Reception Baseline Assessment
Within the first six weeks of children arriving in Reception, there is a statutory 'Reception Baseline Assessment' that we are obliged to carry out with all learners. This is so we can see what the children are already able to do independently when they join us. The assessment looks at the children's skills in speaking and understanding, literacy, phonics and early mathematics. It's fantastic to celebrate the achievements they have already made at their preschool/nursery or at home with their parents.
Once we know what the children are already able to do, we can then plan an engaging curriculum that will enable them to make rapid progress from their starting point. The children do not need to prepare in any way for this assessment. They will not even realise that they're taking part in an assessment, as it is carried out in an informal and relaxed environment. It is conducted by one of the teachers the children are familiar with only once we are certain they are comfortable to do so.
RWI Assessments
In Reception, the children's phonics knowledge and ability are assessed regularly as part of our RWI programme. We stream the children into ability groups based on how many sounds of the alphabet they know, whether they can blend words together (i.e. 'p-i-g' - 'pig') and, later on in the year, which level of words they are able to read.
Grouping children in this way allows us to target our teaching much more effectively to their individual needs/level and it enables the children to make rapid progress in their phonics and reading. We usually assess their level every 5 to 6 weeks and change the groupings of the children accordingly. However, if we feel that a child is ready to be reassessed mid-way through this period, we do so in order that they are able to make the quicker progress possible.
EYFS Profile
At the end of the children's time in Early Years (when they leave Reception) we complete the 'Early Years Profile' for each child. This means we assess the children according to whether they have met the 'Early Learning Goal' in each of the areas of the curriculum. You can find more information about each of these areas in the 'Curriculum' section of this website. These assessments are informed by observations the teachers carry out and their knowledge of the children. During a child's time in reception the teachers will spend time watching, listening and observing the formal elements of their learning as well as their social activities, such as eating their lunch and socialising with friends.
Each area of learning is graded used the following criteria:
Your child is at the expected level of development
Your child is at the emerging level of development (This means your child hasn't met the expectation yet)
Parental Contributions to the EYFS Profile
It is not only teachers who contribute to completing the EYFS profile. Parents play an enormous role in children's education and therefore their contributions are extremely valuable. It is so helpful for us to see what your child does at home as part of their learning. You can share this information with us by posting photos and videos on 'ClassDojo', Facebook or by discussing it with your child's teacher. We will ask for your input and your opinions on your child's learning and progress throughout the year by sending home Parent Progress Sheets. These will ask you for your opinion on what your child has made good progress in and what you think they may need a little extra support in.