RILLINGTON Primary School

Assessment in Early Years

When children enter the Reception class an initial assessment is made to determine each child’s level of development against the seventeen aspects of learning.  Account is taken of the records passed on from pre-school providers, information from parents, via the “All about me” booklet, and observations of the children playing and learning. National baseline materials are used to ascertain specific information about maths and literacy development alongside play-based materials and activities developed by the Reception team.  Baseline assessments are completed within the first three weeks of the term.

Each week, focus activities are planned for the children with pre-determined learning objectives.  Following the Elevate ‘Keep Up Not Catch Up Approach’, children are assessed against these and any difficulties are noted.  Plans are put in place to address these, either through further exploration, in whole class time or through the use of five-minute boxes.  Some children benefit from pre-teaching, particularly mathematical concepts and vocabulary.

Half-termly assessments are made to ascertain progress in phonics (Letters and Sounds).

Summative assessments are recorded on Insight each term and are reported and shared with parents at termly consultation evenings.