Sats question

[CadburyDream]

My son wasn’t included in the sats tests, he was on the waiting list for autism but was taken off the list (long story) he has no diagnosis and no ehcp school never discussed this with me so I assumed he was doing them (he said he was then said he wasn’t but only told me on friday) are school allowed to do this without discussing this with me? If he is so behind he cannot take part then should he have a ehcp ? I’m confused about why he wasn’t included but the school didn’t mention it

That’s odd they didn’t discuss it with you. We’ve been having these conversations with parents since October. And only one child didn’t have an ehcp that didn’t sit one of the papers but it is in draft so will have it in a few weeks. I’d be asking the school about this one

Thank you I plan to speak to them on Monday. They’ve never mentioned it at all

My ds has an echp and took his SATs. He was given some extra time and some help scribing but he still sat them. I assumed everyone did them regardless if they were in mainstream education

We have four EHCPs in year 6 and all of them did all the papers because they were accessing year 6 curriculum throughout the year and their EHCPs are not for learning needs. The child who is about to get one is working three years behind in a particular area so in discussion with the parents it was agreed they would not sit it. Most children do, we usually have one a year who doesn’t, sometimes more

My friend's daughter was removed from SATs last year. No ehcp. Dyslexia diagnosis and suspected ASD but undiagnosed. I think this is widespread. They don't want the hit on results because her reading age was years below what it should be.

SATs are pointless and detrimental imo.

Schools still take a ‘hit’ on results. All the children are included in the numbers whether they sit them or not

There are a few reasons pupils may not sit them eg working at pre key stage standards, not completing the KS2 programme of study etc

An EHCP has no relevance. Children have EHCPs for many reasons, they’re not just about cognitive needs.

The school do not benefit from exempting a child. All children (other than those starting in the summer term AFAIK) are included in statistics.

The school should have consulted you. I’d speak to them about why they didn’t let you know.

Thank you I was told that if he was working so far behind he should have an ehcp as he obviously has significant needs?

Children working below the level of the test can be excluded from sitting it. This has always been the case.

Having an EHCP or not doesn't factor as its about attainment levels.

Tbh when I was still working, most of the children who could be excluded, did still take the test as it felt not having that shared experience (literally ever other child taking it) would be quite isolating and make them stand or more.

The school absolutely should have been in communication with you about this. If your child is learning below the level of the test, that is significant and should have already been discussed as well as removal from the test.

You can see the rules for who should not be entered here. Ultimately it is the headteacher’s decision but they should have discussed it with you.

I was told that if he was working so far behind he should have an ehcp

If the school/EP etc have suggested an EHCP then you should talk to them about getting the ball rolling. It’s unlikely to be in place before secondary though.

A child working significantly behind may qualify for an EHCP, but it depends on many factors. It’s about the additional support a child needs, above and beyond basic SEND support that a school must provide. As an example, if a child had very poor attendance but no cognitive or medical needs, they may not qualify even if they were several years behind.

EHCPs can also be difficult to get for moderate learning difficulties and there’s no specific parameters. It’s not a case of once the child is X number of years behind, that they qualify.