How we assess

Assessment is an essential part of teaching and learning at Barnsole Primary School. It helps teachers understand what pupils know, what they need next and how learning can be adapted to support progress. Assessment also helps pupils understand their learning and allows parents and carers to be informed and involved.

Our approach to assessment is purposeful and balanced. It supports high-quality teaching, celebrates achievement and ensures that all pupils are supported and challenged appropriately.

Why Assessment Matters

Assessment provides valuable information for everyone involved in a child’s education:

Children understand what they are doing well and what they need to improve
Teachers use assessment to plan lessons, adapt teaching and provide support or challenge
Parents and carers receive clear information about progress and attainment
School leaders and governors use assessment to monitor standards and improve teaching
External partners and agencies are assured that high expectations are maintained

Assessment in the Classroom

Assessment is part of everyday learning and takes place in all lessons. Teachers assess pupils through:

Questioning and discussion
Observations of learning and responses
Low-stakes activities and retrieval tasks
Live marking and verbal feedback during lessons, allowing pupils to respond immediately
Written feedback in books

This ongoing assessment allows teachers to identify gaps, address misconceptions and adapt teaching to meet pupils’ needs.

Feedback and Pupil Involvement

Feedback helps pupils understand how to improve and take responsibility for their learning. At Barnsole:

Pupils receive clear oral and written feedback
Teachers identify next steps and successes
Pupils are given time to respond to feedback in lessons
Self- and peer-assessment are used to encourage reflection and independence

This approach helps pupils build confidence and develop positive learning behaviours.

Statutory Assessments

Schools are required to carry out formal assessments to measure attainment against national expectations.

Early Years (Nursery and Reception)

Assessment on entry (Baseline Assessment) to identify starting points
Ongoing assessment through daily interactions and play-based learning
Early Years Foundation Stage Profile at the end of Reception
Use of Tapestry to record progress and share learning with parents

Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2)

Phonics Screening Check in Year 1 (and Year 2 if required)
Ongoing teacher assessment throughout the key stage

Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6)

Multiplication Tables Check in Year 4
Statutory tests (KS2 SATs) at the end of Year 6 in reading, grammar, spelling and maths
Ongoing teacher assessment throughout the key stage

NFER Assessments (Years 1 to 5)

Pupils in Years 1 to 5 complete NFER assessments three times a year in:

Reading
Maths
Spelling
Grammar

These assessments help to:

Track progress over time
Compare attainment against national averages
Identify strengths and areas for support
Provide parents with clear information about progress

NFER assessments are used alongside teacher judgement and classroom assessment.

Pupil Progress Meetings

Pupil progress meetings are held regularly to review attainment and progress. Teachers and school leaders use assessment information to:

Identify pupils or groups who may need additional support
Plan targeted intervention
Adapt teaching and learning approaches
Review the impact of support and differentiation

This ensures that teaching responds effectively to pupils’ needs.

Ensuring Assessment Is Accurate and Consistent

To maintain high standards, assessment is supported through:

Moderation within school and across the Maritime Trust
Regular review of pupils’ work, feedback and progress
Pupil progress meetings to agree next steps and intervention
Ongoing professional development and shared assessment guidance

Working with Parents

We value strong partnerships with parents and carers. We share assessment information through:

Parents’ evenings and meetings
Written reports
Ongoing communication about progress and next steps

This ensures parents feel informed and supported in helping their child succeed.

Assessment at Barnsole is purposeful and supportive. It informs teaching, guides learning and helps every child make progress and achieve their best.