When parents come to me asking when to start preparing for the 11 Plus, I always tell them the same thing: earlier is easier. Not earlier in the sense of drilling exam papers – but in creating the right habits and mindset. Year 4 is the sweet spot. It gives children time to grow into the skills they’ll need, without the anxiety that often hits hard in Year 5.

I remember working with a lovely Year 4 girl a few years ago who loved reading but found writing tricky. We focused on short, playful tasks: silly story prompts, drawing and describing characters, and exploring new words through books she loved. By the time she entered Year 5, she was miles ahead – not because she was naturally gifted, but because we started gently and early. That’s the power of Year 4.

So, how do you give your child that kind of start?

Build Confidence First

This stage is all about nurturing enjoyment. Let your child write stories about their pets, favourite holidays, or even wild imaginary worlds. Praise their effort. Ask them what they like about their own writing. The more positive their experience, the easier it’ll be to build stamina and structure later.

Keep Writing Light – But Consistent In 11 Plus Preparation for Year 4

At this stage, I always say: don’t aim for polished perfection – aim for play. Use writing prompts a couple of times a month. Let them write endings to stories you read together or describe their dream bedroom. Get them used to putting their thoughts into words on paper, without fear of being “wrong.”

Grow Vocabulary Naturally

One of my favourite tools is the family “word jar” – every time someone hears or reads a brilliant word, write it on a slip and pop it in the jar. Once a week, pull one out and try to use it in a silly sentence or short story. It’s a fun way to make vocabulary memorable – and useful.

Introduce 11 Plus Exam-Style Writing Slowly

Later in Year 4, you might introduce a couple of 11 Plus-style prompts – just to see how your child approaches them. It’s not about judging the work, but understanding how they think. Do they dive in without planning? Do they rush the ending? This gives you a gentle way to see what support they’ll need in Year 5.

Focus on Quality, Not Speed

Speed comes later. Right now, focus on helping your child say what they really mean. Show them how to improve one sentence at a time. Editing doesn’t have to feel critical – it can be like a puzzle: “What would make this even stronger?”

This gentle approach works. It removes panic from the process, and replaces it with purpose. By Year 5, your child will feel prepared, not pressured.

If you’d like to give your child a head start without the stress, the Creative Writing Crash Course is a brilliant way to begin. It’s self-paced, child-friendly, and builds strong writing foundations without the overwhelm. Start here and see the difference early preparation can make.