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.

For 2026 to 2027 training and briefings will be charged on a pay as you go basis which will be £100 per person for in-person courses and £85 for online. Please note that a £50 non-attendance charge will apply, unless we are notified prior to the event.

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

The reception baseline assessment (RBA) replaces the end of KS1 assessments as the baseline for cohort level primary progress measures. 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 

End of key stage 1 (KS1) assessments are no longer statutory from the academic year 2023 to 2024 onwards.

STA will however continue 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 (TBA) on the National Curriculum Assessments Portal [https://www.ncaportal.education.gov.uk/login],  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 National Curriculum Assessments Portal from (TBA). Note that schools cannot decline individual subjects. Schools that decline test materials will still be able to download them from the National Curriculum Assessments Portal from (TBA).

STA have published the following guidance documents today, (TBA), 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 in 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 Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) is a statutory assessment completed at the end of the Reception year. Its primary purpose is to support a successful transition into Year 1 by providing an accurate summary of each child's attainment against the Early Learning Goals (ELGs), informing professional dialogue between Reception and Key Stage 1 practitioners. It can also support meaningful discussions with parents and carers about children's learning and development. 

Schools must complete the EYFS Profile assessment for all eligible children during the final term of the academic year in which they reach age five, and submit their data to the Local Authority by 30 June. Local Authorities are required to return approved data to the Department for Education (DfE) by 31 July. 

Key requirements:

  • Local Authorities remain responsible for collecting EYFSP data and submitting it to the Department for Education (DfE). Schools must ensure data is accurate and submitted to the Local Authority by the published deadline of 30 June each year. 
  • Schools should undertake appropriate quality assurance processes before submission to ensure an accurate and statistically valid return. 
  • The EYFSP assesses children's attainment against the 17 Early Learning Goals (ELGs). For each ELG, practitioners must judge whether a child is 'expected' or 'emerging'. 
  • Teachers should make assessment judgements based on their knowledge of the child and day-to-day observations of learning and development. The DfE continues to emphasise that excessive evidence gathering is unnecessary. Practitioners are not required to collect physical evidence for every ELG or for inspection purposes. 
  • Although statutory external moderation has ended, schools are encouraged to participate in professional dialogue, agreement trialling, peer moderation and local assessment support activities to develop consistency and confidence in judgements. 
  • The EYFSP must be completed for all eligible children unless they have a formal exemption. A child having SEND is not, in itself, grounds for exemption. Inclusive assessment arrangements should be used wherever possible. 

Who uses the data ?

 The DfE publishes national, regional and local authority level EYFSP statistics on an annual basis on explore education statistics [https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/early-years-foundation-stage-profile-results/2023-24]. 

The DfE does not publish school level EYFSP statistics on this platform. EYFSP data submitted from the summer term in 2026 onwards will be available in Analyse School Performance [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/analyse-school-performance-asp] (ASP) a secure web-based platform accessible via Department for Education Sign-in [https://services.signin.education.gov.uk/] from the end of the 2026 autumn term.

Schools will be able to view their own school-level data within this platform, including the percentage of children reaching a good level of development and the percentage of children at the expected level for each early learning goal.

Help for early years providers : EYFS profile assessment support [https://help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/support-for-practitioners/eyfs-profile-assessment-support]

DfE EYFS Profile Assessment Support

The Department for Education has introduced a new programme of EYFS Profile Assessment Support, delivered through Local Authorities, to strengthen assessment practice and support consistency in EYFSP judgements. This includes online guidance, case studies, videos and facilitated professional learning opportunities. [gov.uk] [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/early-years-foundation-stage-profile-assessment-support], [help-for-e...ion.gov.uk] [https://help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/support-for-practitioners/eyfs-profile-assessment-support]

As part of this offer, schools are encouraged to participate in three free EYFS assessment workshops each academic year, with one session taking place in each term (summer, autumn and spring). These workshops provide opportunities for practitioners to engage in professional dialogue, share effective practice, discuss assessment judgements and strengthen transition arrangements between Reception and Year 1.

The programme is funded by the DfE and delivered through Local Authorities as part of the wider Best Start Family Hubs programme. Places will be advertised via the Early Years Quality Improvement and Standards Team.

Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA)

Official guidance

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.

Local Agreement 2026 [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/8697/local-agreement-2026-to-2027]

What we cost

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

Service Level Agreement 2025 to 2026 [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/8336/service-level-agreement-2025-2026]

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 KS2 SATs: £250
  • Phonics screen check monitoring visits: £125

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 a half-day). Schools would be advised of the charge prior to the KS2 moderation or monitoring visit.

Helen Masefield

Address: Coventry City Council
PO Box 7097
Coventry
CV6 9SL

Telephone: 024 7697 7762 [tel:02476977762]

Assessment updates for 2026 to 2027

Outline of updates on Primary Statutory Assessment 2026 to 2027.

Contacts

  • Helen Masefield – Strategic Lead
  • 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

The engagement model

The engagement model replaces P scales 1 to 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].

National Curriculum Assessments Portal (previously PAG)

The National Curriculum Assessments Portal [https://www.primaryassessmentgateway.education.gov.uk/publicaccessproduction/selfservice/citizenportal/login.htm]  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 KS2
Code Explanation
GDS Working at greater depth
EXS Working at expected standard
WTS Working towards 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 to 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 2026 to 2027

 Training and briefings will be charged on a pay-as-you-go basis which will be £100 per person for in-person courses and £85 for online. 

Please note cancellations made the day before briefings will incur a charge of £50 and a £100 charge for cancellation made on the day.

New course: Getting writing right – teaching writing

0.5 day CPD for each year group Years 1 to 5. These year group-specific sessions will deepen teachers’ understanding of writing expectations in Year groups 1,2,4 and 5, and equip them with practical strategies to secure progress in writing.

This course is suitable for all teachers, whether new or returning to the year group, or more experienced teachers looking to refresh their practice. It also provides a valuable opportunity to network, share ideas, and discuss effective classroom strategies.

The sessions will cover:

  • Establishing Non-Negotiables
  • Securing Basic Skills (Strengthening sentence construction, spelling and handwriting)
  • Early Writing Composition (KS1) ·
  • Writing for Audience and Purpose (KS2)
  • Teaching Editing and Proofreading (Practical approaches to help pupils refine and improve their writing) (Y2-5)

Date, time and location

Monday 28 September 2026:

Thursday 8 October 2026:

Thursday 15 October 2026:

Teachers new to Year 6

Tips, tools, and strategies for surviving and thriving as a new Year 6 teacher. The full day course includes subject-specific content and assessment and is an invaluable support for those starting their Y6 journey. There is a follow-up half day on Friday 26 February, and it would maximise the benefit to attend both.

Date, time and location

Thursday 1 October 2026:

Understanding standards in writing at end KS2 

Using the most up-to-date STA materials, this full day CPD explores the different standards in writing – WTS, EXS and GDS. This training is suitable for Year 6 teachers, English Leaders and Senior Leaders who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of expectations in writing to ensure accurate judgements.

Sessions will include:

  • TAF – Criteria for each standard
  • Writing for Audience and Purpose – comparing WTS, EXS and GDS
  • Distinguishing between WTS and EXS
  • The Greater Depth Standard
  • Exploration of strands, including
    • Integrating Dialogue in Narrative
    • Spelling

Date, time and location

Monday 12 October 2026:

Training for LA moderators SE1

LA moderators will receive an invitation to this session.

Date, time and location

Monday 9 November 2026:

Understanding standards in writing – greater depth

Using STA materials, this half-day CPD will include sessions on:

  • GDS vs EXS – what is the difference?
  • Characteristics of a GDS writer
  • Standardisation – GDS – Articulating the standard
  • Providing opportunities for GDS writers
  • Understanding needs of your GDS pupils

Date, time and location

Tuesday 24 November 2026:

End KS2 statutory assessment briefing for Year 6 teachers and assessment leads

Assessment cycle 2026 to 2027.

Date, time and location

Thursday 3 December 2026:

Assessment and Moderation Network 2026 to 2027 – Year 6 Writing

Annual CPD and support for your End of Key Stage 2 Teacher Assessment in Writing.  An essential training package for all Year 6 teachers, consisting of 3 focused CPD sessions, along with an opportunity to review children’s learning, evaluate planning and make assessments.

Session 1 (Autumn)

  • Standardisation using STA training materials and unpicking the TAF statements – CPD session.
  • Review of NC statements and learning so far and then planning for Spring.

Date, time and location

Tuesday 8 December 2026:

Session 2 (Spring)

  • Further Standardisation/key messages – CPD session.
  • DfE updates and statutory guidance – Assessment Update
  • Identifying gaps in learning /are pupils on track?
  • Development of the professional discussion for moderation and the presentation model

Date, time and location

Thursday 4 March 2027:

Session 3 (Summer)

  • making final judgements/review of evidence.
  • professional discussion and group moderation
  • preparing for In School and external moderation

Date, time and location

Thursday 27 May 2027:

Spring training (New Moderators SE2)

LA moderators will receive an invitation to this session.

Date, time and location

Thursday 7 January 2027:

End of key stage 2 writing assessment – understanding the pre-key stage standards

Using the STA training Exercises 8 and 9 to develop understanding and use of the Pre-Key Stage Standards. To include discussions on PKS5 and PKS6 to explore the differences between them and progression to the WTS standard. Suitable for Y6 teachers/Assessment Leads/Senior Leaders.

Date, time and location

Wednesday 20 January 2027:

New course: Getting writing right  - teaching writing (spring session)

0.5 day CPD for each year group Years1 to 5. 

Further CPD for teaching writing in each year group with a focus on Age Related Expectations/Assessment in Writing.

These sessions provide the opportunity for teachers to reflect on how statutory writing skills have been taught and applied across pupil's work so far this year.

Working together, teachers will review pupils’ writing and identify the essential knowledge and skills needed to be secure by the end of the year.

Date, time and location

Monday 1 February 2027:

Thursday 4 February 2027:

Monday 8 February 2027:

Teachers new to Year 6

Follow up session to Thursday 1 October 2026.

Date, time and location

Friday 26 February 2027:

Moderator CPD

Moderators will receive an invite.

Date, time and location

Thursday 11 March 2027:

  • 9am to 4pm, Friargate Room M1.4

KS2 Standardisation and moderation meeting

An invaluable session for Y6 teachers led by the KS2 Moderation Manager: STA updates and good practice with regard external moderation, plus the use of standardisation materials. Teachers are also asked to bring collections of pupils’ work for discussion alongside Coventry moderators. The ideal way to prepare for making final TA judgements.

Date, time and location

Tuesday 23 March 2027:

Thursday 25 March 2027:

Test Administration briefing

Date, time and location

Tuesday 13 April 2027:

Preparing for Year 6 moderation

This half-day CPD will support Year 6 teachers to be confident in making judgements in Writing.

The session will include:

  • review of KS2 Teacher Assessment Frameworks for Writing (TAF’s)
  • planning for assessment opportunities/ensuring a range of evidence
  • making accurate judgements
  • collection of Evidence
  • preparing for Moderation – Internal/External

Date, time and location

Thursday 15 April 2027:

Administering the phonics screening check

Date, time and location

Wednesday 05 May 2027:

Moderator CPD

Moderators will receive an invite to this session.

Date, time and location

Wednesday 19 May 2027:

  • 1.30pm to 3pm, Friargate M1.3. Trainer: Helen Masefield

Meet the moderator

Schools will receive an invite to this session.

Date, time and location

Wednesday 19 May 2027:

  • 3.30pm to 5pm, Friargate M1.3 & M1.4: Helen Masefield

Moderation review

For Local Authority moderators.

Date, time and location

Thursday 8 July 2027:

  • 1.30pm to 3.30pm, Friargate M1.3

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