Reading and Numeracy Tests in

WalesInformation for parents and carers

Teachers in all schools have the same information on the reading and numeracy skills of their pupils

Picture of national achievement in these subjects

Tests can show where individual children might need to improve their skills

Schools can compare achievement in reading and numeracy with what is happening nationally

Why have national tests been introduced?

Reading test

Numeracy procedural test

Numeracy reasoning test

For children in Year 2 –Year 9

What are the tests like?

The test is made up of short questions based on one or two texts.

Different types of questions that: a) Check how well the text has been understood b) aim to find out if children are able to make

judgements about what they are reading

Each test takes up to an hour but younger children take a break part –way through

Reading Test

Procedural test measures skills in number, measuring and data skills.

Reasoning test measures how well children can use what they know to solve everyday problems.

Each of the numeracy tests take up to half and hour, younger children can take a break during the tests.

Numeracy

The 2015 statutory tests will take place :

Secondary schools – 29th April and 12th May Primary schools – 5th May and 12th May

It is up to the school to timetable the tests between the dates and they will let you know

When do they take place?

Most children should be able to take the tests.

Some children may need particular access arrangements e.g large print or Braille version.

A small number of children may not be able to take the tests, the Headteacher will carefully consider whether to enter some children for one or more of the tests.

Do all children have to take the tests?

The results can be used to identify what the child can do and areas where more help may be needed.

Any test can only look at a limited range of skills and abilities –it does not provide information on speaking, listening or writing skills.

Each test is designed to measure achievement across the range expected for each year group but remember that children do not all make progress at the same rate.

What can the tests tell me about my child’s learning?

By the end of the summer term, your child’s school will give you test results for each test your child has taken.

The standardised score from the tests will tell you how well your child has done compared to other children of the same age taking the test at the same time.

The average standardised score is set to 100

A standardised score lower than 85 might suggest some difficulty with the tests.

Results

If your child’s reading and numeracy skills are developing more slowly than would be expected the score may be ‘less than 70’.

Your child’s teacher will use other methods to assess how their skills are developing e.g trying the questions from a test from the year group below.

Less than 70

Make sure that they are not worried or anxious.

The school will be practising different types of questions in reading and numeracy with your child to ensure that they will be familiar with the test.

The school will send additional information to parents and carers to support your child at home.

How can I help my child?