Throughout their time in primary education, pupil’s attainment is assessed according to guidelines set out by the Department for Education:
Reception – The Good Level of Development (GLD) is a performance measure used at the end of reception: Children achieving a good level of development are those achieving at least the expected level within the following areas of learning: communication and language; physical development; personal, social and emotional development; literacy; and mathematics.
Phonics – (end of Year 1) – The phonics screening check is taken individually by all children in Year 1, and is usually taken at the beginning of June. It is designed to give teachers and parents information on how your child is progressing in phonics. It will help to identify whether your child needs additional support at this stage so that they do not fall behind in this vital early reading skill.
KS1 SATs (end of Year 2) – Key Stage 1 SATs officially assess your child’s maths and English abilities. Although these are formal tests, they are done in a relaxed way; in fact most children are not even aware they’re taking a test! Results are used as part of teacher assessments for the end of the year, these teacher assessments are reported to parents in the end of year reports
Year 4 have a multiplication tables check (MTC) that they complete in June. These tests are conducted online. The children will have practice tests before the final one so that they are familiar with the process.
KS2 SATs (end of Year 6) – Children in year 6 take the Key Stage 2 SATs tests in May. These are more formal than those taken at the end of year 2, and are held on the same dates across the country under exam conditions.
There are a number of elements to the KS2 SATS tests, including English reading, maths and spelling, punctuation and grammar. Before the end of the summer term, your child’s school will send you a report. The report will include test results (maths, reading, spelling, punctuation and grammar) and teacher assessment judgements (writing and science)