Assessment 

Children are continuously assessed by their teachers as part of the normal classroom teaching. We believe it is important to involve the children in determining what they have learnt and what they need to do to improve. We have very clear steps for success which the children are involved in developing, and so they understand the criteria that is needed to ensure they improve.

Twice a year we report on children’s attainment to parents, showing their progress across the curriculum including reading, writing and mathematics, and an overview of how each child is socially. We want to see how the whole child is improving, not just English and Mathematics.

Every term in learning conferences the children have the opportunity to talk about their learning, what they are proud of, and what they need to do to further improve. The teacher talks through the school progress report and is able to discuss what parents can do at home to help their child/ren develop. If parents have any further queries about how to support learning at home, an appointment can be made to see the class teacher at any point in the school year.  We see this area as a partnership between parents, teachers and, most importantly, the children.

ASSESSMENT IN THE EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE

We use the Early Excellence Assessment Tracker (EExAT) to record the children's knowledge, skills and learning behaviours. The statements within EExAT consist of six-monthly milestones that reflect an 'age-related expectation' (what is typical for a child of that age). The assessments recognise the importance of measuring a child against what is typical for their chronological age, values how children learn and reflects the importance of a child's wellbeing and involvement. 

Click here to link to the EExAT website https://eexat.com/

A rich picture of each child is built up over time across the seven areas of learning and development and we use the information to plan their next steps and inform our practice and provision. Each child is assessed as they approach their six monthly milestone and just prior to the end of an assessment window (Dec 31st, April 31st, end of July)

In addition Reception children are assessed against the national standard for a Good Level of Development (reaching the expected standard in Personal, Social & Emotional development, Communication & Language, Physical Development, Maths, Literacy). This information is shared with the Year 1 teachers so that they can prepare relevant and appropriate strategies and experiences when the children move out of Reception. 

Marking, assessment and feedback 

The results in the school are improving. However, it is difficult to compare year on year at Lakenham, as the mobility (numbers of pupils who move in and out of the school within a year) is significantly higher than schools nationally. This is due to a range of factors. Including the joy of a large number of our families coming to the UK to work and to return to their home company at the end of short term contracts. 

DFE Compare school performance