4+ assessments: what do they look for?

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My DS will be going to a few assessments in January and I'm just wondering what schools tend to look for? Is it all about numbers and letters or is it a more fuzzy 'how developed is this child' thing? Are there specific questions that frequently come up, e.g., about time, counting to 20, knowing letter sounds, etc.?

I find the whole idea of assessments at this age sort of horrifying and I haven't really focussed on any of this but I do think he's fairly bright so if I can spend 20 minutes a day on material that might be very relevant, that doesn't seem too horrible.

there was a programme on a few years ago about selecting 2 and 3 yr olds for 4+ entry.
The first thing they looked at was the parent.
Then after that the focus,behaviour and inquisitiveness of the child.they definitely weren't impressed by early reading and counting

in my limited experience it depends on the school. a couple ds went to were pretty hardcore imo. Others were very gentle.

perhaps it would be worth asking about specific schools or just the area you are looking as i'm sure people will know more specifically

I asked this question at DD's school today and was told that they are looking for the usual things a 3-4 year old should be able to do such as puzzles, sing nursery rhymes and listen to a story.

My DD has had two 4+ assessments at schools in the Guildford area over the past couple of weeks (haven't found out the results yet so I don't know if she got in). She wasn't very forthcoming about what she actually did in them (parents are not present so I have no idea) but from what I can gather she:

• did a jigsaw
• played a counting game
• did some physical exercises (catching I think)
• did some colouring in
• wrote her name
• made a crown and sparkling wand

I'm sure this wasn't the extent of it but that's all I know!

I'm not a fan of 4+ assessment, and no, my dcs never failed, or took one.
They're looking for compliance readiness to learn.

So, less snippily, concentrate on turn taking, sitting wiithout fidgeting, listening and following instructions. The best preparation would be to take him to some Christmas shows and church services.

OK, thanks all. Out of curiousity EverybodysSnowyEyed, what did the more 'hardcore' assessments involve? DS goes to nursery, so I think he's pretty 'school ready' in terms of being used to taking turns and so forth, so I guess that's a good thing. Anyone else with anything to add?

I agree that it is more about the parents than the kids.

Just as examples, one school used a stopwatch to time how long it took DS to tell them what the picture on the flash card was. This school has a reputation for having very competitive parents who do a lot of prepping

Another school just had a parent and child chat with the head.

Your DS will get into the right school for him. My DS is really happy at his school and it suits him so well