Starting 11+ preparation late and wondering about parent group chats

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Hi all. Just a bit stressed for the upcoming 11+ exam next year as both sons will be sitting the exam. We've been using Bond books mainly and don't really know if we're doing things right? Only decided we'd start preparation a couple months ago and I know of at least 4 friends' children who've been preparing for nearly a year already, so not sure if it's already too late. Interesting how I speak to them regularly yet they've never before mentioned it- everyone's kind of secretive about it for some reason lol. Anyway, my school doesn't have a gc for parents whose children will be sitting- just wondering if this is a thing? If someone has made a groupchat for parents and wouldn't mind sharing, please could you dm me? Just a bit confused and have so many questions!!

Are you in Kent? Sitting the test next September with kids currently in Yr 5? If so don’t worry, you’re right on time!
Some people do start hot-housing in Yr 4 but it’s not necessary or really a good idea in my opinion.

Hi. My daughter is starting preparation too and I don't think you're too late at all. Most children seem to prepare about 1-1.5 years, so you have plenty of time, especially if they're doing well in school. I think closer to the exam (e.g. about 6 months before), I would switch from Bond books to resources dedicated towards the specific exam board that will design the test. The most common is GL. Regarding gc, I've asked my primary's head and apparently the school doesn't allow it which is understandable but a bit of a shame.

I am thinking of making one haha- you can dm me to join? I'm afraid I can't post links here!

If it helps my daughter is starting Y4, we did intend to start doing a lot of regular prep this year but I contacted a tutor and they actually advised me not to go overboard as the kids get totally over it otherwise. We are going to do some prep but not going crazy at it and mostly doing things like timetable practice, reading and encouraging vocab building. So I don't think you sound behind. There are Facebook groups where people seem to have gone totally overboard on the prep; their choice but I don't think that would work for our family.

I agree with @CautiousOptimist they a year should be fine, and if a child needs two years, they may struggle at grammar school.

Thank you so much everyone for messaging- I've replied to everyone who's messaged me so far, will reply tomorrow to any further requests!

Which area are you in? A year is plenty. There’s no need to do years of preparation.
My child didn’t start any prep until the April of year 5. We used the 10 minute test books and a few timed papers to get used to multiple choice questions.
The main things we did, to improve vocabulary and comprehension, were to use lots of different words during day to day conversation and to read (fiction and non fiction).

My son did a month of prep. Just to get familiar with the question styles and test format.

20 mins a day for a month worked for him.

It really depends where in the country you are!