Back to School | Year 1 | Ages 4 - 5

What to expect in Year 1

Starting a new school year can be a bit daunting for both you and your child.

Every school will do things a bit differently but there are some core areas of Maths and English that your child is likely to cover in year 1.

Remember that it is normal for a young child to forget some things they learned previously, especially after a long summer break.

Find out what to expect in their first year in KS1.

Maths - Year 1

Counting

This year your child will be focussing on numbers to 100.

Building on from counting to 10 and 20, then to 50, then up to 100.

They will learn to count forwards and backwards from 0 to10, then from 0 to 20, 0 to 50 and finally to 100.
They will compare and order numbers from 0 to 100.
They may also use a number line.

A great place to start is counting up and back to 10.

Recap Reception

Before your child starts year 1, it may be a good idea to recap some topics they covered last year.

They can also warm up their counting skills in Bud's Number Garden.

Calculations

In year 1, your child will learn continue to practice addition and subtraction.

Add numbers within 20
Subtract numbers within 20
Practise their number bonds within 20

When they are feeling confident with their numbers to 20, they may also use an array to multiply and divide numbers.

Recap Reception

Before your child starts year 1, it may be a good idea to recap some topics they covered last year.

Quiz: Reception Maths recap

Have a go at the Reception recap quiz with your child to see how much they can remember from last year.

English - Year 1

Reading

This year your child will continue to practise their reading skills.

Continue to practise phonics sounds
Reading for understanding
Reading for pleasure

Reception Recap

Before your child starts year 1, it may be a good idea to recap some topics they covered last year.

Writing

In year 1, your child will continue to practise their writing.

They will work on handwriting
They will write longer sentences using capital letters, full stops and using ‘and’
They will improve their vocabulary

This year, they will also be introduced to different types of sentences to make their writing even more interesting.

Reception Recap

Before your child starts year 1, it may be a good idea to recap some topics they covered last year.

Quiz: Reception English recap

Wellbeing

Starting a new school year may be overwhelming and tiring for your child.

It is important to help them take care of their wellbeing. Staying active, taking rests and being creative can all help their overall wellbeing.

Things to try at home with Parents' Toolkit

Five multisensory activities you can do with your child at home