Supporting schools to maximise nursery and breakfast club funding

The new approach to national curriculum testing at key stage 2 introduced in 2016 may have adopted an excessive level of difficulty, a new Ofqual review has suggested.

The exams regulator has carried out an evaluation of the Standards and Testing Agency's (STA's) approach to developing key stage 2 reading and maths tests, alongside a review of evidence relating to the accessibility of the 2016 reading SAT, which affirmed concerns raised by teachers at the time that the test may have been too hard.

After examining a wide body of evidence and data relating to the accessibility of the 2016 reading test - which was taken by more than 550,000 ten and 11-year-olds - it was determined that standards had been set appropriately, but that the test itself may have been more challenging than the sample materials provided.

As such, around one-quarter of pupils did not complete the test, which asked them to read three passages of text and answer 33 questions in one hour. Subsequently, the published results revealed that only two-thirds of pupils reached the expected standard.

Although the 2017 reading test did not raise similar accessibility concerns, Ofqual stated that its review highlights areas that could benefit from further consideration by STA as it continues to refine this new approach to primary national curriculum testing.

Meanwhile, the regulator's evaluation of the current methods of ensuring effective coverage of the knowledge, skills and understanding set out in the English reading and maths curriculum found that STA's approach is robust, comparing favourably to those taken in similar tests internationally.

Dr Michelle Meadows, Ofqual's deputy chief regulator, said: "We are reassured that STA's approach to sampling from the national curriculum is robust. We have identified specific questions that we will continue to discuss with the STA, to help them to enhance the validity of the reading and maths tests, over time, for all pupils."

List #1

Related jobs

Primary Teacher

Salary

£120 - 165 per day

Location free text

Wythenshawe

Job Type

Full Time

Salary

£100 - £199 per day

Sector

KS2 - Year 4

Location

Wythenshawe

Description

Full-Time Year 4 Teacher – Join a Supportive Wythenshawe Primary School (Immediate Start)Teaching Personnel is proud to be working with a welcoming and inclusive primary school in Wythenshawe, current

Reference

M23 Y4 T

Expiry Date

DD01YY

Author

Manchester South Primary

Author

Manchester South Primary

More Info Shortlist

Teaching Assistant

Salary

Market related

Location free text

Southampton

Job Type

Full Time

Salary

£10 - £19 per hour

Sector

KS1 - Year 1

Location

Southampton

Description

KS1 Teaching Assistant – 1:1 Support Role – SouthamptonAre you an experienced and compassionate Teaching Assistant looking to make a real impact in a child’s learning journey?Teaching Personnel is cur

Reference

KS1TASoton

Expiry Date

DD01YY

Author

Hampshire Primary

Author

Hampshire Primary

More Info Shortlist

Teaching Assistant

Salary

£13.70 - 19.85 per hour

Location free text

Denton

Job Type

Full Time

Salary

£10 - £19 per hour

£20 - £29 per hour

Sector

Teaching Assistant

Location

Greater Manchester

Description

Position: Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Location: Denton Start Date: October half termThe Opportunity: Teaching Personnel is proud to be working in partnership with a progressive a

Reference

M34 HLTA 1

Expiry Date

DD01YY

Author

Manchester South Primary

Author

Manchester South Primary

More Info Shortlist

Primary Teacher

Salary

Market related

Location free text

Southampton

Job Type

Flexible Working

Salary

£100 - £199 per day

Sector

Primary

Location

Southampton

Description

Primary Teacher – Flexible Work Across Southampton SchoolsIf you are a dedicated and enthusiastic Primary Teacher looking to make a difference across a variety of classrooms? Do you enjoy the flexibil

Reference

GeneralSupplysoton2

Expiry Date

DD01YY

Author

Hampshire Primary

Author

Hampshire Primary

More Info Shortlist

Teaching Assistant

Salary

£90 - 110 per day

Location free text

Castle Bromwich

Job Type

Full Time

Salary

£10 - £19 per hour

Sector

Teaching Assistant

Location

West Midlands

Description

Full-Time SEN Teaching Assistant | B35 Area | 8:30am – 3:30pm | Whole Academic Year | Via Teaching PersonnelAre you experienced in supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Reference

topcliffe SEN

Expiry Date

DD01YY

Author

Birmingham Primary

Author

Birmingham Primary

More Info Shortlist

Teaching Assistant

Salary

£90 - 100 per day

Location free text

Barry

Job Type

Full Time

Salary

Less than £100 per day

Sector

Teaching Assistant

Location

Vale of Glamorgan

Description

About the role-Primary mainstream Teaching Assistants required, any days from Monday to Friday 840-1520-Required to work in a busy primary setting, that caters for over 500 children. It is extremely w

Reference

Glad1TA

Expiry Date

DD01YY

Author

Cardiff West Primary

Author

Cardiff West Primary

More Info Shortlist

School Admin Assistant

Salary

£13.75 - 14.50 per hour + Free CPD

Location free text

Aintree

Job Type

Part Time

Salary

£10 - £19 per hour

Sector

Primary

Location

Merseyside

Description

Admin Assistant Opportunity – Primary School in Aintree, Liverpool Teaching Personnel are seeking a dedicated and experienced Admin Assistant to join a welcoming primary school in Aintree, Liverpool.

Reference

SICOSUFO3EB

Expiry Date

DD01YY

Author

Liverpool Primary

Author

Liverpool Primary

More Info Shortlist

KS1 Teacher

Salary

£120 - 160 per day

Location free text

Sheffield

Job Type

Flexible Working

Salary

£100 - £199 per day

Sector

Teacher

Location

Sheffield

Description

Exciting Opportunities for KS1 Teachers in Barnsley and Sheffield! Are you a passionate and dedicated KS1 teacher looking to make a meaningful impact on young learners? Join our dynamic and supportiv

Reference

s64212

Expiry Date

DD01YY

Author

Sheffield North

Author

Sheffield North

More Info Shortlist

TA needed in Northampton Primary School

Salary

£89.38 - 95.00 per day

Location free text

Northamptonshire

Job Type

Full Time

Salary

Less than £100 per day

Sector

Teaching Assistant

Location

Northamptonshire

Description

Job Opportunity: Experienced Teaching Assistant (with Read Write Inc. Phonics Experience) Location: Northampton Primary School Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday Start Date: ASAPA Primary Scho

Reference

TA in Northampton

Expiry Date

DD01YY

Author

Northants & Counties Primary

Author

Northants & Counties Primary

More Info Shortlist

Experience TA needed in Wellingborough

Salary

£89.38 - 95.00 per day

Location free text

Northamptonshire

Job Type

Full Time

Salary

Less than £100 per day

Sector

Teaching Assistant

Location

Northamptonshire

Description

Job Opportunity: Experienced Teaching Assistant Location: Primary School inWellingborough Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday Start Date: As soon as all checks are complete and the candidate is

Reference

Experienced TA

Expiry Date

DD01YY

Author

Northants & Counties Primary

Author

Northants & Counties Primary

More Info Shortlist

List #1

Teaching interview questions: what to expect and how to prepare

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

Walking into a teaching interview can be nerve-wracking, even for experienced teachers. The secret? Preparation. Knowing what to expect, understanding the school, and thinking through your answer

Teaser

Teaching interviews can feel daunting, but the right preparation makes all the difference. From common questions to safeguarding, behaviour management, and career development, here’s how to prepare, what to expect, and how to make the best impression.

Teacher pay scales 2025–26: what you need to know

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

Pay is always a big topic for teachers and school leaders, and with good reason. It affects career choices, retention, and how schools plan. With a 4% rise confirmed for the next academic term, 20

Teaser

Teacher pay scales for 2025–26 are changing, with a confirmed 4% rise across the board. From new starter salaries to leadership pay, discover what the updated scales mean for teachers, schools, and career planning.

Back To School: How To Set Up The Year For Success

Teaser

Education News

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

The start of a new academic year brings a mix of excitement and challenge. New timetables and faces are balanced with the realities of staffing, planning, and ensuring the school settles quickly i

Teaser

The start of term sets the tone for the whole year. From staff onboarding to curriculum planning and wellbeing, discover practical ways to prepare your school for success this September and beyond.

Inclusive classrooms start with Thrive-trained educators

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

Schools are under pressure. Behaviour issues are rising, pupil needs are more complex, and staff are stretched. In 2024, 18.4% of children in England were reported to have some form of special edu

Teaser

Need skilled staff for today’s complex classrooms? Thrive-trained educators from Teaching Personnel are ready to reduce disruption and support every learner.

Thrive in every classroom: How CPD with impact can boost your career

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

Today’s classroom is a busy, complex, and emotionally charged environment. Educators need to teach, support, manage behaviour, and connect with learners who may be carrying far more than their sch

Teaser

Struggling with behaviour or emotional needs in the classroom? Thrive CPD gives you practical tools to support every learner, especially those with SEND or SEMH.

The future of SEND support

Teaser

Education News

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

The future of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support in the UK is undergoing significant focus and reform. It’s a complicated landscape as the government considers tightening th

Teaser

With EHCP reform, funding investment, and workforce development on the horizon, the future of SEND support is changing fast. This blog breaks down what schools need to know, and how to prepare.

SEND

Overcoming SEND staffing challenges in schools

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

In December 2024, the government announced new specialist places in mainstream schools to better support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Yet, staff shortages limit s

Teaser

SEND

Bridging the gap: Why SEND CPD matters for teachers

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

Recent statistics highlight gaps in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) training and support for educators. The government wants more SEND pupils in mainstream schools. At the same t

Teaser

Are your staff prepared for the rising SEND needs in mainstream schools? Diagnoses are rising, but most teachers feel unprepared. Discover why high-quality SEND CPD is essential and how your school can upskill effectively without breaking the budget.

Pupils listening to teacher in classroom

Creating inclusive classrooms: strategies for success

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

In 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the crisis in the SEND system, noting limited progress in making mainstream schools more inclusive. Without further investment and changes, t

Teaser

With the number of pupils with special educational needs (SEN) rising, schools must take proactive steps to create inclusive learning environments. The National Audit Office (NAO) has highlighted the challenges in making mainstream schools more accessible, emphasising the urgent need for change. But while systemic improvements are necessary, educators can implement practical strategies today to support SEND pupils effectively.

How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26 As government funding for special education needs and disabilities (SEND) evolves, schools face critical challenges securing essential resources. Sch

Teaser

Struggling to make sense of SEND funding for 2025–26? Get clarity and strategy in our free SEND Funding Guide, packed with insights schools can use now.

Funding
SEND

Ofqual review suggests new SATs may be too challenging

Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales

Ofqual review suggests new SATs may be too challenging

Register with usfor work in schools across England & Wales

Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales