Tests for four-year-olds 'unreliable and disruptive'

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.

19/01/22What are the Covid rules in schools and will they stay open this term?

Face coverings will no longer be compulsory in England's secondary school classrooms from 20 January.

17/01/22Thousands more Kent secondary and special school places needed over the next five years

Thousands more Kent secondary and special school places will be needed over the next five years.

11/01/22Covid: Face mask refusals in some of England's secondary schools spark parents' concern

Secondary school pupils in England returned from the Christmas break this week to new advice – to wear face coverings in lessons and to take lateral flow tests at school before heading into classrooms.

19/10/21Further strikes threatened at universities this term

Students could face more strike action at universities this term after the academics' union opened a ballot over pay, pensions and conditions. University and College Union (UCU) general secretary Jo Grady said the UK's flagship university sector was built on the "exploitation of staff". They had experienced a decade of pension cuts, collapsing pay and insecure contracts, she said. University employers said the prospect of disruption was "disappointing".

01/10/21What changes are being made to GCSEs and A-levels next year?

Department for Education says 2022 will be a ‘transition year’