Don't understand the point of Y1 Annula School Report and the Phonics Test

[Flyingtree]

Can someone explain to me what exactly is the point of end of year reports for Year 1 and the Phonics test results being given to parents?

Surely if a child is failing it's the responsibility of the school to up their ante. It isn't a parent's responsibility to educate their child academically, otherwise I'd keep mine at home and educate her myself. As long as homework is being done, that's where my input ends academically.

Apart from compiling national statistics to explain how bright or dim children are on a national average, why exactly do we as parents need to know? Why can't they keep those test results and reports for their own use?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but their annual school reports and Phonics and any other tests they sit, do not dictate which junior or secondary school they will be accepted into (state schools).

So, what's the point? At age 5-6 I am completely indifferent to whether my child is a genius or a numbnutz. She has several more years of learning ahead of her at junior school and I have no plans to put her into private education. So if annual reports and tests make no difference to her future school choices, well, you know what I am going to say next ... :D

Are there really people that want to know when somebody else gets their child's report, other than grandparents and maybe aunts/uncles?
I can't believe parents post phonics test results, presumably only those whose children pass, what the hell will they be like when their children do GCSEs etc.

I don't mind if my friends post things like that about their children - they are proud of them and I like to be able to say well done to their kids etc. If you don't like it you can hide them from your newsfeed.

I think reports are important - yes you would hope to know if there were problems during the year but even with this or without if no need then it is nice to have something saying how well your child has done or what they are struggling with. I would want to know the phonics test score out of curiosity but also because even if they pass it but not by much then it is worth perhaps keeping an eye on when reading with the child as they are not as confident/accurate as they could be

I don't really like the idea of 5-6 year olds being tested but I do like the reports.

your opinion that education is the school's job is ridiculous. as parents we should work alongside the teachers to ensure our children reach their fullest potential. i do a lot of work with my dd out of school and i think her teacher appreciates that.

I'm sure your teacher does, loveleybunch ....

Yes, schools exist to educate our children. Am I missing something with that phrase? It sounds acceptable to me :/

Phonics Scores.

Children must reach 32 and above to be considered within the average range.

33% of children failed to reach that standard.

This information was included in the test results bumph (along with another Domino's Pizza flyer, but that's another topic altogether).

Flyingtree the school is supplying you with information about your child as they must by law but there is no law to say you have to do anything about the contents or indeed read what they have written ...so what's your problem?

It's not testing - it's a screening.

The "pass" mark is actually just the cut off for when intervention is indicated. I suppose you could decide to leave pupils unscreened for longer. If 5-6 is too young for additional support, how much longer should they be left without it?

This is also why, BTW, many teachers think the test unnecessary - as good teachers were doing this type anyhow. But also support its roll out - as every child matters.

At age 5-6 I am completely indifferent to whether my child is a genius or a numbnutz
maybe you are indifferent but lots of parents do not share this view

Flyingtree Off course it is the school's responsibility to educate your children.

However it is the parent who is the advocate for the child. As a parent you need to know the choices you have made for your child are the correct ones and it is you as a parent who ultimately has to decide what to do if things do not go according to plan.

daftdame

What exactly does your last paragraph mean please in context to the OP?
Which 'choices' are you referring to?

I thought everyone wanted to know how thier dc were getting along in school socially and academically.I agree that the phonics test is little us but as the school is obliged to administer it and to report it to the parents that is fair enough.Surely you would complain if you were not given a progress report each year.

use not us

legally it is the parents' job to educate their child. They can choose to delegate that job to a school but the legal obligation to ensure that education is appropriate is theoretically at least with them.

Flyingtree Re choices, anything to do with your child's education really...

How you support homework (or not), extra curricular activities anything you think you may like to do in response to teacher's comments. It may be encouraging an interest that the teacher has picked up on (reading matter for example) or sporting activities or boost your child's confidence in a particular area or you may decide to ignore the comments altogether...

Having the information gives you the opportunity to consciously decide whether you want to respond or not.