Assessment

During the Reception Year (EYFS) a profile is kept of each child’s achievements in all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage of learning.

Assessment forms an integral part of all our teaching. Teachers assess informally in the classroom during every lesson and use their findings to inform and modify their planning to match the needs of the children. In other words, they are constantly responding to the messages they receive about children’s learning. They may realise that certain children need reenforcement before moving on or that a group or individuals have grasped a concept and need extension work to stretch them. Planning for the next lesson is modified to take account of this on-going assessment.

At certain times teachers will assess more formally, using test materials or test conditions to ascertain the level of attainment of individual children and classes. The results of such assessment are also used to inform planning and to make provision for any child who may need extra support. Assessment methods become progressively more formal as children move through the school.

All children are formally assessed through the Key Stage 1 SATS in Year 2, but we aim to make this process as smooth as possible for the children. Children in Year 6 sit the Key Stage 2 SATS. This is a more formal process under exam conditions. Children are prepared by working on a series of practice papers beforehand. Results are shared with the Local Authority and the government and details are included as an insert in this brochure. Year 1 children are assessed using the Phonics Screening Test.

We use ‘Pupil Asset’ to track children’s progress in Reading, Writing, Science and Mathematics. Through this system we analyse data and identify children who are showing particular ability in any area or in need of more support and then plan appropriate provision for them.