Although it is not a statutory requirement, pressure is being placed on schools to introduce new baseline tests at the start of Reception. This is intended to “hold primary schools to account” for pupils’ progress, but is likely to have damaging effects on children’s learning. Early years organisations are urging schools to boycott the new tests.
Here are some of the key arguments and documents.
Schools urged to boycott reception baseline tests (posted 19 March 2015) provides an explanation of the problems. You will find examples of the proposed test questions here. (posted 21 March 2015)
An infant and nursery school head, and a reception class teacher, reflect on their experience of young children’s learning and assessment (28 March 2015)
Key documents:
- TACTYC position statement
- Evaluation of the six tests
- Open letter from professional organisations, NUT and ATL
Campaign materials:
- Powerpoint by Too Much Too Soon
- Stickers from Too Much Too Soon
- Postcards obtainable from Charter for Primary Education
Reclaiming Schools 