Summative assessment

One of the two types of assessment made mandatory by the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statuary framework is summative assessment. This is where the children take part in exams, these help the practitioners manage their process and see where help is needed to ensure that the children improve. The Early Years Matters website defines summative assessment as two assessments, one when they are 24-36 months and another when they are near completion of the EYFS, the outcomes of these are recorded and parents and practitioners use the information gained to identify a child’s strengths and learning needs, (2014).

The Headteacher at Peasedown St. John Primary School explains in the YouTube video, RIGHT from the start early years good practice films: assessment 1 of 6, that she has decided to focus on summative assessment. By completing three assessments a year with the children and recording results for subjects across the whole curriculum, it allows the practitioners to pinpoint where the children are and where they need to progress to, (2014).