At Thatto Heath Community Primary School, we use assessment to find out what pupils already know, what they can do independently and what they need to learn next. Teachers check understanding during lessons, give feedback pupils can act on straight away and revisit earlier learning to see what pupils remember over time. We use Insight to record ongoing assessments and teachers’ overall judgements.

Pre-School and Reception

In both Pre-School and Reception, we use our own Best Start in Life assessments to understand each child’s starting points and plan their next steps. We also use Nuffield Early Language Intervention (NELI) assessments to identify children’s language strengths and where they would benefit from further support.

English, mathematics and phonics

In English and mathematics, teachers use activities before and after a unit of learning to check what pupils already know and what they can do by the end. In writing, teachers use assessment tick sheets alongside pupils’ work to identify the skills they can use independently and what they need to practise next.

We assess pupils regularly through Read Write Inc. so that their phonics teaching matches their next steps. Non-verbal pupils on the programme are assessed every two weeks using the Read Write Inc. non-verbal assessment.

Assessment in other subjects

We use knowledge organisers in all subjects to help pupils revisit key knowledge and vocabulary. In each foundation subject, pupils begin a unit with an activity that brings earlier learning to mind. At the end, a knowledge capture gives pupils a chance to show what they have learned. Teachers use this evidence to inform the judgements they record in Insight.

In music and PE, we also use digital evidence to capture practical skills and performances. Subject leaders review this evidence with teachers so that assessment judgements are consistent across classes.

Assessment for pupils with SEND

We adapt assessment so pupils can show what they know and can do. For pupils with complex needs and an education, health and care plan (EHCP) who follow HEART Pathways and do not access the main National Curriculum, staff use large Learning Journey books. Photographs with written notes capture what each pupil can do, show progress from their starting point and help staff plan what to teach next.