NEU comments on "More Than a Score" research on Phonics

Commenting on the More than a Score announcement of its research into this month’s compulsory Phonics Check for Year 2 pupils, titled Government Tests In A Pandemic: “Getting In The Way Of What Children Need Right Now”, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:

“The latest research from More than a Score strengthens the message that educators have been sending to government since the start of this school year. Bringing back statutory assessment in the middle of the pandemic damages rather than supports children’s learning. The government is addicted to testing and can’t kick the habit, no matter what its consequences. We need Gavin Williamson to show some empathy with pupils and some understanding of what is most important, right now, in the work of schools. He should learn the lessons of this unnecessary test he has just put pupils through, and cancel all statutory assessment, including SATs, in 2021.”