At Burnt Oak Junior School, we believe that effective assessment is an essential part of high-quality teaching and learning. It helps us understand what children know, identify their next steps and ensure that every child is supported and challenged to achieve their best.

Assessment is an ongoing process throughout the school year. We use a combination of teacher assessment, classroom observations, discussions, children's work and formal assessments to build a clear picture of each child's achievements and progress.

Our approach reflects our commitment to kindness, respect and inclusion, recognising that every child learns differently and should have opportunities to experience success.

Our Approach to Assessment

Assessment helps us to:

• Understand what children know, remember and can apply.

• Identify strengths, misconceptions and gaps in learning.

• Plan lessons that build on previous knowledge and provide appropriate challenge.

• Recognise when children need additional support or opportunities to deepen their understanding.

• Monitor progress over time and ensure that children are working towards ambitious expectations.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of teaching and interventions.

• Share clear and meaningful information with children, parents and carers.

We use assessment to inform teaching, rather than simply to record attainment. Our priority is to ensure that assessment has a positive impact on children's learning.

Formative Assessment – Assessment for Learning

Formative assessment takes place every day and helps teachers respond to children's learning as it happens.

Teachers use a range of approaches, including:

• Questioning and classroom discussions.

• Observing children during independent and group activities.

• Reviewing children's written and practical work.

• Checking understanding during lessons.

• Providing verbal and written feedback.

• Encouraging children to reflect on and evaluate their own learning.

• Revisiting previous learning to check what children have remembered.

We believe that feedback is most effective when it is timely, purposeful and helps children understand how to improve.

Teachers use their professional judgement to adapt explanations, provide additional modelling, address misconceptions and offer further challenge where appropriate.

Children are encouraged to take an active role in their learning by recognising their achievements, responding to feedback and understanding what they need to work on next.

Summative Assessment – Measuring Progress

Alongside ongoing classroom assessment, we use more formal assessments at key points throughout the year to monitor attainment and progress.

In reading, writing and mathematics, teachers use assessment information to evaluate children's understanding against age-related expectations and identify areas requiring further development.

Assessment in foundation subjects is based on children's developing knowledge, understanding and skills. Teachers use classroom learning, discussions, practical activities and children's work to make judgements against curriculum expectations.

Our assessment processes are supported by regular moderation, professional discussion and collaboration with colleagues across The Pioneer Academy.

Assessment, Tracking and Reporting – Insight

At Burnt Oak Junior School, we use Insight as our assessment, tracking and reporting system.

Insight enables teachers and school leaders to monitor children's attainment and progress throughout their time at Burnt Oak. It provides a clear picture of individual achievement, helps identify gaps in learning and supports teachers in planning appropriate next steps.

We use Insight to:

• Record and monitor attainment across the curriculum.

• Track individual pupil progress over time.

• Identify children who may need additional support or challenge.

• Analyse attainment and progress across classes, year groups and different groups of learners.

• Support pupil progress meetings and school improvement planning.

• Produce clear, informative reports for parents and carers.

By bringing assessment information together in one system, Insight helps us maintain a consistent approach to monitoring progress and communicating children's achievements.

Monitoring Teaching and Learning

We regularly review the quality of teaching, learning and curriculum provision to ensure that children receive the best possible education.

This includes reviewing children's books and work, visiting lessons, talking to pupils about their learning and analysing assessment information.

Subject leaders and senior leaders work together to evaluate the impact of the curriculum, celebrate effective practice and identify areas for further development.

Our monitoring processes form part of the school's ongoing development planning and are focused on improving outcomes and experiences for all children.

Supporting Every Child

We recognise that children develop at different rates and may require additional support or challenge at different points in their education.

Assessment enables us to identify needs early and respond appropriately.

Where children need additional help, we may provide targeted teaching, small-group support or specific intervention programmes.

We monitor the effectiveness of interventions by considering children's starting points, reviewing their progress and evaluating the impact of the support provided.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), assessment is used alongside individual targets, professional advice and discussions with families to ensure that appropriate provision is in place.

Our aim is to remove barriers to learning whilst maintaining high expectations and ensuring that every child can access an ambitious curriculum.

Statutory Assessments

As a junior school, children at Burnt Oak take part in statutory national assessments during Key Stage 2.

Year 4 – Multiplication Tables Check

Children in Year 4 complete the statutory Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) during the summer term.

This online assessment checks children's fluency in recalling multiplication facts up to 12 × 12.

Throughout Key Stage 2, children develop their multiplication knowledge through regular practice, classroom activities and resources such as Times Tables Rock Stars.

Year 6 – Key Stage 2 SATs

Children in Year 6 complete the statutory Key Stage 2 assessments (SATs) in May.

These include:

• Reading

• Mathematics

• Grammar, punctuation and spelling

The tests are marked externally, and results are shared with parents and carers.

Writing is assessed by teachers against the statutory teacher assessment framework rather than through a national written test.

We recognise that SATs are only one measure of children's achievements. Throughout Year 6, we continue to provide a broad and balanced curriculum, supporting children's wellbeing and preparing them for a successful transition to secondary school.

Reporting to Parents and Carers

We believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential in supporting children's learning and development.

Throughout the year, we provide opportunities for parents and carers to discuss their child's progress, achievements and next steps with their class teacher.

Parents' Evenings

Our parents' evenings provide an opportunity to discuss:

• How children have settled into their class.

• Their progress and attainment in key curriculum areas.

• Their strengths and achievements.

• Areas for development and next steps in learning.

• Their wellbeing, confidence and attitudes towards school.

• Ways in which families can support learning at home.

Parents and carers are also welcome to contact their child's class teacher if they have concerns or would like to discuss their progress at other points during the year.

Annual School Reports

At the end of the summer term, parents and carers receive an annual report produced through Insight.

This provides an overview of their child's attainment, progress and achievements throughout the academic year, alongside areas for continued improvement.

For children in Years 4 and 6, statutory assessment outcomes are also shared with parents and carers as required.

Working Together to Achieve the Best

At Burnt Oak Junior School, assessment is about understanding each child as an individual and helping them make the best possible progress.

We want children to feel proud of their achievements, confident in their abilities and motivated to take the next steps in their learning.

By combining effective assessment, responsive teaching and strong partnerships with families, we aim to ensure that every child is supported to thrive and achieve their full potential.