understanding in every learner, helping them feel calm and ready to shine.