Assessment

Assessment helps us understand how well children are learning and ensures every pupil receives the support and challenge they need to succeed. At our school, assessment is not just about tests — it is an ongoing part of everyday teaching that helps teachers check understanding, address misconceptions and plan next steps in learning.

Teachers regularly assess pupils through questioning, discussion, feedback and reviewing work in lessons. This allows teaching to be adapted so that all pupils, including those with SEND or additional needs, can make strong progress. Assessment focuses on helping children develop secure foundational knowledge and skills, particularly in reading, writing and mathematics, which support learning across the whole curriculum.

The principles that underpin our assessment system are:

Every child CAN achieve despite their barriers
Formative assessment will be used effectively to ensure the correct scaffolding is built into lessons to ensure all children can achieve

We also carry out statutory national assessments required by the Department for Education at key points during primary school.

Assessment & Reporting in EYFS

Children in EYFS are assessed against the Prime and Specific areas of learning in the EYFS profile

Assessments are based on observation of daily activities and events. At the end of F2, for each Early Learning Goal, teachers will judge whether a child is meeting the level of development expected for their age. They will be judged to be:

Emerging or
Expected

Children are also assessed in Phonics and Reading using Little Wandle Assessment Tracker to ensure they are keeping up with Phonics teaching and so that we can address any emerging gaps quickly and effectively.

early learning goals parent and carers guide.pdf

Assessment & Reporting System - Years 1 to 6

Ongoing assessment by the class teacher through questioning, observation and marking
Children understanding what and why they are learning
Feedback is shared with the children to help them understand what they do well and what their next seps are
Testing at the end of the term using PiXL assessments in Reading, Maths and Spelling & Grammar
Gaps in knowledge identified and addressed through intervention in small groups / whole classes as appropriate
Teachers assess termly, judging whether pupils are working below, towards, within or above age related expectations
Pupil progress meetings with class teachers, leaders and SENCo are held termly to ensure the correct support is in place for pupils who have barriers to learning or are not making appropriate progress
Children are also assessed in Phonics and Reading using Little Wandle Assessment Tracker to ensure they are keeping up with Phonics teaching and so that we can address any emerging gaps quickly and effectively.
End of unit testing / quizzing / summative pieces of written work are used to assess pupils understanding in foundation subjects

Reporting to Parents

We continue to hold termly parents' meetings where the child's progress is discussed and work samples are shared. End of year reports include national data, pupil achievement and a summary of attainment.

Parents are welcome to book an appointment at any point in the year to discuss their child's progress, achievement and support with their child's class teacher, leaders or the SENCo.

Statutory Assessments

Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (Reception)

At the end of Reception, teachers assess children’s development across the seven areas of learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage. These assessments are based on observations of children’s learning throughout the year and show whether children are reaching expected levels of development as they move into Year 1.

Year 1 Phonics Screening Check

This national check assesses children’s early reading and phonics skills. Pupils read 40 words (including some made-up words) to demonstrate their ability to decode using phonics.
Children who do not meet the expected standard receive additional support and retake the check in Year 2.

End of Key Stage 1 Assessments (Year 2)

At the end of Year 2, teachers assess pupils’ attainment in:

Reading
Writing
Mathematics
Science

These are teacher assessments based on work completed across the year, giving a well-rounded picture of each child’s learning and progress.

Multiplication Tables Check (Year 4)

The Multiplication Tables Check is an online assessment that measures how quickly and accurately pupils can recall multiplication facts up to 12 × 12. This helps ensure pupils have secure number knowledge before moving into upper Key Stage 2 mathematics.

Key Stage 2 National Curriculum Tests – SATs (Year 6)

At the end of primary school, pupils complete national tests in:

Reading
Mathematics
Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling

Teachers also assess:

Writing
Science

These assessments measure pupils’ attainment against national expectations and help support a smooth transition to secondary school.

How We Use Assessment

Assessment information helps us to:

identify strengths and next steps in learning
adapt teaching to meet pupils’ needs
provide additional support or challenge where needed
monitor progress over time
ensure pupils are well prepared for the next stage of education

Parents and carers are kept informed through parents’ evenings, reports and regular communication with teachers. We value working in partnership with families to support every child’s progress and wellbeing.

Our aim is for assessment to be supportive, meaningful and focused on helping every child grow in confidence, knowledge and independence as learners.