Next week (from Monday 29th April) schools with children in Year 6 should receive Key Stage 2 tests materials. If you have ordered modified test materials for any children delivery will depend upon when the order was placed.

When test materials arrive in schools it is essential that you follow the guidance on test security. This can be found at Key stage 2 test administration guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). All material should be kept securely and treated as confidential until Friday 24th May, including any unused test papers.

Just some (but not all) of the practical advice for keeping Key Stage 2 materials secure are:

  • two members of staff should be involved when checking the delivery
  • check your delivery promptly against the enclosed delivery note
  • packs must remain unopened
  • once checked, packs should be put back into the original delivery box and the box re-sealed
  • store the boxes in a secure, locked cupboard
  • limit access to the location of the materials
  • a nominated member of staff who is not administering the tests should be responsible for storage and ensuring that they are kept secure
  • record instances of access to the materials and to log regular security checks
  • check individual test packs have not been opened before the test is due to be completed
  • if early opening has been approved for modifications, make sure all material is returned to the pack and that it is resealed
  • keep test materials secure and treat them as confidential until 24th May, including electronic versions of the tests downloaded from the Primary Assessment Gateway, and any materials subsequently printed in hard copy

You should contact the national curriculum assessments helpline on 0300 303 3013 by Friday 3rd May if you have not received your test materials, or if your order is incomplete. This includes any modified test materials ordered before 8th March which have not arrived, or any materials arrive unsealed or damaged. 

If your school is used as a polling station or to host a public event, you should:

  • ensure test materials are secure and kept away from the polling station area and visitors
  • check the materials before the opening and after the closing of the polling station or public event (make sure each box is re-sealed after each check)

Please ensure all staff are familiar with the test administration guidance, as this is a comprehensive source of information. If you have any questions that are not answered by guidance from the STA, please contact Vincent at vincent.hampton@derby.gov.uk.