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​NAPLAN: What you need to know​

​​Key takeaways

  • NAPLAN is not a pass or fail test. It helps teachers understand how your child is going and where they may need extra support. 
  • You don’t need to prepare your child for NAPLAN. The tests check skills learned in everyday lessons. Rest, routine and encouragement are what help most. 
  • Results are a guide, not a judgement. They help you and the school understand your child’s strengths and where support may help.
a school girl wearing a red polo is listening to a audio on her tablet and a school boy is sitting next to her listening on his tablet

NAPLAN is a set of short tests that Australian children take in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9.

The tests check the important skills your child learns at school, like: 
  • reading 
  • writing 
  • spelling 
  • grammar 
  • maths 
NAPLAN is not about passing or failing. It is just one way schools see how your child is going and where they might need extra help.   

​Why NAPLAN matters for your child

Teachers use your child’s classwork, conversations, and everyday activities to see how they are learning. NAPLAN is another way to help teachers understand: 
  • What your child knows 
  • What they are learning well 
  • Where they may need more help 
For parents, NAPLAN gives a helpful snapshot. It may confirm what you already know about your child’s learning, or show an area where extra support could make a difference. 

What the tests look like

All students, except Year 3, complete NAPLAN online.  

The test changes depending on how your child answers: 
  • If they answer correctly, the next question may be a little harder 
  • If they get a question wrong, the next one may be a little easier 
This helps show your child’s skill level. 

Your child does four tests across the week: 
  • writing 
  • reading 
  • conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) 
  • numeracy (maths) 
Tests are short, and schools plan breaks so your child can stay calm and focused.

​How can you support your child?

You don’t need to do anything to get your child ready for NAPLAN. No extra studying or tutoring is needed. These tests check skills students learn in their normal lessons. 

Here are some ways you can help your child: 
  • making sure they get a good night’s sleep 
  • offering a healthy breakfast 
  • keeping mornings calm 
  • encouraging them to simply try their best 
If your child feels worried, let them know that NAPLAN is just one way of showing what they know. It does not decide their future, their ability or how special they are.
a father who is wearing high vis is helping his young son button his school yellow polo

​If your child needs extra support

Some students may need a little extra help during NAPLAN, like: 
  • extra time, 
  • rest breaks 
  • assistive technology, or  
  • The same supports they normally use in class. 
If you think your child may need extra support, talk to their school as soon as you can.

​Can my child skip NAPLAN?

Most students do NAPLAN. However: 
  • You can choose to withdraw your child 
  • Some students may be exempt, depending on individual needs or recent arrival in Australia 
If you’re not sure what’s best for your child, talk with the school about your options.

​Understanding the results

You will get your child’s NAPLAN report from the school. The report shows how your child’s skills compare with other children across Australia. 

Think of the results as a guide, not a judgement. The results, alongside the School Report, can help you and the school understand: 
  • What your child is confident in 
  • Where they might need more support 
  • How their skills are developing over time 
Your child’s teacher is the best person to explain the results and answer any questions you have.
a boy being held by his father who is pointing at the teacher laptop in a classroom

​Where to find more support

If you want more information about NAPLAN or supporting your child’s learning, these resources may help:

Remember

NAPLAN is just one part of your child’s learning story. It doesn’t show their creativity, kindness, curiosity or strengths in other areas. But the results can help the school give your child the right support to keep learning and growing. 

If you have any questions, talk to your child’s teacher or speak with your Family Partnership Coordinator.

We are here for you!

young woman tutoring two young children

Your Family Partnership Coordinator is here to support you through each stage of your child's educational journey.

They can support you to problem-solve any challenges that may come up that affect your child's education.

They can also connect you to educational support programs or services in the community if you decide that's what you need.

You can find your Family Partnership Coordinator's contact details in My Smith Family.

Visit My Smith Family

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