17.07.13
Baseline tests could be introduced for reception
Children starting primary school could be subjected to a new ‘baseline’ test to measure pupils’ attainment.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has launched a consultation on the proposals, which could see a more formal version of tests already set in some schools. The pupil premium for disadvantaged school children will also increase from £900 in 2013/14 to £1,300 the year after, Clegg will announce.
The new tests would be subject to external supervision, but invigilators would not sit in on tests.
An early draft of the consultation reads: “We would welcome views on the most appropriate point for a baseline to measure progress. We propose either retaining a baseline at the end of key stage 1 using end of key stage 1 tests or introducing a simple baseline check at the start of reception (making the early years foundation stage profile non-statutory).”
Clegg will say: “Every primary school should strive to make its pupils ready for secondary school by the time they leave. All the evidence shows that if you start behind, you stay behind. A better start at secondary school is a better start in life.
“I make no apology for having high ambitions for our pupils. But for children to achieve their potential we need to raise the bar – in terms of tests, pass marks and minimum standards. I am confident that primary schools and their pupils will meet that challenge.”
David Laws, the Lib Dem schools minister, said: “It is vital that we set high aspirations for all schools and pupils. Our new targets will prepare children for success. At the moment, pupils are being asked to reach a bar that too often sets them up for failure not success.
“So that all children – whatever their circumstances – can arrive in secondary school ready to succeed, we are giving significantly more money to primary school pupils eligible for the pupil premium. This will support this step-change in ambition.”
But Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, said: “The tests at 11, which will determine if pupils are 'secondary school ready', could risk establishing a modern-day version of the discredited and deeply damaging 11-plus system.
“Producing performance tables which rank individual pupils against their peers nationally could also result in children being labelled as failures at an early age. The Government should consider carefully whether this sensitive information should be made available to other schools given the risk of a return to an 11-plus system of selection. The deputy prime minister may inadvertently be heralding the expansion of selective education so favoured by the Conservative party.”
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