Designs to introduce a baseline assessment for Reception pupils are being delayed a calendar year to September 2021.
The Office for Education and learning has published to all key colleges in England following discussions with head teachers’ unions.
Heads experienced been pushing for a hold off to the introduction of the assessment created to test exactly where pupils are when they enter university.
The assessment is part of a process of tests to monitor pupils’ development.
Faculty standards minister, Nick Gibb, stated: “As we prepare for all youngsters to return to college in September, I know teachers are doing the job tirelessly to give additional assistance to kids to recuperate from the effects of the coronavirus.
“In mild of these instances, we have resolved to postpone the statutory rollout of the Reception Baseline Assessment until finally September 2021.”
The new baseline evaluation will be utilized to evaluate pupils’ maths, language and literacy techniques when they enter key and, eventually, to maintain universities to account for pupil development.
‘Recovery work’
Countrywide Association of Head Academics standard secretary Paul Whiteman explained: “There is no certainty in the recent time as to what will occur in the autumn phrase and there is likely of more disruption to the 2020-2021 educational yr.
“Furthermore we know there will be loads of recovery work to do and that most small children will not choose portion in the typical changeover actions prior to starting off university.
“Universities will rightly require to be focussing on this very important work as they return in the new tutorial calendar year.”
Small children in England experience statutory assessments at the age of seven which are due to be scrapped in 3 years time – on the other hand, Mr Whiteman mentioned he feared this day might also be delayed.
Geoff Barton of the Association of University and University Leaders claimed the selection was a “pragmatic and practical” a person.
He included that this was not the time to introduce a new countrywide evaluation.
“On the other hand, the authorities need to also undertake a critique of Key Stage 2 assessments owing to be taken subsequent May perhaps as a issue of urgency.”
Mr Barton claimed the Key Stage 2 checks, which are taken by 11-yr-olds, really should not be utilised as the basis of main college league tables “following so substantially disruption”.