How your Year 6 child develops

The last year of primary school is a time of transition for your child. Not only are they having to get their head around the impending move to secondary school, but they’re also experiencing some major physical and emotional changes as they head towards adolescence.

At 10 to 11, your child is a socially competent being who likes to be part of the ‘in group’. “Your child is less dependent on their parents and more reliant on friends, as well as developing an interest in the opposite sex,” says chartered educational psychologist and educational adviser Susan Brooks.

Your child has a close social circle and will avoid children who are not in their gang. They probably have one best friend, as well as an adult or teenager who they idolise – perhaps an older cousin or a leader from an extracurricular club.

Although your child is becoming more mature and independent, they’re still close to their parents. They’re typically affectionate with their mother, and fiercely proud of their father. They’re getting better at handling their emotions, and are less likely to be tearful or angry than in the past, although they can be moody and value privacy.

Girls are likely to start their periods during this school year or the next, and boys are beginning their puberty growth spurt, which can lead to concerns about weight gain. “Body awareness is critical at this age, and children are often increasingly conscious of fashion, but they still need guidance on how to dress appropriately,” adds chartered educational psychologist Julia Busch Hansen.