SATs boycott guidance

Friday 30 April 2010

Advice on what governing bodies should now do, based on National Governors Association, and local government employers organisation advice:

Step 1

The chair of governors (or vice-chair, or other nominated governor in the absence of the chair) should ask the headteacher if they intend to boycott the administration of the tests.

If they answer is that they will not be taking industrial action and the tests will proceed as required, there is no need for further action other than to possibly alert the (year 6) parent body to reassure them that the tests will take place.

If the headteacher intends to support the industrial action you should advise them that they have a statutory duty to administer the tests, that this action on their part would be regarded as a breach of contract and that a deduction from pay would be considered.

If they still intend to support the industrial action then proceed with step 2.

Step 1 should be completed as soon as possible and no later than Tuesday 4 May 2010

Step 2

If the headteacher does not intend to administer the tests themselves you should check with the headteacher whether any other competent person in the school will be delegated those tasks (by the headteacher) and in that event the SATS may still go ahead.

We advise you to contact the local authority (Manjit Khera, School Improvement Team at mkhera@ealing.gov.uk or 020 8825 6761) in this event to ensure arrangements in the school are robust.

If it appears that all relevant staff are taking industrial action and the SATS tests will not be administered you should proceed to step 3.

Step 2 should be completed as soon as possible and no later than Tuesday 4 May 2010

Step 3

You should notify the local authority (Mark Nelson, head of schools HR at mnelson@ealing.gov.uk or 020 8825 9478) and/or diocesan authority that the KS2 SATS will be not be taking place in your school.

You should also check how the decision to boycott the tests is being communicated to children and parents and ensure such notification is sent.

Step 3 should be completed as soon as possible and no later than Wednesday 5 May 2010

Step 4

You should write to headteachers and any other member of the leadership group who is supporting the action using the model letter for governing bodies to issue to employees taking part in industrial action (word).

Step 4 should be completed as soon as possible and no later than Thursday 6 May 2010

Useful resources

Letter from David Archibald (pdf)
Letter to chairs of governing bodies participating in Key Stage 2 assessment tests.

Advice from the National Governors Association (pdf)
Questions and answers

Advice from the Local Government Employers Organisation (pdf)

DCSF guidance (pdf)
Guidance for governors on the administration of Key Stage 2 tests in light of the NUT and NAHT boycott.

governornet
Includes guidance an the 28 April 2010 DCSF letter for governors with and background note for governors, outlining the legal duties of headteachers and governors.