Screening

The Government has today launched a consultation on the introduction of a reading test for all children at age 6.


The idea is that where pupils have not reached a required standard, they will receive additional support so they can catch up with their peers.


The test will involve no more than 40 items (individual words to be read) to be presented to each child.


The children will read out the words one-to-one to an adult they know, who will score the response to each item. It is intended to take around 5 minutes for each child to complete the screening check.


The Government also intends to put in place detailed guidance on how children with special educational needs (SEN) can be supported to access the screening check.


The NAS believes that screening is important to identify any issues children may have at an early stage. However, a reading test may not be the best way to identify autism and we believe that other screening options should be looked at to ensure that children with autism are picked up early and supported.


What do you think? How useful would a reading test be for children with autism? How would the test need to be adapted for children with autism?


See: http://www.education.gov.uk/consultations/index.cfm?action=consultationDetails&consultationId=1741&external=no&menu=1 for more details