Monitoring visits
Here you'll find all the information and resources you'll need about monitoring visits, whether you're from a school or a local authority.
Monitoring visits are performed to check that the key stage 2 national curriculum tests are being administered in accordance with the requirements set out in the 2010 key stage 2 assessment and reporting arrangements (ARA). These visits help build public confidence in the security of the national curriculum tests and provide headteachers with a formal opportunity to demonstrate how the national curriculum tests are administered in their schools.
Some visits take place before and after the test period, but the majority take place during the test period.
Local authorities (LAs) carry out most of the monitoring visits for maintained schools, with a small number of monitoring visits conducted by us at QCDA. We appoint an agency to monitor independent schools administering the national curriculum assessments.
Schools can find guidance as to what to expect during a monitoring visit in the Guide for schools on monitoring visits.
Information on monitoring visits for local authorities
LAs have a duty to ensure that schools administer the statutory assessment and reporting arrangements appropriately. LAs are required to undertake monitoring visits to 10 per cent of their key stage 2 schools before, during and after the test to ensure schools understand and follow the statutory requirements.
If you're an LA representative
Where possible, you should check that the school has received the correct quantities of test materials and that both the test materials and completed test scripts are being stored securely. You should also check that the rooms where the tests are being administered are suitable and that the tests are being administered according to the published guidance.
You should record the details of your visit on the monitoring visit form and discuss your findings with the headteacher at the end of the visit. If you find administrative irregularities or potential maladministration, you should make a note of this on the monitoring visit form and let us know immediately so that we can carry out a full investigation.
To contact our maladministration team email testadmin@qcda.gov.uk.
Last modified: 16 Apr 2010
