News

MPs challenge Government over Reception Baseline legislation

Cross-party MPs have argued that a new law, being introduced in Parliament in the coming weeks, keeps 'parents in the dark' about how their child's data from the Reception Baseline assessment will be used.
The group of MPs are concerned that parents won't have a say about how their child's data from the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) is used
The group of MPs are concerned that parents won't have a say about how their child's data from the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) is used

According to the MPs, the legislation does not provide an opt-out for parents who do not want information about their child included in a Government database. It also fails to provide information about how the Government could use that data, including selling it to commercial third parties.

The legislation would come into force in September when the Reception Baseline assessment (RBA) becomes statutory. Under the RBA, children will be tested on English and maths in the first six weeks of starting Reception.

The MPs, Labour's Jack Dromey, Caroline Lucas of the Green Party and Liberal Democrat Layla Moran, have written to the Standards and Testing Agency (STA), the Department for Education (DfE) and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), demanding transparency in the legislation about how results from the assessment will be used and calling for parents to be given the right to withdraw their children from taking part.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here