I want all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), to leave school with the skills and knowledge they need to make sustained progress throughout their education and into adult life. Assessments play an important role in evaluating pupil progress and supporting the development of key foundational skills in reading, writing and maths.
The Curriculum and Assessment Review found that the system of primary assessment in England is largely working well. A survey revealed that over half of parents and carers of Key Stage 3 pupils felt that Key Stage 2 results were useful in informing them about their child’s progress. This was particularly evident in responses from parents and carers from socio economically disadvantaged backgrounds. For these reasons, the Government has no current plans to radically change the shape of assessments.
I recognise, however, that assessments including the phonics screening check and the multiplication tables check, may not be accessible for all pupils with SEND. I welcome the Government’s decision to accept the Review Panel’s recommendation to explore options for increasing inclusivity in these assessments.
In all, the Government is working to deliver a reformed curriculum and assessment system that is ambitious for every child. A key part of this is its English Hubs programme, an initiative dedicated to improving the teaching of reading across 34 centres, and the expansion of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for primary and secondary teachers, which will strengthen reading instruction for all pupils. Meanwhile, its Reading Ambition for All programme is designed to improve outcomes for children in primary who need additional support with reading, including those with SEND.
I know that many children also face real challenges in maths. I am pleased to relay that the Government is supporting schools through its national Maths Hubs, helping teachers to deliver effective and inclusive lessons. Taken together, I am optimistic that these changes will help every child to have the opportunity to achieve and thrive.
As your representative in Parliament, I welcome your views on this important issue.
Thank you once again for contacting me.
Best wishes
Rt Hon Hilary Benn
MP for Leeds South
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland