About Sats Books

The reading task at the end of Key Stage 1, when a child is usually 7 years old, involves one teacher reading the beginning of the text on a one to one basis. The child then has to continue to read from a given page (set down by the QCA - the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) without help or prompts. The passage they read is usually 3 to 4 pages. The rest of the book is read independently without being assessed. On completion of reading the child is questioned on their understanding of the content.

While the child is reading the given passages the teacher marks the words that are read correctly, incorrectly, replaced or omitted. Their score on reading ability is based on the words that are read correctly.

The reading task awards levels 1 to 3 and provides grades C to A at Level 2. The task assesses the child's ability to read a book aloud with accuracy and discuss his or her understanding of the text.

Level 1 means that the child has not performed to the national average.

Level 2 means the child has performed to the national average of a 7 year old.

Level 3 means the child has performed beyond the expected national average.