DfE agrees to change deadline for primary assessment after unions’ ultimatum
In a letter to the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), School Minister Nick Gibb confirmed that the Department for Education will comply to teaching unions’ demands for a “dramatic change”.
The deadline for primary schools to submit teacher assessments have now been changed to 30 June for both Key Stage 1 and 2, for 2016 only. The DfE mentions this is the result of a “series of constructive conversations” between the department and a union.
Last week, NAHT General Secretary Russell Hobby gave the Department a one week ultimatum to change the deadline, stating that the Government should “just admit they have no idea what the data will look like or mean” and that the union and its members would act to protect pupils and schools if the response is not satisfactory.
Now Schools Minister Nick Gibb published a response along with the decision to listen to the concerns of Head Teachers and school leaders, stating that:
“Throughout this important reform process we have worked closely with teachers and headteachers and continue to listen to the concerns of the profession as the details of the new arrangements are finalised. We are working constructively with the teaching profession and their representatives to find solutions to some of the remaining issues. The NAHT’s readiness to work with us, rather than use the media to scaremonger, has meant that we have been able to have a sensible discussion.
“As a result we have made changes, which I hope will allay teachers’ concerns about workload and disruption, allowing us to continue working towards the goal we all want to achieve – the best possible education for all our children.”
You can read Mr Gibb’s letter to Russell Hobby here.
Education Secretary Nicky Morgan has also released a video in which she hits out at the media and some unions for claims regarding primary assessment that “aren’t just disingenuous – they’re plain wrong.”