Education Select Committee inquiry into primary assessment and testing

Wednesday 19th October 2016

The House of Commons Education Committee has launched an inquiry into primary assessment. This inquiry will scrutinise reforms to primary assessment and their impact on teaching and learning in primary schools. It will also cover the wider effects of assessment on primary pupils and schools, as well as possible next steps for Government policy.

The inquiry is likely to look at debates over the benefits and drawbacks of testing at primary school, as well as examining issues such as whether SATs focus too heavily on English and Maths, leading to schools neglecting other areas of the curriculum like science and modern languages. Questions over the implementation of the new assessment system will also feature in this inquiry.

The opportunity to send written submissions to the Commons Education Select Committee closes on the 28th October. It is important that as many Headteachers/staff/governors as possible make a submission to the Select Committee; the submission does not have to be long but it is essential the Essex primary  voice is heard by the Select Committee.  EPHA has gathered views of Executive members and I have drafted a four-page response on behalf of the association – please find attached for your interest.

The purpose of the inquiry by the Committee is to look at the following;

  • The purpose of primary assessment & how well the current system meets this
  • The advantages and disadvantages of assessing pupils at primary school
  • How the recent reforms have affected teaching and learning
  • Logistics and delivery of SATs
  • Training and support for teachers and senior leaders to design and implement effective assessment systems
  • Next steps following the most recent reforms

The impact of the changes to the assessment systems on Essex Primary School Headteachers, staff, children and parents was significant last year. These changes experienced by schools at short notice last year meant that many teachers had a stressful experience and in turn children were challenged emotionally. In these times of mental health challenges to many of our young people the introduction of these tests last year heaped more stress on children who did not need this at their age and stage of education. Primary Schools should be about giving our children a broad and balanced education based on first hand experiences. We do dispute the use of tests for accountability; what we are concerned about is the delivery and challenging nature of many aspects of these tests. These tests were ill-conceived, rushed and in many cases irrelevant to primary school children, especially if a child has SEND issues.  

The deadline for written evidence is Friday 28 October 2016. The public evidence sessions for this inquiry are likely to begin in November.

You can submit evidence here: http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/education-committee/inquiries/parliament-2015/primary-assessment-16-17/

Please contact the Executive Director if you would like any further information or support,

Nigel Hookway
EPHA Executive Director
nigelhookway@hotmail.com
 

Pam Langmead