Beyond the School Report and Results: Really Understanding Your Child's Progress

The end of the school year brings with it that eagerly anticipated (or sometimes dreaded!) document: the school report. For many parents, it's the primary way we gauge how our children are doing. And if your child is in Year 2 or Year 6, you'll also be getting their SATs results. But let's be honest, those reports and results can sometimes feel like a foreign language, full of jargon and without a clear picture of what's really going on.

As a parent, you want to know more than just a score or a simple 'working at expected standard'. You want to understand your child's unique journey, where their strengths truly lie, and how you can best support them. So, let's unlock the secrets of the school report and results, helping you nurture your child's next steps without the pressure of "hothousing."

Deciphering the School Report: More Than Just Results

Unlike the simpler 'report cards' you might see elsewhere, UK school reports are packed with valuable insights. They offer a holistic view of your child's academic and personal development. This can sometimes make it seem more difficult to truly understand your child's school progress.

Look for these key areas:

• Teacher Comments: These are gold! Don't just skim past them. Teachers spend hundreds of hours with your child, and their observations about their effort, attitude, participation, and social skills are invaluable. Do they mention enthusiasm for a particular subject? Are they struggling with confidence? These qualitative comments often tell a richer story than any set of results.

  
  

• Subject-Specific Information: You'll typically find detailed notes on English (reading, writing, spoken language), Maths, Science, and other foundation subjects like History, Geography, Art, and PE. Pay attention to specific skills mentioned – for instance, in writing, is your child confidently using punctuation, or are they still developing their sentence structure? In maths, are they mastering times tables, or applying their knowledge to problem-solving?

  
  

• Attainment & Progress Statements: This is where it can get a bit jargon-heavy. You might see phrases like 'Working At the Expected Standard', 'Working Towards the Expected Standard', or 'Working at Greater Depth'.

  
  

  • Working At the Expected Standard (EXS): This means your child is achieving what's expected for their age group by the end of that academic year. It's a great place to be!

    
    

  • Working Towards the Expected Standard (WTS): Your child might need a bit more support to consistently meet the end-of-year expectations. This isn't a red flag, but an indicator of where to focus your support.

    
    

  • Working at Greater Depth (GDS): This indicates your child has a deeper understanding and can apply their knowledge in a wider range of contexts. They're excelling beyond the expected standard.

    
    

  • Beyond these: Some schools might use numerical scales or other descriptive terms. If you're unsure, always ask the teacher for clarification.

Understanding Year 2 SATs Results: A Snapshot, Not a Life Sentence

If your child is in Year 2, you might also receive their SATs results (they are actually now voluntary, but the majority of schools still do them). It's important to remember what these are: a snapshot assessment of your child's attainment in reading and maths at the end of Key Stage 1. They provide the school (and the government) with data, and give parents an indication of how their child is performing against national expectations.

• No "Pass" or "Fail": Unlike some exams, there's no pass or fail for Year 2 SATs. Instead, your child will be assessed against the 'expected standard'. This is usually given as a raw score, and then whether they are working at, below, or above the expected standard.

  
  

• Teacher Assessment is Key: Crucially, the Year 2 SATs results are used alongside your child's teacher assessment. The teacher's ongoing observations throughout the year, their understanding of your child's daily learning, and their knowledge of your child's personality and effort often provide a more complete picture than a single test on one day. The school report will combine these to give you the fullest possible view.

Beyond the Numbers: Identifying Strengths & Areas for Development

Once you've absorbed the information, take a step back. What patterns do you see?

• Celebrate the Wins: Start by highlighting what your child has done well. Praise their effort, their enthusiasm, and their progress in specific areas. This builds confidence and a positive attitude towards learning.

  
  

• Spot the Strengths: Is your child consistently 'Greater Depth' in art? Do their teacher comments rave about their kindness and teamwork? These are equally important indicators of a well-rounded individual.

  
  

• Pinpoint Areas for Growth: Instead of seeing 'Working Towards' as a negative, view it as a clear signpost for where you can offer targeted, supportive help. It's an opportunity, not a criticism. Is it a specific area like fractions, or perhaps a more general skill like independent work?

Nurturing Next Steps (Without the Hothouse)

The goal isn't to turn your home into a pressure cooker, but to provide a supportive environment that encourages continuous learning.

1. Talk to the Teacher: This is your most valuable resource. Schedule a quick chat to discuss the report and results. Ask:

   
   

   • "What's one thing we can do at home to support [specific area]?"

   • "What do you think [child's name] needs most help with to take their learning to the next level?"

   • "What are their biggest strengths that we can build on?"

     
     

2. Focus on Fun & Practicality: Learning doesn't just happen with flashcards or worksheets.

   
   

   • Reading: Continue to read aloud together, visit the library, choose books based on their interests.

   • Writing: Encourage journaling, writing shopping lists, or even penning letters to family.

   • Maths: Involve them in cooking (measuring), shopping (calculating change), or playing board games (counting, strategy).

   • General Learning: Explore museums, watch documentaries, visit historical sites, or simply discuss current events and how things work.

     
     

3. Foster a Growth Mindset: Help your child understand that mistakes are part of learning and that effort is key. Instead of saying "You're so clever," try "I'm so proud of how hard you worked on that!"

   
   

4. Prioritise Well-being: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, healthy food, and plenty of playtime. A happy, well-rested child is a ready learner.

   
   

Your child's school report and Year 2 SATs results are tools, not definitive labels. By understanding what they truly mean and using them as a springboard for supportive conversations and fun learning opportunities, you can empower your child to thrive in the year ahead and beyond.