Who's who in National Assessments?

Thursday, 24 February 2011 13:32

Ofqual

As the independent regulator, Ofqual strives to secure qualifications, examinations and assessments that are valued and trusted by learners, users and the wider public. In relation to EYFS and National Curriculum Assessments, Ofqual’s objectives are:

• to promote the development and implementation of National Assessment arrangements which:
  • give a reliable indication of achievement
  • indicate a consistent level of attainment (including over time) between comparable assessments.
• to promote public confidence in National Assessment arrangements.

Ofqual also has a duty to:

• keep all National Assessments under review
• if it appears to Ofqual that there is, or is likely to be, a significant failing in National Assessment arrangements, notify the Secretary of State and any National Curriculum and EYFS responsible bodies whose act or omission appears to Ofqual to have contributed to the significant failing.

Find out more about Ofqual’s role and responsibilities in our Regulatory Framework for National Assessments: National Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage.

Standards and Testing Agency (STA)

The Standards and Testing Agency is an executive agency of the department for Education and is responsible, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education, for the development and delivery of statutory assessment and testing in England.

Local authorities

Local authorities have statutory duties to ensure that schools and settings administer EYFS and National Curriculum Assessments and report outcomes to parents, carers or guardians, schools and settings, STA and the Department for Education.

Schools and settings

Schools and settings have a statutory responsibility to:

• participate in EYFS and National Curriculum assessments, as required
• report achievement to learners, parents, guardians and/or carers
• provide STA and the Department for Education with data that sets out a pupil’s or child’s achievement.

Schools’ and settings’ responsibilities can be found within the Assessment and reporting arrangements located on QCDA’s website.

Ofsted

Ofsted is expected to inform Ofqual of any issues arising from its inspections that may affect the standard of National Assessments.

Where to go for more help and information

National Assessment team
Ofqual
Spring Place,
Coventry Business Park,
Herald Avenue
Coventry
CV5 6UB

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Last Updated on Thursday, 12 April 2012 15:15 Tags: Ofqual, education, examination regulation, qualifications, assessments