Assessments

Assessment throughout Early Years is conducted through observations. The staff make systematic observations of each child’s achievements, interests and learning styles. These are then used to identify learning priorities and plan the next stages in the learning experiences for the child.

Some observations that are considered “Wow Moments” – new learning, a new skill, something the child is really proud of – are shared via the child’s online learning journey, which parents can engage and interact with.

Reception Baselines

During the children’s first half-term in Reception class, the teacher must conduct the DfE Reception Baseline. This is a short, interactive and practical assessment of your child’s early literacy, communication, language and mathematics skills when they begin school, using materials that most children of your child’s age will be familiar with. For more information, please read this leaflet - Information for parents: reception baseline assessment (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Teachers will then use this assessment, alongside a three week transition period of getting to know the children and conducting observations, to inform their learning priorities and know how best to support the every individual child.

Understanding Primary Assessment 

If you have a child in Year 2 or Year 6 they will be taking they national curriculum tests; the SATs. They are designed to provide information about how your child is progressing when compared to national averages.

It is important to note that they are not qualifications and do not affect your child's future options in school, but that the results are used to help teachers pitch their lessons at the appropriate level for their classes, with a view to helping children reach their full potential.

In Year 1, children undertake phonics screening. This is to check the progress they have made in their early reading. 

In Year 2, two new tests were introduced in 2016: An arithmetic test to check mathematic ability, and an optional test of grammar punctuation and spelling which schools may choose to administer.

In Year 6, the main changes to tests in 2016 were: The inclusion of questions to assess new areas of core national curriculum subjects and a new arithmetic test to check your child is progressing with basic mathematic fundementals.

• A scaled score of 100 is the expected standard for KS2 SATs
• In 2017 the average scaled score was 104 in reading, 104 in maths and 106 in grammar, punctuation and spelling