4+ Assessments

4+ assessments are designed to give schools a picture of a child’s overall development rather than to assess formal academic knowledge. At this age, schools typically assess how children listen and respond to instructions, communicate their ideas, engage with activities, and approach new situations. Tasks may include simple problem-solving, early number and language activities, and opportunities to demonstrate curiosity, independence and social awareness.

Preparation for 4+ focuses on helping children feel confident, familiar and relaxed with this style of interaction. Support is always age-appropriate and play-based, building key skills such as listening, attention, early phonics awareness, number sense and confidence in unfamiliar settings. The aim is never to rehearse answers, but to support children in showing what they can already do in a calm and natural way. Schools are now beginning to offer deferred entry, meaning students will not need to complete the 7+ assessment later in their academic journey if they do well.

I offer a range of services to help you and your child prepare for a 4+ assessment.

Tutoring Home

Phonics

Support focuses on developing secure phonics knowledge, early reading skills and confidence with writing. Sessions are carefully matched to each child’s stage, ensuring literacy skills are built steadily and meaningfully rather than rushed.

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Numeracy

Early numeracy support develops number sense and mathematical understanding beyond simple counting. Children are supported in building confidence with numbers, quantities, patterns, and mathematical language through practical, engaging learning.

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Communication

Support focuses on developing both verbal and non-verbal communication, including listening, understanding and expressive language. Sessions are inclusive and responsive to individual needs, helping children communicate confidently and feel understood.

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Motor Skills

Motor skills support recognises that handwriting develops from strong physical foundations. Sessions focus on building control and coordination from the shoulder and core through to hand strength and fine motor precision, supporting confident writing over time.

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Social Skills

Social skills support helps children develop confidence interacting with others, including turn-taking, cooperation and group awareness. Sessions support children to feel comfortable working alongside peers and engaging positively in social situations.

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Listening and Attention

Support focuses on developing attention, listening and the ability to follow instructions. By strengthening these key learning behaviours, children are better able to engage with activities and participate confidently in learning.

If you are considering 4+ preparation, support typically begins with a play-based assessment to understand your child’s current strengths and areas for development. This is followed by a short written summary and a personalised plan outlining how best to support your child in a gentle, age-appropriate way. Guidance is also provided for parents, with practical suggestions to support development at home. Where appropriate, ongoing tutoring sessions can be introduced gradually, ensuring preparation remains calm, positive, and free from unnecessary pressure.

If you would like to discuss whether this approach is right for your child, please contact us to arrange an initial consultation.

1 - Initial Assessment

We would begin with a conversation to discuss your child, where you can share anything you have observed and your child's interests.

This would help your child settle before beginning an over-hour assessment of the key areas covered in the 4+ process. This would be completed playfully to help your child feel relaxed and confident as they try different activities.

2 - Written Report

After the assessment is complete, I will prepare a report on the process and highlight strengths and areas for development.

To begin, I will share tips on how you can support your child as they prepare for their 4+ assessment, drawing on my experience with tutoring agencies that have supported entries to independent schools such as Westminster, Highgate, and JAGs.

Feedback will be shared immediately, with a report written within a week of the mock assessment.

3 - Tutoring if Needed

Some areas of development do benefit from consistent, structured support over time. Where this is agreed following discussion and shared observations, I am happy to offer weekly one-hour sessions or short intensive blocks during school holidays. This allows support to be carefully paced, responsive to your child’s needs and integrated smoothly alongside family routines.

Please Get in Touch

+44 7440 352669

katie@klwareeducation.com

If you are looking to begin the 4+ process within the next year, please get in contact below to arrange a free consultation to discuss how to best support your child's needs.