Assessment, Moderation, Monitoring and Data Collection - Print version

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Primary assessments

What we do

The work of the team is focused on supporting schools to make accurate judgements at the end of Key Stages.  This includes ensuring statutory assessment arrangements are met and Headteachers and Governors have the support and guidance necessary to meet these requirements.

Schools were given the option to purchase the course attendance Service Level Agreement until 31 December 2023.  The cost of this was £500 for the Academic Year and gave schools access to all the courses and briefings [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/assessment-moderation-monitoring-data-collection/services-schools-assessment-moderation-monitoring-data-collection/3] at no extra charge.

Please note that a £75 non-attendance charge will apply, unless we are notified prior to the event.

Schools who have not purchased the SLA will be charged on a pay as you go basis which will be £75 per person.

Our services to you

As part of our statutory duties the following services are provided free of charge to all Coventry LA-maintained schools.
Academies and free schools receive their funding direct and therefore will be charged for these services.

Phonics screening check

  • Include all schools in a formal LA Phonics screening monitoring visit within a set cycle
  • Provide telephone/email support and guidance on the phonic screening statutory arrangements within KS1
  • Carry out quality assurance checks on the Phonic data returns from schools to verify that data is accurate prior to DfE submission

Key Stage 1

Following the 2017 consultation on primary assessment [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/primary-assessment-in-england], we announced in July 2022 [https://mailchi.mp/education.gov.uk/primary-assessments-in-the-2022-2023-academic-year?e=%5bUNIQID%5d] that end of KS1 assessments will no longer be statutory from the academic year 2023 to 2024 onwards. The necessary legislative amendments [https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-curriculum-assessments-key-stage-1-tests] have now been made and will take effect from 1 September 2023.

The reception baseline assessment (RBA) will replace the end of KS1 assessments as the baseline for cohort level primary progress measures. This will happen when the first cohort with a statutory RBA reaches the end of key stage 2 (KS2) in 2028. 

The phonics screening check is still statutory [https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-curriculum-assessments-key-stage-1-tests#:~:text=The%20reception%20baseline,phonics%20screening%20check]. While there is no legal duty on local authorities to moderate KS1 teacher assessment, they are still required to monitor the phonics screening check. 

Non-Statutory 

The Standards and Testing Agency emailed you in June 2023 [https://mailchi.mp/education.gov.uk/important-update-changes-to-ks1-assessments-from-the-20232024-test-cycle?e=%5bUNIQID%5d] to confirm that end of key stage 1 (KS1) assessments are no longer statutory from the academic year 2023 to 2024 onwards.

They are, however, continuing to develop and supply materials for optional end of KS1 tests. These will include optional tests of English reading, English grammar, punctuation and spelling and mathematics. They will also continue to make the end of KS1 teacher assessment frameworks [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teacher-assessment-frameworks-at-the-end-of-key-stage-1] available for optional use.

The aim of the optional assessments is to give schools access to test papers to assist the measurement of pupil achievement and to help identify where pupils need additional support as they transition into key stage 2. The tests can also be used to inform teacher assessment judgements, using the optional teacher assessment frameworks.

The Government encourages schools to administer the optional tests and teacher assessments, but there is no requirement to use these or report results to parents or local authorities, and they will not be used for school accountability purposes.

Maintained schools and academies do not need to place a test order for standard versions of the optional KS1 tests. They will automatically receive paper copies of the standard English reading, mathematics and English grammar and punctuation and spelling (GPS) tests. Previously, GPS was available only for download, but it will be included and supplied unless you decline to receive all materials. They will calculate the quantities required based on school census data. However, schools should order modified tests by Friday 17 November on the Primary Assessment Gateway (PAG) [https://www.primaryassessmentgateway.education.gov.uk/publicaccessproduction/selfservice/citizenportal/login.htm], if required.

Schools who do not use the optional tests and teacher assessments do not have to report this to them. However, if maintained schools and academies do not wish to receive paper copies of any of the KS1 tests, they can decline them on the PAG from Monday 16 October until Friday 17 November. Note that schools cannot decline individual subjects. Schools that decline test materials will still be able to download them from the PAG from Wednesday 1 May.

They have published the following guidance documents today, Wednesday 11 October, to support schools who wish to administer the optional tests and assessments to their pupils:

If schools have any questions about the guidance, or the optional tests or assessments, they can contact the national curriculum assessments helpline on 0300 303 3013 or at assessments@education.gov.uk [mailto:assessments@education.gov.uk].

Key Stage 2

  • Ensure that the KS2 assessment arrangements are implemented through a LA programme of moderation monitoring and data checking
  • Offer guidance and advice on all aspects of assessment at KS2 through assessment briefings and updates
  • Ensure all schools receive an external moderation of Y6 writing as part of the STA determined cycle and that schools where assessment is at risk of inaccuracy moderate more frequently
  • Provide advice to schools on access to and reporting of statutory assessment for the end of KS2
  • Quality assure writing teacher assessment data prior to submitting teacher assessments to the DFE
  • Conduct LA test monitoring visits as per statutory guidelines. The KS2 monitoring visits will take place within a set cycle

The following services will be available to all schools (including Academies and Free schools) at no cost as part of the City Council’s statutory duty:

Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP)

The EYFSP is a summative assessment to be completed at the end of the reception year. The purpose of this assessment is to support a successful transition to key stage one by informing the professional dialogue between EYFS and Year 1 teachers. The EYFSP may also inform conversation with parents and carers.

Local Authorities are still responsible for collecting EYFSP data and sending this to the DfE. EYFSP data must usually be submitted to the Local Authority by the end of June. The date is set each year. The external moderation of the EYFS profile in the summer term is no longer subject to statutory external moderation.

However, Primary Network Leads should still include opportunities for EYFS agreement trialling, discussion and reflection throughout the academic year. Where possible, the inclusion of local early years providers in this activity should be encouraged to support effective transition.

Teachers are not expected to record evidence for each of the ELGs or provide physical evidence of the child's level of development for the purposes of completing the EYFSP or for Ofsted Inspection.

The EYFS profile must be completed if an exemption has been granted for the setting or an individual child. Having a Special Educational Need or Disability is no longer a reason for exemption. 

Please see further guidance:

Update on RBA delivery in the academic year 2024 to 2025

In March 2023, we informed schools that they would need 2 devices to administer the reception baseline assessment (RBA) from September 2024.

However, we have made the decision to delay the implementation of this two-device solution until September 2025. This will allow us more time to develop and test this approach, including conducting further user research with schools. We have updated the RBA IT guidance  to reflect this change.

In the academic year 2024 to 2025, there will be no change for schools and the National Foundation for Education Research (NFER) will continue to deliver the RBA. You can find more information and guidance on the RBA collection page .

If you have any questions, or would be interested in digital user research, please contact Future-RBA.sta@education.gov.uk [mailto:Future-RBA.sta@education.gov.uk].

EYFS profile assessment added to future assessment dates page

On Monday 12 February, we added dates and information for the early years foundation stage (EYFS) profile assessment on the Primary assessments: future dates  page.

Schools must complete the EYFS profile assessment between April and June of the academic year in which children turn 5, which is usually the reception year.

Our commitment to you

Quality assurance

The local authority has quality assurance processes in place to ensure that all statutory functions are carried out as per the guidance in the assessment and reporting arrangements for each key stage. An appeals process outlining the steps to take if the school is not satisfied with the service is shared with schools on an annual basis. The Standards and Testing Agency monitors local authority systems, plans and evaluations to ensure that the local authority is carrying out its statutory duties with respect to statutory assessment at each key stage.

Members of the team

All members of the moderation teams are currently teachers in schools. All moderators have to undergo an induction period before they work on their own and their work is quality assured by the Moderation Manager. The Coventry Monitoring Officers and LA Officers will carry out monitoring visits.

What we cost

Services are available to academies and free schools through a service level agreement.

The DfE will contact schools regarding which LA their school will use for Monitoring and Moderation. Once the DfE has this information they will inform the LA.

Charge per half-day for:

  • Monitoring visits: £240
  • Phonics: £100

The majority of moderation and monitoring visits will incur a half-day charge. There may, however, be the need to charge for a full day for larger schools (3 or 4 form entry where it is anticipated moderation will take longer than the half-day visit). Schools would be advised of the charge prior to the KS2 moderation or monitoring visit.

Helen Masefield

PO Box 15 Council House Earl Street Coventry CV1 5RR

Telephone: 024 7697 7762 [tel:02476977762]

Assessment updates for 2023-2024

Outline of updates on Primary Statutory Assessment 2023-2024

Contacts:

  • Helen Masefield – Strategic Lead
  • KS2 Moderation Manager: Julia Etheridge

For queries regarding end key stage assessments please contact:

Coventry: Keystageassessment@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:Keystageassessment@coventry.gov.uk]

National Curriculum Assessments helpline
0300 303 3013 or e-mail assessments@education.gov.uk [mailto:assessments@education.gov.uk]

Publications

Recently published

Science sampling

Ministers have decided not to undertake any further science sampling tests at KS2, and consequently, we do not have any plans to undertake science sampling tests in 2022/23 or subsequent years. In 2022/23, schools will still submit teacher assessment data for science at both KS1 and KS2

The engagement model

The engagement model replaces P scales 1-4 and is a new assessment tool for pupils working below the standard of the national curriculum and not engaged in subject-specific study. It should be used to assess pupils’ learning regularly throughout the year.

Schools must report to STA which pupils have been assessed using the engagement model.

Read more information about the engagement model [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-engagement-model].

Assessment termly updates 2023-2024

Spring Term 2024 assessment update [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/7739/spring-term-2024-assessment-update]

End of KS2 briefing [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/7826/end-ks2-briefing]

Primary Assessment Gateway

The Primary Assessment Gateway [http://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-primary-assessment-gateway] is a secure website that supports primary schools, LAs and MATs with the administration of key stage 1 (KS1) and key stage 2 (KS2) national curriculum assessments.

Schools can:

  • place test orders
  • submit holiday dates to help inform the delivery of test materials
  • download phonics screening check and KS1 test materials
  • register pupils for KS2 tests
  • apply for KS2 access arrangements
  • submit the headteacher’s declaration forms
  • view the teacher assessment (TA) standardisation exercise and training materials
  • submit KS2 TA data
  • view the KS2 results and marked test script
  • download KS1 and KS2 standardisation materials to support moderation and training

Assessment Codes for KS1 and KS2
Code Explanation
GDS Working at greater depth
EXS/WTS Working at expected standard
HNM Has not met the expected standard
EM Working below the level of the national curriculum and not yet engaged in subject specific study
A Absent for long periods, recently arrived, or not enough information to provide a TA judgement
L Pupil has left school
F Pupil will reach the end of the programme of study and complete the key stage in a future year
P Pupil completed the key stage in a previous year and a TA judgement has already been submitted.

Key stage 2 (KS1 from PK4-PK1)
Code Explanation
PK6 Pre key stage standard 6
PK5 Pre key stage standard 5
PK4 Pre key stage standard 4
PK3 Pre key stage standard 3
PK2 Pre key stage standard 2
PK1 Pre key stage standard 1

Primary Assessment briefings and Moderation meetings 2023 - 2024

Briefing and meeting dates

Please note any cancellations made after 3pm the day before briefings will incur a charge of £35 cancellations made on the day will be charged at £75.

Date

Time

Activity

Audience, venue, and trainer

07/05/24

15:30 – 17:00

Book your place [https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Zfr8cUYHyE6bFq2S-y3hAubPrkavSu9NiSckRAXPnaRUQklERUJFUFdJNUNOWlNKTzdVTlVYOEVJMi4u]

Administering the Phonics Screening Check

 

Teachers administering the check for the first time

Spon Gate Primary School

Lynne Burns

09/05/24

14:30 - 16:00

Network Moderation Leads Termly Update

Termly meeting to promote collaboration between network moderation leads and share local and national updates from Coventry KS2 moderation manager.

These termly meetings are designed to provide national and local assessment updates with regard to moderation, and facilitate valuable networking opportunities, where leaders can discuss and debate issues and share good practice.

Network Moderation Leads will receive an invitation to this session

Network Moderation Leads

Microsoft Teams

Julia Etheridge

22/05/24

13:00 - 15:00

Moderator Training

LA moderators will receive an invitation to this session

LA Moderators

Friargate Room 1.3

Julia Etheridge

22/05/24

15:30 – 17:00

Meet the moderator session

Schools that are being moderated will receive an invitation to this session

Year 6 staff who have been selected for writing moderation in the 2023/24 cycle.

Friargate Rooms M1.3, M1.4 & M1.5

Julia Etheridge

Local Authority Moderators
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