For the Attention of Headteachers and Year 6 Teachers

With the Assessment and Reporting Arrangements document (ARA) now available to schools we are writing to highlight some points to help ensure the secure and effective administration of the assessments. Hard copies of the document have been sent to schools and it is also available online.
The online version allows users to access guidance online and search for specific information.
Headteachers should ensure that all staff involved in the administration of the tests are fully briefed on the necessary arrangements to avoid any potential maladministration.

Key Changes for 2009

	Online reporting to parents, carers or guardians The DCSF expects that schools will move to online reporting. A letter to headteachers and chairs of governors from DCSF, Becta, the Workforce Agreement Monitoring Group (WAMG) and the Implementation Review Unit (IRU) outlining this expectation is available on the DCSF TeacherNet website. For more information, see section 3.2.
	Distribution of 2009 ARAs Schools will no longer be able to order additional printed copies of the ARA. Schools can access the ARA online now or download a PDF version from the NAA website.
	2009 optional tests for years 3, 4 and 5 Development of new optional test materials has been postponed pending the outcome of the Making Good Progress pilot. 2009 will be the fourth testing year for the current suite of years 3, 4 and 5 optional tests. Existing 2006 materials can be reused and schools do not need to reorder.
	Delivery of test materials The delivery of test materials will take place after the Easter holiday. For further information, see section 8.5 of the ARA.
	Science tests - change for 2009 From 2009, the scientific term 'factor' will be replaced with 'variable'. Pupils will not be expected to know and use the terms dependent / independent / control variable. The tests will refer to a variable that will be measured / changed / kept the same or similar wording as appropriate to the context of the question.
	Teacher assessment Although the NAA's deadline for submitting P scale data and teacher assessments is Friday 10 July, the LA's deadline is 18th June, to enable the Information and Research Centre to ensure all submissions have been processed correctly before the final deadline. Teacher assessments may still be submitted as early as 1 May 2009.

Test dates for 2010
The key stage 2 national curriculum tests for 2010 will take place from Monday 10 May to Friday 14 May 2010.
Further details can be found on the NAA website.

Online applications for access arrangements
All applications for additional time, early opening and timetable variations must be made electronically at www.naa.org.uk. Completed applications must be submitted by 5:00pm on 2 March 2009, at which point access to the site will be removed. It is strongly recommended that applications are submitted earlier than this to allow any further information to be requested if necessary.

Section 12 of the ARA (page 54) makes clear which groups of pupils may be entitled to access arrangements and which arrangement may be appropriate. Please note in particular:

Additional time can only be considered for pupils who regularly receive additional time in school.

Pupils with a statement of special educational needs, who would normally be allowed extra time in class, are entitled to extra time at the school's discretion.

Pupils with behavioural, emotional or social difficulties are normally best supported with the use of rest breaks.

It is important to note that additional time will not be given when:

A pupil is working below the level of the test

There is evidence of general low ability

A pupil does not usually get extra time in classroom activities.

Tests used to produce evidence for the following criteria should be up to date, fully standardised tests that are age appropriate and have a ceiling level equivalent to, or above, the chronological age of the pupil. A list of some of the available tests is published on the QCA website. Data used as evidence must have been obtained no earlier than the start of the previous school year, unless it relates to a physical disability, named medical condition (not including specific learning difficulties) or cognitive ability scores. Data from QCA optional tests and previous national curriculum tests cannot be used as evidence, as these tests are not designed to assess a pupil's eligibility for additional time.
Each application for additional time is considered against the profile set out on pages 59-76 of the 2009 KS2 ARA.