What Does Progress Look Like - and What to Do if You’re Worried

When it comes to your child’s learning, it’s not about getting everything right the first time.

It’s not about perfect test scores or ticking every box on a report card.

What really matters is progress. Small, steady steps forward that build confidence and unlock new learning.

So what does that actually look like? How can you tell if your child is moving in the right direction? And what should you do if you’re not quite sure?

Let’s take a closer look at what progress means, how we support it at Attain Education and what to do if you need a little extra help along the way.

What Does Progress Actually Look Like?

Let us tell you a little secret… Progress isn’t a straight line. 

Every child learns at a different rate, and every child masters skills in their own time. There’ll be moments of big growth, times when things level out, and yes, even times when they need to go back and revisit something you thought they had already mastered.

It’s all part of the journey.

Progress might look like:

• trying something tricky without tears

• remembering a skill they’ve practised before

• being more willing to ask questions or have a go

• showing signs of confidence, independence or curiosity.

It can also show up in smaller, more subtle ways. 

You might notice your child choosing to read without being asked. 

You might hear them explain a maths strategy to you that they didn’t understand last month. 

Maybe they finish a task a little quicker, or get partway through before asking for help instead of giving up immediately.

Sometimes progress looks like a shift in attitude, from “I can’t” to “I’ll try.”

Other times, it’s about behaviour: fewer tears at homework time, more willingness to engage or the confidence to ask questions in class.

Helping your child reflect on how far they’ve come – and what they’re working towards – is one of the best ways to measure progress in a personal, meaningful way. It’s not about comparing them to other kids.

It’s about recognising growth in their journey.

What If You’re Not Sure They’re Making Progress?

If you’re feeling unsure about how your child is tracking, you’re not alone. Many parents have that quiet concern, even when things seem “okay” on paper.

Here are three simple, proactive steps you can take:

1. Talk to the teacher

Ask about specific gaps or skills your child needs to develop. Knowing what’s holding them back gives you a clearer path forward and helps you focus your efforts at home.

2. Learn together

Familiarise yourself with how these skills are taught at school so you can support your child in a way that feels familiar to them. Sometimes outdated strategies or different terminology can confuse things, even when you’re trying your best to help.

If you’ve ever thought, “That’s not how I learned it!”, our blog post on Primary Maths explains why some things have changed and how you can stay in step. Read more → Modern maths: “That’s Not How I was Taught!”

3. Get support

Having someone in your corner can be a game-changer. A supportive, experienced tutor can help your child rebuild confidence, stay motivated and move toward their learning goals with renewed energy.

How Tutoring Can Support Real Progress

When a child isn’t making the progress they should, the right support can make a big difference. One-on-one tutoring gives children the time, space and personalised guidance they often can’t get in a busy classroom, and that’s where real growth happens.

At Attain Education, every tutor is a qualified primary school teacher. That means your child gets expert help, tailored to exactly what they need, from someone who understands both the curriculum and how kids learn best.

We make learning fun and focused, and we work 1:1 – not 25:1 like in the classroom. With the right support, your child can catch up, grow in confidence and feel proud of their progress.

Progress doesn’t just happen by chance. Our tutors are trained to identify learning gaps, scaffold new concepts in manageable steps and provide just the right amount of challenge to keep students motivated.

And perhaps most importantly, we help children see their own growth.

That’s where the magic happens.

Staying Connected Matters

As a parent, it’s reassuring to know how your child is going. Not just what they’re learning, but how it’s all coming together.

That’s why we keep you updated with regular feedback from your child’s tutor.

We send clear summaries outlining how your child is progressing, what’s going well and what we’re focusing on next. No vague comments or guesswork, just helpful updates that keep you connected to their learning journey.

Here’s a quick peek at what that looks like:

Each update is specific, practical and tailored to your child, so you always know how things are tracking.

Let’s Help Your Child Take the Next Step Forward

If you’d like to find out more about how tutoring can help, we’re here for you. Book a free consultation and we’ll talk through what your child needs and how we can support them.

Because your child can make progress. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Book your free consultation today, and we’ll match your child with one of our experienced tutors who will help them shine.