Posted on Tuesday 16th Feb 2016
Teachers told researchers the tests, which were brought into some schools in September, distracted them from getting to know their pupils.
Many said the tests themselves were unreliable, duplicated work and did not marry with existing assessment systems.
Ministers say a fair baseline is needed to ensure pupils reach their potential.
The tests, which are being brought in to all schools from this September, measure basic reading ability, numeracy and writing, as well as children's social and emotional development.
This is done in one-to-one assessments with teachers, who use checklists that include a series of questions such as whether a pupil can maintain concentration when listening to others or can subtract using single-digit numbers.
Latest News
22/10/19Does homework help primary school children or is it unnecessary stress?
Does homework have any purpose for primary school children? We talked to the experts to find out
21/10/19Primary schools give free food to hungry families
The biggest primary school academy trust in England is to give food to parents to prevent "family hunger".
18/10/19Pupils with behavioural issues failing to meet exam benchmark
Just 1.5% with behaviour issues got grade 4s or higher in the subjects, according to data
16/10/19Physical exercise during academic lessons can help boost test scores, study suggests
'Active classes help children learn more effectively,' researchers say
15/10/19Career ambitions 'already limited by age of seven'
By the age of seven, children are already facing limits on their future aspirations in work, according to a report from the OECD international economics think tank.