Assessment for Learning

The observation, assessment and planning cycle is an integral part of our practice in Key Stage 1 and underpins the decisions practitioners make with regard to the environment for learning, direct teaching opportunities, and interventions. In addition to observing the children as they learn, our teachers provide feedback to the children about their learning through written comments, conversations, and by analysing the independent work the children engage with. The children also provide each other with feedback on their learning and the learning process. All formative and summative assessment opportunities inform future planning so that the children’s strengths are continually being celebrated and next steps are being identified.

At the heart of our assessment lies a deep understanding of your child as a learner. We really get to know our children as unique people with special skills, interests and ideas. Our observations help to inform our knowledge of each child within the setting; the more we understand about your child, the better we can support them.

At the end of Year 2, the children complete a set of standardised assessments to assess their attainment in English and Mathematics. These assessments inform the judgments our teachers make of the children’s attainment at the end of Year 2 and inform baseline judgments of the children in English and Mathematics as they move into Year 3.

We always place great importance and value on our teachers’ assessments of the children; they are the people who know your children’s capabilities the best, and summative assessments are used to inform their judgements.