SATs tests stress affecting mental health of young children

In a study conducted by PlanBee, more than 60 per cent of North-East teachers and teaching assistants believe primary school children are becoming increasingly stressed over SATs.

Responses from the survey showed teachers noted children were feeling sick, not wanting to come to school, being teary, anxious, having problems sleeping, headaches, bed-wetting, and displaying emotional outbursts, negative changes in behaviour and low self-confidence.

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Former teacher Becky Cranham, of lesson planners PlanBee, who conducted the survey, said: "We know that many children are becoming more stressed about SATs at a time when they should be enjoying the broad and balanced curriculum that Ofsted agrees enables children to achieve most successfully in their school careers.

"However, the pressure put on teachers to achieve particular SATs results - and the subsequent pressure teachers then have to put on their pupils - means that in reality many curriculum areas are pushed aside in favour of ensuring children are ready for the tests, particularly in Year Six"

Mike Parker, director of Schools North East, said: "SATs were designed to be a measure of school performance, not an assessment of pupils individually. As such, there shouldn't be any pressure on children. Regrettably, the high stakes nature of the current education system is piling pressure on schools in a way the tests were never intended for.

"Schools have a duty to protect children from these pressures, but it's virtually impossible when league tables are published and the accountability system is so data-driven.

"This can create a pressure cooker environment in schools which heaps disproportionate pressure on these tests. Parental expectations can also be a driver in increased anxiety at this time."

PlanBee's survey comes as Labour campaigned to scrap SATs, saying that young children should not be subjected to ‘extreme pressure testing’.

• More information about PlanBee can be found at planbee.com