KS2 SATs Week: Wellbeing Tips for Parents, Teachers, and Pupils

Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes

KS2 SATs week is next week, 11th-14th May. Across the country, Year 6 pupils are preparing to sit their statutory tests in reading, SPaG (spelling, punctuation, and grammar) and maths.

KS2 SATs can bring a mixture of emotions for pupils - excitement, nerves, confidence, pressure, anxiety, and pride - sometimes all at once! Although SATs are only one part of a pupil’s time in Year 6, the week can still feel significant for children, their families, and the school staff supporting them. 

That is why wellbeing support during SATs week is essential. Creating a calm, positive environment can help children to feel more confident and remind them that wellbeing is more than their test score. Here are some practical KS2 SATs wellbeing tips for teachers, parents, and pupils to help reduce stress and support mental health during test week.  

KS2 SATs wellbeing tips for teachers and school staff 

• Reduce avoidable stress by preparing resources needed for the test the night before. 
• Plan calm, enjoyable afternoon activities that allow children to use their brains and bodies in different ways. 
• Stay calm - a reassuring presence in the classroom helps pupils to feel safe and supported. 
• Take time to check in with colleagues - asking how someone is doing can have a huge impact. 
• Help younger pupils in the school to understand the importance of calm behaviour during SATs week. This encourages a supportive whole-school environment. 

KS2 SATs wellbeing tips for parents and carers

• Prioritise a good night’s sleep for your child by keeping bedtime routines calm and consistent.
• Provide a healthy breakfast to help your child feel energised and settle those nerves! 
• Encourage fresh air and movement after school to help your child reset and regulate their emotions.  
• Create opportunities for your child to chat about their worries - listen without judgement. 
• Stay calm and positive! Children often take emotional cues from the adults around them. 

KS2 SATs wellbeing tips for pupils 

• Sleep well - rest helps your brain work at its best. 
• Once the test is over, try not to spend too much time discussing answers or worrying about mistakes. 
• Chat with your friends about hobbies, games, family, pets, or weekend plans and help everyone switch off. 
• Take deep breaths and focus on one question at a time. 
• Eat a healthy breakfast and drink plenty of water to stay focused and energised. 
• Play and have fun! Relax and do things you enjoy - downtime is a very important part of wellbeing. 

Developing Experts want to wish all schools, pupils, and families the very best of luck for SATs week. We know how much hard work, care, and encouragement goes into supporting children throughout the year, and SATs week is just one small part of that journey. 

To find out more about integrating wellbeing into your classroom, read one of our previous blogs here. 

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