At Parkview, we have a purposeful approach to assessment which supports individual pupil development. Teacher assessment feeds into follow-up lessons to ensure that children are given the opportunity to work on their errors, misunderstandings and misconceptions. 

 

We offer parents' evenings twice a year, which is an opportunity to come along and discuss your child's progress. We also provide a written report at the end of the year to inform you of your child's progress. However, you can approach school at any point if you require further information about your child's progress. 

 

There are also summative assessment points throughout the year, as detailed below: 

 

Formal Assessment Points

1. End of Foundation Stage (Reception) - Good Level of Development (GLD)

What is GLD?

A ‘good level of development’ can be defined as a child reaching the ‘expected’ level of development at the end of their reception year, at the end of EYFS. It is an outcome of a summative assessment based on learning outcomes in regard to the prime areas of learning.

What is the Early Years Foundation Stage?

First off, to know what a good level of development is, a brief explanation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) would be helpful. The EYFS sets standards for development, learning and care for all children from birth to 5 years old in England (Scotland and Wales have their own frameworks). All Ofsted-registered early years providers, schools, preschools and reception classes must follow the EYFS. The EYFS provides the framework to ensure that children are kept healthy, safe, and given the best start in life.

The Early Learning Goals

Children’s progress is evaluated on their learning outcomes in relation to the 7 Early Learning Goals. The reformed Early Learning Goals are now statutory for all early years settings. The 7 prime Early Learning Goals are:

• Communication and Language

• Physical Development

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)

• Literacy

• Maths

• Understanding the World

• Expressive Arts and Design

The ELGs are interconnected, and children display attainment across multiple different ELGs when engaging in a task or an activity. They should be taken to form a complete picture, rather than analysed separately, and children’s understanding should be evaluated holistically.

 

2. Year 1 - Phonics Screening Test (with retakes in Year 2)

The phonics screening check contains 40 words divided into two sections of 20 words. Both sections contain a mixture of real words and pseudo-words.

Pseudo-words are words that are phonically decodable but are not actual words with an associated meaning. They are included in the check specifically to assess whether your child can decode a word using their phonics skills.

All pseudo-words in the check are accompanied by a picture of an imaginary creature. Children are taught that when a word has a creature next to it, it is a pseudo-word. This ensures that they are not trying to match the pseudo-word to a word in their vocabulary.

The check is designed to give teachers 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.

More information can be found on the Government website here:

Phonics screening check: information for parents - GOV.UK

 

3. Year 4 - Multiplication Times Tables Test

The purpose of the check is to determine whether your child can fuently recall their times tables up to 12, which is essential for future success in mathematics. It will also help your child’s school to identify if your child may need additional support.

It is an on-screen check consisting of 25 times table questions. Your child will be able to answer 3 practice questions before taking the actual check. They will then have 6 seconds to answer each question. On average, the check should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.

More information can be found on the Government website here:

Multiplication tables check: information for parents - GOV.UK

 

4. Year 6 - Key Stage Two SATs in Reading, Mathematics and Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPAG)

If you have a child in year 6, at the end of key stage 2 (KS2) they will take national curriculum assessments in:

• English grammar, punctuation and spelling
• English reading
• mathematics

Some people refer to these tests as SATs.

The tests help measure the attainment of pupils in relation to the standards set out in the national curriculum, and help teachers and parents identify where pupils may need additional support in a certain subject area.

Staff in the Nursery and Reception are continually observing. and interacting with your child as this is crucial for understanding children's development, identifying their needs, and planning appropriatesupport and activities.

We also use formal testing in Years 1-6 to enable teachers to report on the attainment and progress of each child, including PIRA, PUMA and NTS materials.