20 Jan, 2015
Baseline tests for new primary school students dragoons children say campaigners calling for them to be scrapped
Opponents of the plan – due to be trialled in schools this September before being introduced nationally the following year – argue that the “tests” will introduce children to too formal a learning atmosphere at too early an age at a time when they do not have the necessary concentration span.
Early-years campaigners have launched an online petition – attracting more than 500 signatures in its first two days – calling for its withdrawal. The National Union of Teachers is also calling for a ballot on boycotting the tests, at its annual conference.
