Assessment for All
Are you looking for a small-stepped assessment framework for pupils working below the National Standard?
Assessment for All is an effective tool for making summative judgements for all pupils working below the National Standard at KS1 and KS2 and has the potential for merging with other school systems that may already be in place.
At Fairfields we believe that all children can achieve. We are committed to ensuring we measure the aspects of a child's learning that we value. Our Assessment for All is designed to ensure we are measuring the progress of each pupil, reflecting their own learning journey. The information captured using their assessment can also be used to inform planning, ensuring it is purposeful, meaningful and memorable, shaping the progress pupils make. The Assessment for All links to a typical progression in development and learning.
Please keep an eye on our CPD and Training page for upcoming events.
Assessment for All does not ‘level’ pupils but gives a holistic view of each learning area which the pupil has mastered and what skills they are developing. Our four part measure can be used to demonstrate the small steps of progress children make. Alternatively, the small step measures already used in your own setting could also be applied.
Assessment for All links to the EYFS Early Learning Goals, National Curriculum for Key Stage 1, the Engagement Model, the Pre Key Stage Standards and supports your chosen SSP programme.
We are also currently trialling Beyond the Rainbow, this is for children who are working within the Key Stage 2 programmes of study but require a more small stepped approach to assessment.
Beyond the Rainbow is designed as a supplementary document to support working beyond the assessment criteria set out in Assessment for All. It follows the principles set out in Assessment for All ensuring we are continuing to measure the progress of each, reflecting their own learning journey.
There are lots of Assessment frameworks available, why use Assessment for All?
Assessment for All has been trialled in a number of different settings, including mainstream primary schools and schools with designated specialist provisions. Feedback from these settings include:
- It supports teachers with planning, enabling them to provide appropriate personalised learning opportunities
- Because it is decontextualised, it can be clearly linked with a schools own curriculum and assessment practice
- The assessment is small stepped and allows schools to either follow their agreed approach or Fairfields method can be used.
- Due to the small stepped system, it demonstrates the progress children make across the different assessment areas. This can then be used to informs next steps in learning
- Its inclusive, and can be used to assess any child working below the national standard not just those with SEND
- It supports conversation with parents, support a robust dialogue around learning and achievement as well as be clear of where the child needs to go next in their learning journey.
- It can be used to helps measure EHCP outcomes
- The framework can be used as summative assessment, supporting and enhancing a teachers planning and/or can be used formatively demonstrating the progress a child makes over time.
- It’s developmental and uses child friendly language, demonstrating progress through developmental stages rather than their chronological age
Our next training session will be on Thursday 7th November 9.30am - 3.30pm. Please click the link to register - REGISTER HERE
We have a growing number of schools, across Northamptonshire and beyond, who are using Assessment for All. We would like to create a network for professionals to meet discuss practice, share challenges and moderate judgements. Our first network meeting will be on November 14th 2pm-4.30pm - REGISTER HERE