Nursery World - Editor's view (134)

Proof of the strength of feeling against Key Stage 1 SATs has come in a survey for the National Union of Teachers (see News, page 9). More than nine out of ten teachers say they would support a boycott of the tests, which they believe to have adverse effects on the curriculum and on pupils' behaviour. Teaching to the test is taking the joy out of education for both teachers and children.

behaviour. Teaching to the test is taking the joy out of education for both teachers and children.

For early years practitioners, it is the downward pressure to introduce formal working at an earlier age that is causing problems, putting at risk the good practice that is now possible under the Foundation Stage curriculum.

With the new Foundation Stage Profile receiving a warm welcomefor the way it will assess children's learning, it would be good to see some upward pressure to improve the testing systems at later stages of school.

There's plenty in this week's issue of Nursery World to support good practice in the Foundation Stage. Our Stepping Stones series looks at movement, giving progressive suggestions for children's development, while our Project Outline has both adult-led and child-initiated activity ideas based on the ever-popular bikes, trikes and scooters.

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