Target Setting - Key Stages 1 and 2

As you know all schools are required to set targets this autumn in English and Mathematics for the current Y5 pupils for their National Curriculum Tests in 2008. Schools are responsible for setting and publishing their own targets, in discussion with the Local Authority, for raising pupils' attainment. Regulations require schools to set their statutory targets by the end of December 2006 and the Local Authority is required to submit these targets to the DfES. We will be working with you to set provisional targets by Friday 10th November 2006.

In the interests of continuous improvement, targets should be ambitious, rather than safe predictions of pupil performance. Although the statutory requirement to set and report targets applies only to targets for 2008, we recommend schools to look further ahead than one year and set a trajectory to 2009.

In addition, schools are required to submit absence targets within the same timescale. The Local Authority is committed to supporting you in the setting of both absence targets and end of Key Stage 2 attainment targets, through your School Development Adviser (SDA), and by the provision of relevant supporting information. When visiting the school, the SDA will be discussing the guidance and target setting regulations and will provide support in implementing these arrangements. In addition we will, as previously, provide you with Fischer Family Trust estimates for the relevant Key Stage 2 cohort of pupils, based on prior attainment. These will arrive in schools next week. (If you would like more information on the work of the Fischer Family Trust please contact Chris Jackson in the Information and Research Centre, tel: 01603 224223.)

What targets are required?

End of Key Stage 1 2008

Targets to be set by the end of the Summer Term 2007

% reaching Level 2+ in Reading, Writing, Maths (Local Authority request good practice targets)

% reaching Level 2B+ in Reading, Writing, Maths (Local Authority request good practice targets)

% reaching Level 3+ in Reading, Writing, Maths (Local Authority request good practice targets)

End of Key Stage 2 2008

% gaining L4+ in English and Maths (statutory requirement)

% gaining L5+ in English and Maths (Local Authority request good practice target)

Absence Targets

% Absence 2007 /08 (statutory)

Trajectory Targets for 2009

A trajectory for each of the above targets for 2009 (DfES recommended)

How and when should targets be submitted?

• As last year, targets should be submitted via the Local Authority's Esinet in the password protected "My School" area


• Provisional targets should be submitted by Friday 10th November, these will be discussed with the SDA and, if possible, a governing body representative, in order to agree final targets


• Final agreed targets should be submitted by Friday 8th December, in order to allow the Local Authority to collate all targets by the 31st December 2006 DfES deadline

Further guidance on the target setting process can be found on the DfES website and targets will be submitted via the Local Authority's Esinet in the password protected "My School" area.

To obtain a copy of the timetable, please click here.

Your SDA will look forward to meeting you later this term to agree your targets and School Self Evaluation summative statement, and in the Summer Term (where appropriate) to agree your Key Stage 1 targets. If you require any further guidance or clarification on any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact Terry Cook (Head of School Performance Organisation and Inclusion), Norfolk Children's Services - Tel: 01603 433276, or email: terry.cook@norfolk.gov.uk.