Do we really need 117 measures per child?

17th January 2003, 12:00am

Share

Do we really need 117 measures per child?

https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/do-we-really-need-117-measures-child
RUTH Stott, head of Elmbridge infants, Gloucester, has estimated it will take a teacher 30 minutes to fill in the foundation stage profile’s 117 tick boxes for each child.

It may sound quick, but it adds up to 15 hours or three school days. And with three reception classes in her 268-pupil school, giving teachers time to fill in the profile will cost her pound;1,000 in supply cover and provide no new information.

The profile booklet has a set of 13 assessment scales each of which has nine aspects, making 117 points to be considered for each child.

Some of the assessments seem unnecessary, Mrs Stott said. “Looking at the assessment scale for personal, social and emotional development, for example, we have to make a judgment on whether the child separates from the main carer with support. But we do not need to put a tick in a box to know that, we only have to watch the children as they come in each morning.”

She added that other strands seemed very difficult to assess such as whether the child “has a developing respect for own culture and beliefs and those of other people”.

Want to keep reading for free?

Register with Tes and you can read two free articles every month plus you'll have access to our range of award-winning newsletters.

Keep reading for just £1 per month

You've reached your limit of free articles this month. Subscribe for £1 per month for three months and get:

  • Unlimited access to all Tes magazine content
  • Exclusive subscriber-only stories
  • Award-winning email newsletters
Recent
Most read
Most shared