CYP Now - Education experts unhappy with DfE primary testing plans

Department for Education proposals to scrap tests for seven-year-olds and introduce a new assessment at age four or five would not deliver the improvements required within primary schools, education campaigners have warned.

Responses to a government consultation on changes to primary assessment in England revealed disappointment at the plans, which the DfE hoped would improve educational outcomes and reduce teachers' workloads.

Currently all children undergo a development check at the end of reception year - the early years foundation stage profile - when they are five.

They also complete national tests, known as Sats, in English and maths in Key Stage 1 (KS1) at age seven, and Key Stage 2 (KS2) at age 11.

The DfE has suggested lowering the reception-class baseline for testing to a younger age, making KS1 tests non-statutory, and correlating reception testing outcomes with those for KS2.

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