Why it is imperative that you understand the format of your child's 4+ Assessments.

Do you know exactly what will happen at each 4+ Assessment that you will be sending your child to? 

If you’re not sure about what will happen, don’t expect your child to be sure!

Not all 4+ Assessments will be the same. 

Some will be a group format and others will be 1:1. Some will be with a large group and others will be with a smaller group of children. Some will be with one Assessor, others will be with several Assessors. At some Assessments your child will go straight in with the Assessor/s and at others you will be asked to wait with them until they are called. Some will be very different at Round 1 compared to Round 2. Some Assessments only have one Round. Some Assessments will be more formal than others. 

So why is this even important? 

It is important because as best as possible we need to prepare your child to understand exactly what will happen on the day of each Assessment. 

I support my clients by telling them exactly what has happened at the schools that they are sending their children to sit Assessment at. Of course, schools can and do mix things up each year. However, historically, the Assessments are very similar each year.

You might find that the information provided by the school about the Assessment procedures might be very vague. 

It is very important that you know the following...

* Is it a group or 1:1 Assessment? 
* How long will the Assessment be? 

The letter you receive should answer both of these questions. 

If the letter does not specify this, you can always ask. The Admissions team are generally more than happy to answer any questions that prospective new parents to their school might have. 

If the Assessment will be a 1:1 format, tell your child about it. Tell them exactly what to expect. I provide a script for all of my clients for each school that they are applying to for them to go through with their child.  

If the Assessment is a group Assessment format, tell your child exactly what to expect. Tell them what you expect them to do on the day and how you'd like them to interact with the other children and the adults in the room. 

We need to be so specific and they need to fully understand what is expected of them. I would advise you start speaking to them about their Assessment/s at least one month before. Every day. Even just a minute a day of discussion about the school/s that they will be visiting. I would also advise you to take them physically to the school (just the outside of course!). Get them super familiar with the building so that when they go there, they know it well. We are all creatures of habit so familiarise them! Show them pictures on the internet or bring them along to an open day. 

I have a Summer 4+ Assessment Reset Workshop coming up on Sunday 16th June from 1:30pm - 4:30pm. Check it out here, 

It's going to be a brilliant workshop. If you are unable to attend live, I will send you the replay. 

Remember that 4+ Format Knowledge = Empowerment.

Empower yourself and your child by actually knowing what to expect.