Receiving your child’s NAPLAN results can be reassuring, surprising, or sometimes a little confusing. Many parents wonder whether their child is performing as expected and what the results mean for their future learning.  

A NAPLAN report is only one measure of your child’s learning.  

It provides a snapshot of performance on a particular assessment at a specific point in time. It does not measure a child’s intelligence, potential, creativity, resilience or future success.  

What is a NAPLAN Report?  

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assess Australian students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in key literacy and numeracy skills. The report also shows how your child’s performance compares with national expectations for their year level.  

What Parents Should Remember  

To gain a complete picture of your child’s progress, NAPLAN results should be considered alongside:  

• Teacher feedback  
• School reports  
• Classroom performance  
• Effort and participation  
• Social and emotional wellbeing  
• Personal achievements and interests  

Every child learns differently, and every child develops at their own pace.    

How to Use Your Child’s NAPLAN Results  

Celebrate Strengths

Take time to recognise areas where your child is performing well. Acknowledging their achievements helps build confidence and encourages continued learning.

Identify Areas for Growth

Look for any domains where your child is identified as “Developing” or “Needs Additional Support”. These areas can help guide future learning goals and identify where extra support may make a positive difference.  

Talk with Teachers 

Use the report as a starting point for conversations with your child’s teacher about classroom performance, learning goals and strategies that may help support progress.  

Support Learning at Home 

Simple everyday activities can strengthen learning, including:  

• Reading together  
• Practising writing  
• Incorporating numeracy into everyday tasks  
• Educational games and activities   

When Additional Support May Help

If your child’s results indicate they are “Developing”, or “Need Additional Support”, early intervention can help build foundational skills, confidence and participation at school.  

The earlier challenges are identified, the sooner targeted support strategies can be put in place to help your child reach their full potential.  

How Early Start Australia Can Help

At Early Start Australia, our allied health professionals provide individualised support to help children, young people and families thrive.  

We work with families to understand each child’s strengths, challenges and goals, tailoring therapy to areas where additional support may be needed.  

Our therapists can provide services in clinic, at school, or in the community, working collaboratively with children, families and educators. 

No-Gap Initial Appointment Offer

Not sure whether your child may benefit from additional support following their NAPLAN results?  

Early Start Australia is offering a limited-time, No-Gap Initial Appointment, giving families the opportunity to meet with one of our clinicians, discuss concerns and gain personalised guidance with a fully rebated initial appointment.*  

It’s a great first step if you’re looking for clarity, reassurance or recommendations following your child’s NAPLAN results. 

To learn more or book your No Gap Initial Appointment, contact our client care team on 1300 372 439, or find out more here.  

*No out‑of‑pocket cost applies to the initial appointment only for eligible Medicare patients. Medicare rebates and referral requirements apply. Availability varies by location.