Assessment
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Assessment and Pupil Progress at Kingsway Primary School
At Kingsway Primary School, assessment and pupil progress are designed to support learning, inclusion and success for every child. Our approach reflects our core values and our belief that children learn best when they are known, supported and challenged appropriately.
Assessment is not something we do to children – it is something we use for children.
Our Values in Action
Everything we do at Kingsway is shaped by our four core values. These values guide how we understand children’s learning and how we support their progress.
- We care about togetherness
Children’s progress is a shared responsibility. Teachers, leaders, families and support staff work together, recognising that strong relationships create the best conditions for learning. - We thrive on difference
Every child is unique. Assessment at Kingsway recognises individual starting points, strengths and needs, ensuring all children are seen and supported without lowering expectations. - We are passionate about learning
We value knowledge, curiosity and effort. Assessment helps us understand what children know, remember and can apply, so teaching can be purposeful and meaningful. - We are inspired to grow
Progress is about improvement over time. Assessment informs next steps, celebrates success and supports both children and staff to keep developing.
What We Mean by Assessment
At Kingsway, assessment helps us to understand:
- What children have learned
- What they can remember and apply over time
- What support or challenge they may need next
Assessment is closely linked to our curriculum and helps teachers plan lessons that build knowledge step by step. It is never about ranking children or creating pressure.
Inclusive and Fair Assessment
We are committed to ensuring assessment is inclusive and equitable for all children.
This means:
- Recognising different starting points and learning needs
- Making reasonable adjustments for children with SEND or additional needs
- Supporting children with English as an additional language
- Ensuring assessments reflect learning, not barriers
Our goal is always to gain an accurate and fair understanding of each child’s learning.
Assessment in the Classroom
Most assessment happens naturally every day through teaching and learning.
Teachers use:
- Questions and discussion
- Observation of learning
- Review of work and responses
- Practice and retrieval activities
This ongoing assessment helps teachers adapt lessons, address misunderstandings quickly and ensure children keep learning with their peers.
Checking Progress Over Time
At key points in the year, teachers step back to look at learning over time. This helps us understand how well children are progressing through the curriculum and whether teaching is meeting their needs.
Teachers consider a range of evidence rather than relying on one‑off tests. Professional judgement is important, and staff work together to ensure expectations are shared and consistent.
Talking About Progress Together
Teachers and school leaders meet regularly to talk about pupil progress. These conversations focus on:
- Understanding each child as an individual
- Exploring how teaching is supporting learning
- Identifying what is working well
- Agreeing next steps where needed
These discussions help ensure that support is timely, appropriate and closely linked to classroom learning.
A Clear Focus Each Term
Our approach to pupil progress has a clear focus across the year:
- Autumn Term – settling in, building relationships, understanding starting points and early progress
- Spring Term – deepening learning, ensuring fairness and consistency across classes
- Summer Term – recognising achievement, supporting transition and planning ahead
This ensures learning is supported thoughtfully and sustainably.
Working with Parents and Carers
We value families as partners in learning.
We keep parents informed by:
- Sharing information about learning and progress
- Offering opportunities to talk with teachers
- Encouraging reading and learning at home
- Working together when children need additional support
Open communication helps children feel confident and supported.
Using Information Carefully
Any information gathered about pupils’ learning is used carefully and responsibly. It helps us:
- Identify strengths across the school
- Decide where extra support or challenge may be needed
- Plan staff training and curriculum development
We avoid unnecessary data collection and focus instead on what genuinely benefits children.
A Thoughtful, Joined‑Up Approach
Assessment at Kingsway is closely linked to teaching, learning and wellbeing. It supports:
- High expectations for all
- Inclusive classroom practice
- Professional reflection and development
- Continuous improvement across the school
Most importantly, it helps us ensure that every child is enabled to succeed.
Further Information
For more detail, our full Assessment and Pupil Progress Policy and Teaching and Learning Policy are available on the school website.
If you have any questions about assessment or your child’s progress, please do not hesitate to contact the school.