Test Security and Administration Monitoring Visits by Local Authority Representatives 2005
(Key Stages 2 and 3, and Year 7 Progress Tests)

You will be aware that in past years the Local Authority has carried out unannounced visits to a sample of schools before and during the test week to check security arrangements are being followed. In 2005 it is again statutory for Local Authority's to carry out these visits. Thus, in Norfolk, in accordance with QCA guidance, members of the Norfolk Advisory Services will visit a sample of schools in the week before the Key Stage 2 and 3 tests are due to be administered, as well as during actual test sessions. This is to enable a check to be made on the security of test packages and allow the administration of the tests to be observed. This will include Year 7 Progress Tests where relevant. As in 2004, about 10% of Norfolk schools with Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 pupils will be visited (i.e. approximately 6 high schools and 26 schools in the primary phase). The purpose of these visits will be to check that the packages are unopened and stored securely. A visit before the test week will last approximately half an hour. Most visits will be made during the relevant key stage test week. These will take longer and will include checking security as well as observing a test being administered.

The advisers carrying out the monitoring visits will complete a record of the visit using the NAA monitoring form. (In April 2004, the part of QCA responsible for developing and delivering the national curriculum tests became the National Assessment Agency (NAA). NAA is a subsidiary agency of QCA and has responsibility for national curriculum tests and ensuring the smooth delivery and modernisation of the examinations system). It is expected that the forms will indicate that the adviser was confident in the security arrangements in every school visited. This form will be shown to the headteacher who may wish to photocopy it. If any concerns are identified, these will be discussed with the headteacher at the end of the visit, so that appropriate alterations to the test procedures for any remaining tests can be made.

QCA/NAA, with the help of the Local Authority if appropriate, will investigate any cases of irregularity reported on the monitoring forms. It will be QCA/NAA's responsibility to take any action affecting pupils' test levels. Malpractice is viewed very seriously. In any case where malpractice is proven, test results will be withheld from the school who may not report them to parents or the DfES.
I know that you understand the importance of these visits. I am confident that this matter will be handled with the usual high level of professionalism by all concerned and that it is highly unlikely that any incidence of irregularity will be found in any Norfolk schools.
Please ensure that you are familiar with the information from QCA/NAA about test security, and please don't hesitate to contact Chris Hemmings at the Norwich Professional Development Centre (Email: Chris.Hemmings@norfolk.gov.uk) if you have questions or need any further information or advice. He will be pleased to try and help.