Statutory assessment arrangements for 2013 - EYFSP, Phonics Check, KS1, KS2

Important reminders:

EYFS Profile

Profiles for each child who has reached the end of their time in the Early Years Foundation Stage must be completed by entering the 'best fit' judgement of 1 (emerging), 2 (achieving) or 3 (exceeding) against each of the 17 early learning goals. This data can be submitted using the SIMS templates provided in the MIS system and must be submitted to the LA by 21 June 2013 - see MI sheet 101/13 for full details. Teachers must also write a brief commentary for every child on each of the three 'characteristics of effective learning'. These are however used only for the purposes of reporting to parents and informing Y1 teachers; they are not submitted to the LA.

Y1 Phonics Check

The Phonics Check must be carried out during the week of 17 - 21 June only. Any pupils currently in Y2 who have either not previously been entered for the Check or who did not reach the national standard when they took it in Y1 must take it again in 2013. The LA will be carrying out its statutory duty to undertake monitoring of the Check administration. This will consist of visits before, during and after the Check week to at least 10% of schools with KS1 pupils, in order to ensure that all procedures are being carried out appropriately. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/187461/2013_KeyStage1_CheckAdministratorsGuide.pdf.pdf

Data must be reported to the LA by 3 July - see MI Sheet 101/13 for full details.

KS1

Please note that, whatever tools are used to track pupil progress through the year, the final level awarded must be a 'best fit' judgement against the specific National Curriculum level descriptor only. In particular, please ensure that these final levels for reading, writing and mathematics reflect the fact that, statutorily, only level 2 can be subdivided into a/b/c. Pupils who are working within level 1 or level 3 according to the NC descriptors must be awarded those levels, without reference to gradations within them.

KS1 teacher assessment judgements must be submitted to the LA by 28 June - see MI Sheet 101/13 for full details.

KS2

There are significant changes to the KS2 test programme in 2013 with the addition of the Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling Test and the integration of the three L6 tests (mathematics, reading, GPaS) into the test week.

There are also changes in the dispatch of papers: while mathematics and reading will be sent as normal to markers, GPaS scripts must be sent separately from Reading to the central address provided, in order to be scanned for on-line marking.

Writing is judged only by teacher assessment, in whole levels, based on the pupil's work across the year and across the curriculum. There is no national test to support this judgement in 2013.

Data must be submitted online by 14 June - see MI Sheet 101/13 for full details.

In order to support the correct and secure administration of all the tests, all regulations, advice and guidance about the secure delivery of the test process has now been brought together into one document - The Test Administrator's Guide (TAG). https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/187463/STA-13-6289.pdf.pdf

It is essential that every member of staff in any way concerned with the delivery of the process (eg school secretary, invigilators, supporting TAs and governors) has a copy of this document and that the headteacher is satisfied that they are familiar with the contents.

The LA will be carrying out its statutory duty to undertake unannounced test security and monitoring visits to 10% of schools which have pupils at the end of KS2. These visits may be carried out during the week of the tests (13 - 17 May), the week before (commencing 6 May) or the week after (commencing 20 May) and will cover all aspects of the procedures including storage, delivery and dispatch of the tests.

Maladministration and malpractice are viewed very seriously by the Standards and Testing Agency of the DfE and any incidents will be investigated and may result in the annulment of the school's results.

Full details of test security procedures can be found in the KS2 Assessment and Reporting Arrangements for 2013.
media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/2/sta136001_2013%20ks2%20ara.pdf

Finally, for all key stages:

The STA continue to send regular reminder alerts and updates to support schools through every stage of these processes. Please ensure that these emails are rapidly identified and disseminated appropriately as soon as they arrive, in order to ensure that all requirements are met effectively.

http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/teachingandlearning/assessment/keystage2

This page provides a useful link to all national curriculum assessment areas of the DfE website.

If you have further questions or need advice on statutory teacher assessment, moderation or test administration please contact:

Janet Warburton 01603 307798 janet.warburton@norfolk.gov.uk

Elizabeth Philpot 01603 307776 elizabeth.philpot@norfolk.gov.uk

For further advice on the submission process or information on school performance data please contact:

Chris Jackson 01603 224223 chris.jackson@norfolk.gov.uk

Dom Mingaye 01603 222984 dom.mingaye@norfolk.gov.uk