Nursery World - Teachers vote on SATs boycott

* The National Union of Teachers is balloting its members in England over a proposed boycott of SATs tests at the end of Key Stages 1 and 2. The ballot of teachers will include heads and deputies in all infant, junior and primary schools throughout the country. NUT general secretary Doug McAvoy said, 'Teachers in England do not understand why they and their pupils should be treated differently from those in Scotland and Wales. In Scotland, following a review, national tests are to be replaced with teacher assessment. In Wales, Key Stage 1 tests have been abandoned and a review of Key Stage 2 and 3 tests is under way.'

NUT general secretary Doug McAvoy said, 'Teachers in England do not understand why they and their pupils should be treated differently from those in Scotland and Wales. In Scotland, following a review, national tests are to be replaced with teacher assessment. In Wales, Key Stage 1 tests have been abandoned and a review of Key Stage 2 and 3 tests is under way.'

He added, 'It is only the Government that fails to recognise the inadequacy of these tests and the damage they cause to children's education - not least because of the constraining effect they have on teachers'

professional judgement.'

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