Supporting your child's school journey
4. School Years 3 to 6
School years 3 and 6 are for children aged seven to eleven years old and is the next phase of your child's school journey, also known as Key Stage 2 (KS2).
What to expect
Key stage 2 is the step before your child moves up to secondary school, this is when you may find that:
- there will be a more formal style of learning
- they will start receiving more homework
- there will be more formal assessments
- they will be thinking about what secondary school they want to go to
Helping your child prepare for tests
In Year 6 your child will have national tests and teacher assessments in English and maths, and teacher assessments in science. it is also likely they will sit the Secondary Transfer Test (formerly known as 11+).
Usually, children do practice tests at school to help them prepare, if you would like to help them at home you can:
- practice their times tables
- encourage them to read
- play memory and word games
- make sure they have time to relax and don't feel stressed about the tests
Moving up to secondary school
If a young person feels nervous about moving into year 7, there is support and advice to help with moving up to secondary school.
It can be confusing to know when:
- to apply
- how to apply
- what schools to apply to
Using the guide to moving up to secondary school can help you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Where can I get support
There is support and advice on helping to prepare your child for School Years 3 to 6, and what to expect during this time.
Buckinghamshire’s Family Centres run a variety of parenting programmes to help you meet your child’s needs and reduce anxiety, stress and arguments at home.
If a young person is feeling nervous about moving to year 7 and needs some help, the how to cope with moving to secondary school course could really help.
The SEND Local Offer also has information about the help available for children and young people with SEND in education.
There are lots of Primary educational resources for Primary School children aged 5 to 11.
Health for Kids has lots of information about keeping your family fit, healthy and happy.
NHS Buckinghamshire has resources and information on speech and language therapy and school nursing.
Speech and Language UK has a Child's progress checker to help you understand how your child is getting on with their talking and understanding of words.
The sleep charity provides information and support on helping your child to sleep better.
Your child may start to face many challenges, if you are worried there are lots of places you can get support for your child's mental health.
Place2Be have advice about preparing for the transition to secondary school and supporting your child's mental health.