Assessment at Valley Primary Academy

At Valley Primary Academy, assessment is an important part of teaching and learning. It helps us understand what children know, what they can do confidently and where they may need additional support or further challenge.

Assessment takes place throughout a child’s time at primary school and comes in many different forms. Some assessments are completed informally by teachers as part of everyday classroom learning, while others are statutory national assessments that take place at particular points during a child’s primary education.

We want children to approach assessment positively and confidently. Teachers will always support children to understand what is expected of them and will ensure that assessments are carried out in an appropriate and supportive environment.

Reception Baseline Assessment

Children complete the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) during the first six weeks after starting Reception.

The assessment provides a starting point for measuring the progress children make during their time at primary school. It is carried out individually with the child by a familiar member of staff and includes activities relating to early mathematics, literacy, communication and language.

It is designed to feel like a short series of practical activities rather than a formal test.

Early Years Foundation Stage Profile

At the end of Reception, teachers complete the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Profile.

The profile provides an overview of each child’s development across the areas of learning within the EYFS. It is based on teachers’ knowledge and observations of children throughout their Reception year.

This information helps us celebrate children’s achievements and supports a smooth transition into Year 1.

Year 1 Phonics Screening Check

Children in Year 1 take part in the statutory Phonics Screening Check (PSC) during the summer term.

The check assesses how well children can use their phonics knowledge to decode and read words. Children read a mixture of real words and specially created ‘pseudo-words’ (sometimes called alien words).

The check is completed individually with a familiar member of staff and is designed to be short and straightforward.

Children who do not meet the expected standard in Year 1 will receive additional support and will usually take the check again in Year 2.

Please see the documents below for further information about the Phonics Screening Check.

Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check

Children in Year 4 complete the statutory Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) during the summer term.

The purpose of the check is to determine whether pupils can fluently recall their multiplication tables up to 12 × 12, which is an important foundation for future learning in mathematics.

The check is completed online and consists of 25 multiplication questions. Children have 6 seconds to answer each question, with a short pause between questions.

We support children throughout the year to develop their multiplication knowledge and confidence.

Please see the documents below for further information about the Multiplication Tables Check.

Key Stage 2 SATs – Year 6

Children in Year 6 take the statutory Key Stage 2 assessments, commonly known as SATs, during the summer term.

The assessments cover:

• English Reading
• English Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling
• Mathematics

Writing is assessed separately by teachers using children’s work completed throughout the year.

The assessments provide information about children’s attainment at the end of Key Stage 2 and are considered alongside teachers’ wider knowledge of each child.

We recognise that national assessments can sometimes cause children and families to worry. At Valley Primary Academy, our priority is to ensure that children feel prepared, supported and confident. SATs are only one measure of a child’s learning and do not define their individual talents, achievements or potential.

Please see the documents below for further information about the Key Stage 2 assessments.

Assessment Throughout the School

National assessments are only a small part of the assessment that takes place at Valley Primary Academy.

Teachers continually assess children’s understanding through their everyday learning. This may include observations, discussions, questioning, children’s written work, practical activities, quizzes and more formal assessments.

Teachers use this information to:

• identify what children already know and understand;
• plan appropriate next steps in learning;
• identify children who may require additional support;
• provide appropriate challenge;
• monitor progress over time; and
• share information about children’s progress with parents and carers.

Supporting Your Child

Parents and carers play an important role in supporting children’s learning.

Regular reading at home, practising phonics, developing multiplication table fluency and encouraging children to talk about their learning can all make a significant difference.

Most importantly, we encourage families to help children view assessments positively. Children should understand that assessments are simply one way for teachers to see what they have learned and identify what they need to work on next.

If you have any questions about your child’s assessments or progress, please speak to your child’s class teacher in the first instance. The school will also provide further information to families ahead of statutory assessments.