Assessing Learning & Progress

Pupil progress and assessment guidance for parents/carers

How do we assess pupil progress? 

Our teachers are continuously assessing pupil progress by asking questions,  marking and listening to pupils to review both understanding and the application of skills during lessons. This style of formative assessment  underpins your child's progress and learning and also enables teachers to plan  teaching so that it precisely supports children's next steps. 

Over the last few years there have been a   number of significant changes to the way Primary pupils are assessed nationwide. Pupils currently in Years 2 and 6 undertake the Key Stage Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) duringthe month of May. 

The phonics check for Year 1 pupils in June will continue and is administered one-to-one. This is  to assess our pupils phonological knowledge and early reading skills. This way we can ensure pupils are on track in their reading and if necessary, provide additional targeted support to catch up. 

Pupils in Years 1, 3, 5 and 6 are assessed each term using the National Curriculum expectations. We report their progress to parents. 

Parents and carers are invited to attend a meeting each term to talk to the teacher about their child’s learning. Please do let us know if you would like an interpreter to attend and support you.

For further information, you may find our Feedback Policy (below) useful.

Progression through Nursery and Reception in our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework sets the standards for development, learning and care of children from birth to age five. Development Matters (The British Association for Early Childhood Education) is the guidance material to support practitioners in implementing the statutory requirements of the EYFS Framework and measure progress.

In the Early Years children are assessed from the time they start our nursery to the end of Reception.  Teachers, and support staff observe closely, record and plan next steps against the development statements set out in Development Matters. The development statements are organised into age bands as follows:

Birth – 11 months

8 – 20 months

16 – 26 months

22- 36 months

30 – 50 months

40 – 60 months

The age/stage bands overlap because these are not fixed age boundaries but suggest a typical range of development for babies, toddlers and children at this stage. The development statements are related to areas of learning. The areas of learning are defined by prime and specific areas as follows:

Learning

Prime Areas	Personal, Social and Emotional Development Making Relationships Self-Confidence and Self-Awareness Managing Feelings and Behaviour
	Physical Development Moving and Handling Health and Self-Care
	Communication and Language Listening And Attention Understanding Speaking

Literacy

• Reading
• Writing

Mathematics

• Numbers
• Shape, Space and Measure

Understanding the World

• People and Communities
• The World
• Technology

Expressive Art and Design

• Exploring and Using Media and Materials
• Being Imaginative