Dear Headteacher

Further to the target setting letter dated 27^th August 2001, sent to you by Fred Corbett, I am writing to provide additional information concerning the provision to all schools of the QCA Optional Tests.

As Fred stated, the LEA to further support the accuracy and effectiveness of setting indicative targets, will be providing all schools with QCA optional tests relevant to the year groups in their school. The LEA will finance the provision of the QCA test for schools for two years, and collect the results to analyse and support the schools with data analysis and compilation of indicative targets for each school.

After discussions with QCA I can now confirm that the optional tests should be ordered by each school direct from QCA (at the present time QCA do not have the systems to handle a composite LEA order and distribution arrangements). Therefore each school ordering tests should complete an order form and forward it to QCA in the usual way. When completing the order form each school will need to ensure that:

• The LEA reference number (926) is included before the unique school reference number.
• The order form is clearly marked "to be paid for by Norfolk LEA".

If these instructions are followed the LEA will be invoiced directly by QCA. To enable us to keep track of the orders to be invoiced please could you send a copy of the completed order form for my attention to Robin Biss at the PDC.

Any schools having already sent order forms to QCA, and have received an invoice from QCA should forward this to the LEA for payment (either the invoice to pay QCA and for an already paid invoice a copy so that the school can be reimbursed). Once again these should be sent for my attention to Robin Biss at the PDC.

The arrangements for the collection analysis of data arising from the optional tests will be sent to schools later in the school year. If, in the meantime, you have any further questions or require further clarification regarding the points outlined above, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

 Terry Cook

Principal Adviser School Effectiveness