KS1 Report Comments: Independence (Years 1-2)
Independence covers listening to and following instructions, settling promptly to a task, using the working wall, word mats or number lines before asking an adult, and checking and improving work without being told.
Below are 13 sample sentences for KS1 (Years 1-2): two strengths and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Consistently / Usually / Sometimes / Not yet), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 173 independence sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.
Jump to: Consistently · Usually · Sometimes · Not yet · Writing tips
Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Consistently C
Strengths
- When writing, [Name] uses the sound mat and sounds out words independently rather than waiting for an adult to help.
- On finishing a piece of work, [Name] moves on to the next activity or a challenge task without being asked.
Next step
- To stretch [him/her/them] further, [Name] could write longer stories independently, checking each sentence along the way.
Usually U
Strengths
- [Name] mostly moves from the carpet to [his/her/their] table quickly and settles to work with few reminders.
- [Name] regularly finishes the main task in the time given and, with a quick word from an adult, moves on to the next activity.
Next step
- [Name] could practise using the sound mat for every tricky word so that [he/she/they] can keep writing without waiting for help.
Sometimes S
Strengths
- When reminded, [Name] goes back over [his/her/their] sentences to add finger spaces, capital letters and full stops.
- On some days [Name] makes good use of independent learning time, especially when the task is broken into short steps.
Next step
- A next step is for [Name] to read [his/her/their] sentences aloud to a talk partner and check each one has a capital letter and full stop.
Not yet N
Strengths
- Moving from the carpet to [his/her/their] table and starting a task without an adult beside [him/her/them] is something [Name] is working towards.
- [Name] finds it tricky to get started without an adult, so we use a simple first-then card to help [him/her/them] begin.
Next step
- Sitting near the front during carpet time will help [Name] hear and remember instructions before going to the table.
Support at home
- Try asking [Name] to read a piece of writing aloud and spot one thing to improve, such as a missing full stop.
How to write independence comments for KS1 (Years 1-2)
- Describe the move from carpet to table: does the child go straight to the task and remember what to do? This is the clearest everyday sign of independence in Years 1 and 2.
- Name the classroom tools the child uses, such as a sound mat, number line or picture prompt, and whether they reach for them unprompted. Parents can then use the same tools at home.
- Keep next steps to one or two small actions at this age, for example holding up a finger for each step of an instruction or following a picture checklist, rather than advice to listen better.
Watch out: Do not mistake quiet for independent. A pupil who sits silently may be waiting for help, so describe what they actually do when they get stuck and how quickly they get started.
Let the frequency word set the tone. Consistently suits language such as reliably, independently and without being asked, while Not yet describes what is emerging and the support that helps, such as an adult nearby or a visual prompt. Rather than restating the rating, show it through one behaviour you have seen and how often it happens.
What Independence covers
In these comments, independence covers these behaviours:
- listens to and follows instructions
- settles to tasks promptly and uses learning time well
- uses classroom resources and prompts before asking for help
- checks, edits and improves own work
More UK primary comments
- Attitude and Engagement, KS1 (Years 1-2)
- Independence, KS2 (Years 3-6)
- Resilience, KS1 (Years 1-2)
- Collaboration, KS1 (Years 1-2)
- Organisation and Presentation, KS1 (Years 1-2)
- Conduct and Respect, KS1 (Years 1-2)
- Opening and closing sentences
- All UK primary skills and grade bands
- Build a comment with the comment picker
How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.