EYFS Baseline Assessment

In September 2021, the government introduced the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) for all children starting in Reception. This is a short, practical assessment carried out with each child by their class teacher during the first six weeks of the autumn term.

The baseline is not a test and there is nothing for children to prepare for. It is a series of simple, age-appropriate activities using practical resources, such as counting objects, looking at pictures, and answering questions through play-based tasks. The teacher will gently guide each child through the activities in a way that feels natural and supportive.

The purpose of the baseline is to provide a clear starting point to measure children’s progress from the beginning of school through to the end of Year 6. It helps teachers understand each child’s early skills in language, communication, literacy and maths, so they can plan learning that meets their needs.

Children are often unaware that the baseline is taking place. It feels like part of their normal classroom experience, and it does not affect the time they spend playing, exploring and settling into school life.

As a school, we use the information to support children’s learning journeys and ensure they receive the right opportunities to thrive throughout their time in primary education.

Phonics Screening Check – Year 1 and Year 2

The phonics screening check is a short, simple assessment that takes place in June each year to confirm whether children have learned to decode words using their phonics knowledge. It helps teachers identify children who may need extra support with reading.

Year 1
All children in Year 1 take part in the check. They are asked to read 40 words aloud, some of which are real words and some are “nonsense” or “alien” words. The nonsense words are used so that children must use their phonics skills rather than relying on memory. The check is carried out one-to-one with a familiar teacher, in a relaxed setting, so that children feel comfortable.

Year 2
Children who do not meet the expected standard in Year 1 are given additional support with their phonics and will retake the screening check the following year, in Year 2. This gives every child the chance to demonstrate their progress and ensures they have the strongest possible start with reading.

How you can help at home
Parents can support their child by encouraging regular reading at home, practising phonics sounds together, and talking about books. Playing simple word and sound games also helps to build confidence.

The phonics screening check is not a formal test; it is simply a way of checking that children are developing secure reading skills so they can become confident, fluent readers.

Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)

The Multiplication Tables Check, often called the MTC, is a short online assessment taken by Year 4 children across England. Its main purpose is to see how well pupils know their times tables up to 12 × 12.

The check is made up of 25 questions. Each question is presented on a computer or tablet, and children have six seconds to answer before the next one appears. The whole check usually takes less than five minutes to complete.

The results are used to help teachers understand which pupils may need more support in learning their times tables. The MTC is not a formal test that children can “pass” or “fail” – it is simply a way to celebrate what they know and identify areas where extra practice might be useful.

To help your child feel confident, you can encourage regular times tables practice at home. This could be through chanting, quizzes, games, or using online resources. Quick recall of multiplication facts is very helpful as children move on to more complex maths in upper Key Stage 2 and beyond.

KS2 SATs Information for Parents

In Year 6, children take part in the Key Stage 2 SATs (Standard Assessment Tests). These assessments are designed to measure the progress your child has made throughout primary school and to give information about how they are performing against national expectations.

The tests cover English (reading, spelling, punctuation and grammar) and Mathematics. Writing is assessed separately by teachers through classwork, not a formal test. The SATs take place in May and are carried out under exam conditions, although schools work hard to ensure that children feel calm and supported.

The results are shared with both the school and parents. They provide a snapshot of your child’s attainment and are also used by secondary schools, alongside teacher assessments, to help plan for the next stage of learning.

While the SATs are important, they are just one part of your child’s education. Schools place great value on the broader curriculum and the many skills, talents and achievements that cannot be measured by a test.