Assessment in the Early Years

For children in Nursery and Reception, each child’s level of development is assessed against 17 early learning goals (ELGs) across all 7 areas of learning. For each ELG, teachers assess whether a child is meeting the level of development expected at the end of the EYFS, or if they are not yet reaching this level.

Assessment in Key Stage 1 and 2

Children in Years 1 to 6 follow the National Curriculum for schools in England, which was introduced in 2014. Our assessment principles at Greswold are designed to link in to this curriculum. Please see the 'Our Curriculum' area of our website for more information about each individual year groups' curriculum.

Children are assessed against a framework where the outcomes will be one of the following:

• Working Towards the Expected Standard - Children are yet to be secure in the end of year expectations for their age bracket.
• Working At the Expected Standard  - Children are secure in the all of the end of year expectations for their age bracket.
• Working At Greater Depth - Children are secure in  all of the end of year expectations and are able to use and apply their knowledge and skills confidently and independently.
• Pre-Key Stage - Children are not yet meeting standards appropriate to their age bracket. 

N.B. When assessing against the standards, children must meet all objectives within the criteria to obtain the standard. 

Our Assessment Principles

Assessment is at the heart of teaching and learning at Greswold

• Assessment should be an integral part of every teaching and learning activity.
• Assessment allows children to take responsibility for their own learning and involves them in assessing their own progress.
• Assessment takes many forms including ongoing dialogue between teacher and child.

Assessment is consistent, reliable and transparent

• Assessment evaluates progress and diagnoses need.
• Assessment uses consistent criteria for assessment based on the National Curriculum.
• Assessment facilitates continuity and progression between year groups.
• Assessment is fair and free from bias.

Assessment is ambitious but appropriate

• Assessment helps staff and governors to plan strategically for the use of resources.
• Assessment helps drive improvement for pupils and teachers.
• Assessment supports accountability.

Assessment outcomes are meaningful and accessible

• Pupils should be assessed against objectives rather than each other.
• Assessment provides feedback for the pupil and identifies individual achievement.
• Assessment gives reliable information to parents about how their child, and their child’s school, is performing.

Information leaflet for parents – KS2 tests (SATs)
 

In May each year, children in Year 6 take Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) set by the Standards and Testing Agency. The Department for Education has an information leaflet for parents which provides a short summary to explain what the tests are and who they are for.