Instead of testing seven year old’s Government now want to test four-year-old’s instead
Government is now promising to introduce a baseline assessment for four year old’s; this is to be done when they enter reception. The idea being to reduce the number of assessments. This announcement was made by Education Secretary Justine Greening.
It is also suggested by introducing this tests it will free teachers up to help further support children enableing them to reach their full potential.
There will be a government consultation, taking into consideration the best ways to measure children’s progress made during the time at primarily school. There are also teaching unions who are involved in the drawing up of the proposals. The consultation will look closely at;
• Improvements to the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP)
• Bringing forward the starting point for school progress measures during primary education
• Reviewing the statutory status of KS1 assessment
• Reducing the burdens of teacher assessment
The testing of four-year-old’s will again cause undue pressure and risk damaging children’s self-confidence. These tests will only give a snapshot view of the children’s attainment levels. Professionals should be looking at how best to lay the foundations for the development of children’s skills, rather than focusing too deeply on testing children.
Instead of testing four year old’s, which causes concerns, money could be spent on supporting the early year’s sector.
What do you think about the baseline model that is based on teacher observation?? This was the model chosen last time round by the majority of Englands schools. This type of baseline isn’t a test like the others but is based on the observations of the child made by the teacher, It includes an initial focus on well being, involvement and characteristics of effective learning. If we are going to have a baseline…which I think we will no matter what people say on the consultation, surely this model is preferable???
When are children going to be children? A young child learns through play and follows adult lead activities. I’m all for not holding a child back, and let them flourish to their potential but you have to understand that all children no matter what age are at different levels and some need a bit more time to grow.
As an early years educator I totally disagree. Children learn at their own pace but the difficulty is parent peer pressure! It’s bad enough the parents WANT their child to learn to count, wrote their name, know the alphabet etc etc. let children enjoy early years, it’s a stage in its own right. Why would you out pressure on a 4 year old because one thing certain parents will put undue pressure on their child
my son is 4 an he gets home work an does it himself then gets me 2 check it i think thats fine, but tests on 4 year olds there takin the piss just them be kids
My son is 4 and what he brings home in homework is disgusting and he gets so upset with himself when he can’t do it or finds it hard. Now tests. Surely let our kids be kids instead of putting so much pressure on them.