PARENTS have welcomed a new Government consultation which could spell the end for controversial Sats tests.

The Department for Education has started consulting parents and teachers about the future of primary school education in a bid to revamp a system some say places young children under unnecessary pressure.

The Sats test English, maths, spelling and grammar, with the results used as a basis to predict a child’s grades throughout the time in school.

Last year, 15 parents with children in Year 2 at Lord Deramore’s Primary School, in Heslington, contacted York Outer MP Julian Sturdy about their concerns regarding primary education, and some removed their children from classes for a day in protest over Sats.

Mum Mary Leng said: “I am encouraged that the Government is starting to listen to the concerns of parents and teachers regarding the primary assessment regime. I understand that the abandonment of Key Stage 1 Sats is under consideration, which would, in my opinion, be a positive move.

“The current spelling and grammar-heavy Key Stage 1 curriculum, as tested by the Year 2 Sats, requires too much too soon for many children, and threatens to undo the very good work put in place in the Early Years Foundation Stage in developing creative, enthusiastic, and confident learners.

“Scrapping the Key Stage 1 Sats and relying instead on less invasive baseline teacher assessments at reception stage would give schools the freedom to help children to develop more, and flourish, at their own pace.”

Bridget Payton, whose child attends Lord Deramore’s, said a number of issues are facing education and more must be done to tackle those problems.

She said: “It’s good to see they are considering this but I’m not going to be holding my breath.

“It’s not a commitment but it would be great if the Sats did disappear.

“At the moment my foremost concern is funding issues.

“Despite the Government saying they are getting more money year on year, they are not taking into account the number of children coming in.

“They are really at breaking point.”

Mr Sturdy said he understood the changes could mean a shift from formal testing at age seven (Key Stage 1) to a teacher assessment of children at the start of infant school.

He added: “I firmly believe sympathetic assessment of a child’s attainment is important to prevent them falling behind, and to identify where and how they may require additional support.

“I look forward to seeing the outcome of the consultation, and will be reviewing the Government’s proposals in detail before responding myself.”

Parents in York Outer can write to julian.sturdy.mp@parliament.uk who will submit comments on their behalf or go to www.gov.uk/government/consultations/primary-assessment-in-england