Build the underlying skills first, then bring in full practice papers once your child has enough foundation to make them useful. There's no universal start date — readiness matters more than the calendar.
Starting full timed papers too early can knock confidence, because your child hits questions on topics they simply haven't learned yet. Papers are most useful once there's a foundation to test.
A common progression is: build the fundamentals, add topic-based practice, then introduce the paper format — untimed at first, where appropriate — before gradually moving to more realistic conditions as the assessment approaches. Every child is different, so let readiness guide the pace rather than a fixed year group.
The goal early on isn't a high score; it's exposure, understanding and a calm, steady build.
What to do: secure the fundamentals first, introduce the paper format untimed, add realistic conditions closer to the exam, and follow your child's readiness.
Use the free Learning Centre before and during paper preparation; when full papers become useful, Smart Papers make each one count by showing which skills still need work.