Assessment in Reception (EYFS)

In Reception, we follow the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework, which guides how we assess and support children during this vital year of development.

Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA)

• All children complete the statutory RBA within the first six weeks of starting Reception
• It is a short, practical, one-to-one assessment that focuses on early language, communication, literacy and mathematics
• The purpose is to form a starting point for measuring progress by the end of Year 6 (it is not shared with children or used to label them)

Ongoing Assessment

Teachers use a combination of:

• Daily observations
• Small group or 1:1 activities
• Phonics assessments every half term
• Child-led tasks to build a clear picture of each child's developmental progress
   

Assessment is recorded against the EYFS framework’s seven areas of learning, with a focus on the three prime areas(Communication & Language, Physical Development, Personal, Social & Emotional Development) and the four specific areas (Literacy, Maths, Understanding the World, Expressive Arts & Design).
 

We track children’s development using our in-school assessment system, monitoring progress towards the Early Learning Goals (ELGs).
 

🔹 End of Reception

At the end of the Reception year, teachers make a judgement against each Early Learning Goal (ELG). Children are assessed as either:

• ‘Emerging’ – not yet reaching the expected level
• ‘Expected’ – meeting the expected level of development

This is reported to parents and passed on to Year 1 staff to support transition.
 

📌 These assessments help ensure children are supported to make the best possible start to their learning journey at St. Mary’s.