OF course we should not test seven-year-olds. For one thing, testing does not take into account any late developers, nor are the tests diagnostic in their present form. They just show what a child cannot do, but not why.
Children should be assessed (not tested) when entering school to inform their teacher and parents of their strengths and weaknesses. The fact that Conor Ryan was special adviser to David Blunkett for four years speaks volumes.
Instilling the right attitudes to education through child-centred but teacher-structured fun activities is ideal. Leave it to the teachers, the real professionals.
Dr Julia Matthews 50 Sydney Road Bexleyheath Kent
