As parents, you are your child’s biggest advocates. You’re the ones who support them as they navigate both academic challenges and the broader journey of growing up. That’s why I’m reaching out to encourage you to take part in the Curriculum and Assessment Review’s call for evidence.
The Curriculum and Assessment Review aims to refresh the curriculum and assessment methods in England for 5-19-year-olds to make sure they meet the needs of every child and young person. For more on what the review is focusing on check out What is the National Curriculum and Assessment Review?
What is the call for evidence?
This is a vital opportunity for you to share your and your children’s views on what your children learn and how they are tested. We want to hear real-world experiences and personal views from you and young people as well as from teachers and stakeholders in the education sector.
Your insights and concerns will help the panel as we conduct the review and develop our recommendations.
Why should parents get involved?
As a parent, you have a unique perspective on the strengths and challenges of our education system. You see first hand how your child learns, what motivates them, and what hurdles they face. Your experiences can illuminate issues that might otherwise go unnoticed by policymakers.
How can my child and I take part?
You can take part and help your child take part or record your child’s views on their behalf through our call for evidence by:
Completing the online survey
Downloading our easy read form (pdf)
We'd suggest using a copy of the PDF to help guide you through the online form. It features clear definitions and simplified questions so you can complete the sections most relevant to you.
By inviting a wide range of perspectives, this call for evidence aims to gather an understanding of what is working well, where improvements are needed, and what new approaches might be possible.
Whilst the call for evidence may seem technical, you don’t have to be an expert; your views and experiences are exactly what’s needed to help the panel form their initial recommendations.
When filling out the call for evidence, start with your and your child’s experience and the questions most relevant to you.
Primary school answer questions 4 - 14
Secondary school answer questions 15-30
College and 16-19 education answer questions 31 – 43
Preparing young people for adult life questions 25, 26, 29, 40, 42 and 43
Questions with a focus on diversity, inclusion or the experience of those with protected characteristic are questions 6, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 22, 24, 33, 35 and 36.
- Think about what you child is learning at school and what tests or exams they’ve taken. What information do you get as parents about these? Share specific examples wherever possible of your and your child’s experiences.
- Do you think that what your child is learning is preparing them for the future? Remember to tell us about what you think is working and shouldn’t be changed.
- Do you think the way your child is being assessed or has previously been assessed is helping them to learn effectively?
- Are there are things your child should be learning or better ways to check their progress?
Remember all views are welcome and helpful; we want to make sure our curriculum and assessment methods work for everyone.
You don’t have to fill out every question, but you can save the survey or form and come back to it if you want to add more information or give views on other sections.
Remember we also want to hear from young people and students. Do please ask your children what they think about these things as well and help them feedback their views in the survey.
Your input can make a difference
The decisions made in this review will shape the future of education. By sharing your perspective, you are helping to ensure that our recommendations reflect the diverse needs of today’s children and prepare them for tomorrow’s challenges.
We want to build a curriculum and assessment framework that supports every child to thrive, regardless of background or ability. But to achieve this, we need the insight, and experiences of parents like you. So please, take this opportunity to make your voice heard.
Together, we can create a curriculum that truly prepares children for a fulfilling, successful future. Thank you for being a part of this important journey.