This guide to NAPLAN for parents covers the practical side: what NAPLAN is actually for, how to help your child prepare without adding stress, what to do on test days, and how to talk about results when they arrive. The short version: a little familiarity and a calm routine help far more than cramming.
What NAPLAN is for
NAPLAN gives a national snapshot of literacy and numeracy in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. For families, it’s one extra piece of information about how your child is going compared with the national standard. For schools and governments, it shows where more support is needed. It isn’t a pass or fail test, and it doesn’t affect school reports or progression. New to it all? Read What is NAPLAN?
How to help your child prepare
ACARA’s advice is that students don’t need to study for NAPLAN, and it doesn’t recommend excessive preparation or paid coaching. The tests assess skills built in class over years. Where parents can help is with familiarity and confidence.
In the months before NAPLAN
- Read every day. Ten to fifteen minutes of reading together, and talking about it, supports reading, vocabulary, spelling and writing at once.
- Write little and often. A short persuasive piece or story once a fortnight builds writing stamina. Use our free writing prompts.
- Use maths in everyday life. Cooking, shopping, telling the time and reading timetables all build numeracy.
- Try a practice test. One practice test every few weeks makes the format familiar.
- Practise typing. From Year 5 the writing test is typed, so comfortable keyboard skills matter.
In the week of NAPLAN
- Keep routines normal: regular bedtime, a good breakfast, on time to school.
- Don’t add extra practice. The work is done.
- Remind your child that it’s fine not to know every answer. Some questions are designed to be very hard.
- Tell the school if your child is unwell. Catch-up sessions can be run within the test window. See NAPLAN 2027 dates.
Keeping NAPLAN low-stress
Children often pick up on adult worry. How you talk about NAPLAN matters more than how much practice they do.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| “You need to do really well on NAPLAN.” | “NAPLAN is a chance to show what you’ve learned. Just do your best.” |
| “Did you get them all right?” | “What was the most interesting question?” |
| “Let’s do another practice test tonight.” | “Let’s read a chapter together instead.” |
| “This test is really important.” | “It’s one test on one day. Your teacher knows how you’re going.” |
If your child is very anxious, talk to their teacher early. Schools can explain what to expect, and students with disability can receive adjustments such as rest breaks or extra time, arranged by the school with your family.
Talking about results
Results usually reach families from the start of Term 3. When they arrive:
- Read the report yourself first, so you can respond calmly.
- Lead with what your child did well and the effort they put in.
- Treat any Developing or Needs additional support result as useful information, not a verdict. Ask the teacher what support is available.
- Avoid comparing siblings or friends. Every child develops differently.
Our NAPLAN results guide explains the report in detail.
Can I withdraw my child from NAPLAN?
Yes. NAPLAN is expected for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9, but parents can choose to withdraw their child. Speak with the school, which will give you the withdrawal form for your state or territory. Withdrawn students don’t receive a NAPLAN result.
Parent FAQs
How much should my child practise for NAPLAN?
A little and often. Daily reading, a writing task every fortnight and a practice test every few weeks is plenty for most children.
Should I pay for NAPLAN tutoring?
It isn’t necessary for most children, and ACARA advises against heavy coaching. If your child is struggling with reading or maths generally, extra support can help, but that’s about learning, not the test.
My child is anxious about NAPLAN. What should I do?
Keep your own tone relaxed, focus on effort, and let the teacher know. Looking at a practice question together can make the test feel less mysterious.
Related guides
- What Is NAPLAN? A Plain-English Guide for Parents
- NAPLAN Test Dates 2027
- Free NAPLAN Practice Tests
- NAPLAN Results Explained for Parents
Information current for NAPLAN 2026 and 2027, based on published guidance from ACARA.