Ages five to seven: Key Stage 1
Between the ages of five and seven your child will be in Years 1 and 2 – Key Stage 1 – at primary school.
In East Sussex, children are able to start school in the reception class in the September after their fourth birthday. In the September after their fifth birthday children join Year 1 in Key Stage 1.
For an overview of what is taught at Key Stage 1, and how you can help your child to learn, visit the Department for Children, Schools and Families, DCSF (formerly DfES) Parent Centre.
What does my child learn at Key Stage 1?
All primary schools in East Sussex teach the National Curriculum. This sets out the minumum educational entitlement for childen in state funded schools (also known as maintained schools). It does not apply in private schools (also known as independent schools), although most choose to follow it.
To find out in detail how each subject will be covered through the school year visit the National Curriculum website.
Tests at Key Stage 1
At age seven your child will take national tests, usually known as SATs. SAT scores are compiled from two types of assessment.
Teacher assessment goes on throughout your child’s time in school, and helps teachers to plan work that is appropriate to the learning needs of your child.
Annual tests are taken in early summer, covering:
- reading
- writing (including handwriting)
- maths.
To find out more about tests at Key Stage 1 and when they take place, visit the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
After the tests
The school will send you a report telling you what National Curriculum levels your child has reached in the tests and teacher assessments. At the age of 7, most children are expected to achieve level 2. Some will be expected to achieve level 3.
