Assessments

At Barnes Primary School, assessment is an important part of teaching and learning. It helps us understand what children know, what they can do, and what they need to learn next.

We believe assessment should support learning rather than simply measure it. Through careful assessment, we can ensure every child is challenged, supported and encouraged to achieve their very best. Our approach reflects our high expectations for all pupils and our belief that every child can succeed.

Assessment takes place every day in the classroom through:

• Teacher observation and discussion
• Questioning and feedback
• Children’s classwork and independent work
• Retrieval activities and quizzes
• End-of-unit assessments where appropriate
• Self-assessment and reflection by pupils

Teachers use this information to identify strengths, address misconceptions and plan the next steps in learning. Assessment is based on a range of evidence to provide a full picture of each child's achievement. 

We are committed to:

• Helping children understand what they are learning and how they can improve.
• Providing clear and meaningful feedback that supports progress.
• Encouraging children to reflect on their learning and take pride in their achievements.
• Using assessment information to provide appropriate challenge and support.
• Ensuring no child is overlooked.
• Monitoring progress carefully to identify children who may need additional support or greater challenge.
• Moderating assessment judgements within school and with other schools to maintain accuracy.
• Using assessment approaches that are purposeful, manageable and valuable to learning.
• Working in partnership with parents by providing clear information about their child's progress. 

We carry out summative end of term assessments for all year groups Y1 to Y6. In addition, we also participate in the following statutory assessments. 

Further information about each assessment can be found below.

In Reception, assessment is an ongoing part of daily learning. Staff observe children as they play, explore and learn, using these observations to plan next steps and ensure all children make strong progress.

Children complete the statutory Reception Baseline Assessment within the first six weeks of starting school. They are also assessed across all areas of learning and development throughout the year. At the end of Reception, teachers complete the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile, which is shared with parents.

We believe parents play a vital role in supporting their child's learning.

We keep parents informed through:

• Pupil progress meetings with parents at the start of Autumn 2 (10 mins) and at the start of Spring 2 (15 minutes)
• End-of-year reports in Summer 2
• Ongoing discussions with teachers when needed
• Information about national assessments and outcomes in summer 2

Our aim is always to provide information that is clear, helpful and easy to understand so that families can support learning at home.