Ofsted have issued the following statement to its inspectors:
Boycott of Key Stage 2 national assessment tests (SATs): implications for inspectors
Following a ballot of their members, the National Union of Teachers and the National Association of Headteachers implemented a boycott of the Key Stage 2 SATs which commenced on 10 May 2010. It is not yet clear how many schools participated in this boycott.
The boycott will have little or no impact on inspection this term.
At a few inspections late in the summer term, inspectors will not be able to take account of the provisional Key Stage 2 SAT results which have, in the past, been available. These provisional results often provide a useful starting point for inspectors’ discussions with schools, and judgements about pupils’ attainment, pending publication of the validated results in the autumn term.
In the absence of provisional SAT results towards the end of this summer term, when judging attainment inspectors should follow the broad principles set out in the evaluation schedule and supplementary guidance. In reaching an overall view about attainment inspectors should exercise professional judgement in weighing all the evidence they have gathered and setting this against the credibility and accuracy of the school’s teacher assessment data.
It is anticipated that further guidance will be published in September 2010 when issues arising from a boycott have been fully assessed. This future guidance will deal with wider issues such as the impact on RAISEonline and its use by inspectors.
Any member experiencing difficulties with Ofsted inspectors as a result of participating in the boycott should immediately contact both their regional provider (Tribal, CfBT etc) and Lesley Gannon at NAHT headquarters (01444 472475 or lesleyg@naht.org.uk).
