Supporting SATs at Home with Doodle Learning
By Maddy Austin, Product Lead at Discovery Education
For many parents, SATs prep can feel daunting. Even if your child is generally confident at school, the pressure of tests can leave parents wondering whether they are doing enough or supporting their child in the right way. The good news is that preparing for SATs at home doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools, it can feel manageable and even enjoyable.
One resource that’s particularly helpful for families is Doodle Learning, an online learning programme designed to support maths and English in a way that fits around family life. Designed by teachers, Doodle’s revision apps – DoodleMaths, DoodleEnglish, DoodleTables and DoodleSpell - target the topics students find tricky and revise what they already know, boosting their skills and reducing any anxieties they may have about SATs.
Why SATs preparation at home matters
SATs tests assess what children have learned throughout primary school, particularly in maths, reading, grammar, punctuation and spelling. While schools do the heavy lifting, regular practice at home helps children to:
- Build confidence with question styles
- Strengthen key skills over time
- Reduce anxiety by making learning feel familiar
The challenge for parents is knowing what to practise and how often.
Personalised learning without the planning
One of Doodle Learning’s biggest strengths is that it removes the guesswork for parents. After an initial assessment, the programme creates a personalised learning plan. This means your child is practising exactly what they need for their level, rather than revisiting topics they’ve already mastered or tackling areas they’re not ready for.
For SATs preparation, this is invaluable. Instead of searching the internet for practice papers or trying to decode the curriculum, parents can trust that the activities align with what children are expected to know.
Little and often: ideal for busy families
SATs prep doesn’t have to mean long revision sessions at the kitchen table. In fact, short, regular practice is far more effective. Doodle Learning is designed around 10-minute daily sessions, which makes it easy to fit into family routines. And because it can be accessed on any digital device, learning can happen anywhere.
Sessions are short and interactive, so children are less likely to feel overwhelmed. Over time, these small daily habits build strong foundations in maths and English, which is exactly what SATs assess.
Making learning a positive experience
Motivation can be one of the biggest hurdles when preparing for SATs. Doodle Learning uses rewards, streaks and friendly characters to keep children engaged, helping learning feel more like a game than revision.
This positive association is especially helpful for children who feel anxious about tests or who lack confidence in certain subjects. When practice feels achievable and rewarding, children are more likely to stick with it and to approach SATs with a calmer mindset.
Clear insights for parents
Another common concern for parents is not knowing how their child is really getting on. Doodle Learning provides clear progress tracking, allowing parents to see strengths, areas for improvement and how consistently their child is practising.
These insights make it easier to have supportive conversations at home and to work alongside teachers if needed. Rather than guessing, parents can feel informed and involved without needing to become subject experts themselves.
Boosting independence and confidence
As children approach SATs, developing independence is just as important as mastering content. Doodle Learning encourages children to take ownership of their learning, helping them build confidence in answering questions on their own.
This independence can make a real difference on test day, when children need to trust their abilities and apply what they know without reassurance from adults.
A calmer approach to SATs preparation
Ultimately, SATs are just one part of a child’s education - but how children experience them matters. Through using a tool like Doodle Learning, parents can support effective SATs preparation at home without adding pressure or stress.
With personalised practice, manageable daily sessions and a focus on confidence as well as content, Doodle Learning helps families approach SATs feeling prepared, supported and positive - something every parent hopes for during this important stage of learning.
FAQ Section
What are SATs in the UK?
SATs are Standard Assessment Tests taken by Year 6 pupils in England. They assess maths, reading, and grammar, punctuation and spelling at the end of primary school.
How much should my child revise for SATs at home?
Short, regular sessions of around 10–15 minutes a day are typically more effective than long revision blocks. Consistency helps build confidence and reduce stress.
How can I help my child feel less anxious about SATs?
Keep practice manageable, focus on effort rather than scores, build routines, and use structured tools that personalise learning without adding pressure.
