SUPPORT for a boycott of SATs tests next week is gathering pace as more parents vent their anger at the new exams.

On Tuesday, May 3, many parents are planning to take their children out of school in protest at the new Key Stage One and Two tests introduced by the Department for Education (DfE) for children aged seven and eleven.

The parent-led campaign Let Our Kids be Kids is calling on people to remove their children from school on the day and engage in fun, educational activities in protest at the new curriculum, which they say destroys children's confidence in their abilities.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) said that teachers share the concerns of parents and would continue to campaign alongside parents and other organisations against the new tests, but did reveal whether it will formally supporting the boycott.

General secretary Christine Blower told The Northern Echo: “The NUT fully understands why an increasing number of parents are so distressed by the primary assessment system.

“Teachers share their concerns and are likewise angry and dismayed at an assessment system which is age inappropriate and which is causing unnecessary stress and anxiety amongst children.

“This damages the confidence which is a vital ingredient of successful learning.

“Precious time is also being wasted on preparing children for tests at the expense of offering a vibrant, engaging education.”

The DfE said parents should speak to schools if they feel their children are being overly stressed by SATS and said the reforms were designed to “raise standards”.

Parents in Richmond, Catterick, Sherburn Village, Newcastle and South Shields are among those to have also organised a day of outdoor learning and activities in the region, as part of Tuesday’s national boycott designed to support teachers and schools.

Joanne Weston, a children’s party entertainer and storyteller from Brafferton, Darlington, who will be staging activities at Brafferton Village Hall said: “The Let Our Kids be Kids campaign only began four weeks ago, so it’s amazing what has been achieved.

“A lot of parents are waiting to see what their school’s stance is on the boycott. My school have confirmed that they won’t be authorising any absences but we have other schools where headteachers are supporting the campaign.”

The Northern Echo's report of the boycotts generated a lot of response among parents.

One posted on The Northern Echo’s Facebook page: “They're taught to pass a test. It doesn't make them more intelligent. It's very sad. They're not learning, they're regurgitating.”

Some criticised parents for taking children out of school to protest, with one user posting: “Surely parents that keep children off school are effecting their education, you would hope the schools fine these people.”

Another parent said: “Keeping the kids off for one day isn't going to affect their education but these tests are! Year 2 at the moment is bonkers. We should be encouraging a love of learning, developing imaginations and creating inquisitive minds not teaching to tests.”