Some Useful Educational Terms

Some Useful Educational Terms.

Foundation Stage. The two years covering Pre-school provision and Reception Year in school. The Foundation Stage has its own curriculum and Early Learning Goals.

Early Learning Goals. Objectives for children's attainment within different aspects of their learning. These are intended to be attained by the end of the Reception Year.

Reception Year. A child's first year in school. A child starts in the Reception year in the September following their 4th birthday.

Foundation Stage Profile. An assessment on children during their Reception Year. It is done informally so that the children are unaware, and is part of everyday classroom experiences. It is used to plan the best possible educational provision for the children, and is discussed with parents.

Key Stage 1. Used to be called 'Infants'. The two years following Reception Year, i.e. Years 1 and 2.
Key Stage 2. Used to be called 'Juniors'. Years 3,4,5 and 6. Please note that in Ilminster, children transfer to Swanmead half-way through Key Stage 2, at the end of Year 4.

SATs; Standard Assessment Tasks (or Tests). These are assessments taken by children at the end of Key Stages 1 (in Year 2) and Key Stage 2 (in Year 6). They are statutory and the results are reported to parents and the government and LEA.We also use Optional SATs in Year 4 to better inform us of children's progress and to inform Swanmead.

LEA; Local Educational Authority. The organisation within Somerset County Council that oversees education within the County .

DCSF; Department for Children, Schools and Families. The government department responsible for running and overseeing schools.

QCA; Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. The national organisation responsible for the curriculum and examinations etc.

OfSTED; Office for Standards in Education. The organisation that periodically inspects all schools. The latest report for Greenfylde is available from the school.

LMS; Local Management of Schools. The system where schools have their total budget devolved to them to manage.

LSA; Learning Support Assistant

HLTA; Higher Level Teaching Assistant

We hope that this sheet helps. Please ask if there is anything you do not understand. Teachers are very good at using jargon!