The controversial practice of testing P1 pupils is facing its biggest challenge after children’s charities, parents’ groups and teaching unions launched a joint campaign to derail the policy.
Under the unprecedented move families with five-year-olds starting school this week will be invited to withdraw their children from the contentious literacy and numeracy assessments, introduced last year.
Marguerite Hunter-Blair, chief executive officer of Play Scotland, said playful experiences rather than tests improved children’s learning.
She added: “Through supported play, the under-sevens can thrive, learn, develop and grow in confidence to make choices, enjoy activities, become interested and curious.
Children need opportunities to be creative, to make friends and develop social skills, use a range of tools safely and take manageable risks. These are the practical tests that matter. The test of opportunities, exploration and everyday adventures.”
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