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.