Do teachers routinely assess NC levels at the end of Y1?

[bradbourne]

Just had ds's report today, together with an explanatory note stating "Y1 children's reports do not contain NC levels because they have not been assessed" (paraphrasing). This is a state school, supposedly "good" (according to Ofsted).

Can this be true? I thought schools always assessed their pupils at the end of each year (if not more frequently). If they don't want to give the marks out, that's one thing and I can see arguments for and against doing so. But is it plausible that they haven't been assessed at all?

Didn't receive the results of the phonics test, either.

We do.
How can they measure the progress made over the year then?
They should all be teacher-assessed throughout the year.

We assess against NC levels in Year 1 and the EYFS at the beginning of the year, as appropriate to the child. It is part of assessment and planning, and in tracking progress. But we, like many schools, do not automatically report NC at the end of year 1, as we do in Year 2. I'm sure the school can't really mean "they have not been assessed", there can't be a teacher alive who doesn't "do" assessment. They may mean not tests or have end of Key Stage teacher assessment levels.

They do at ds1's school, and the levels are shared with parents in the end of year report.

Thanks.

Tbh, I don't believe that the children aren't assessed - I think it's simply a ruse to get out of revealing NC levels to parents. But I, for one, hate being treated like a child in this way and I would like to know how ds is "officially" performing.

But before I go into school asking to be given ds's levels, I want to be sure of my facts - the headteacher there could win a prize for her patronising manner.

You are entitled to the information if the school have it, and if they haven't, I'd be wondering about their procedures for tracking pupil progress.

No NC levels on DS's report (just generic phrases like "working within the expected level"). I've asked for them, will see whether I get them by parents evening...

Our reports only have year 2 and 6 levels. Don't know why as we're constantly assessing against the NC levels. If you asked me, I'd tell you.

My DS is Y1 and they have given NC levels last term and also this week at parents evening. I think its a good way for parents to see progress and also for teachers to put into context how well the children are doing.

Working within the expected etc is not that useful unless you have a child that is generally working at an average/expected level overall anyway, its no use for children who are bright or have SEN as for them you need to know that they are working at the level 'they' should be at and progressing well for 'them', not just in comparison to the countries average.

Thanks for all responses.

I think I am going to ask for his NC levels. He will be starting a new school in September and it would to know his "starting level" for when he gets there so I have some way of measuring hsi progress. (I've still not fully got over his teacher telling me with a big smile about a year ago "No, he hasn't really learned much this year, has he?").