Assessment of toddler 3yr for independent school in Redbridge area

[Gus1]

Hello

This is the first I am posting on here. My child is due to go through an assessment to get a place at one of the independent schools in Redbridge. I have applied to a 3 one of which is Forest School.

My wife and I have no idea how a 3+yr old can be assessed. So I have no clue how to prepare him for this assessment.

Any advice? Does anyone have experience of this? What exactly does the school look for. What should I/my child expect on the day?

Can't tell you anything about your specific school, but, DS is 4 and has been at and independent school for a year, starting nursery last sept.

He was assessed the spring before starting, when he was still just 2. Basically, he went along for an hour to play and join in. They essentially want to make sure there are no SEN as they cannot provide for this. Rightly or wrongly, that's what happens in independent schools. So looking for interaction and reasonable behaviour. DS got v upset actually on his first attempt and we had to pick him up after 15 mins but I was late pg with dc2 and he was already struggling with separation anxiety because of that. He was fine a couple of months later with the second attempt.

We had a place confirmed after the first stay though, said they'd seen enough.

It's not tests or anything, just a behavioural response to the learning environment they'll be looking for.

HTH.

Thanks Theyaremysunshine. Very useful.

Granddaughter had her assessments at 2, will start kindergarten soon at 2 years 9 months.

They assessed her at the last play session. She had to know numbers, and be able to follow instructions and complete a task (I wasn't there, I think there was guidance, they made paper rabbit faces).

I've heard from others that they need to be able to recognise their names in writing (I think that was for slightly older children).