The National Parent Forum of Scotland (NPFS) is pleased to see the finished report from Professor Louise Hayward’s Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessments, ‘It’s Our Future: Report of the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment,’ published today.
The NPFS would like to take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of parents and carers across Scotland who participated in Professor Hayward’s review by completing a survey, attending a local focus group, participating in our co-hosted online consultation spaces, attending an online forum, or providing feedback in another way.
NPFS played a key role in the Qualifications and Assessment Review Group, along with Connect, sharing news and information about the review, conducting surveys, hosting focus groups and online discussion spaces, and engaging with a wide range of parents and carers at all ages and stages across the country.
While any diverse group of parents and carers is bound to have a variety of ideas about assessment and qualification, two key themes are common across feedback received:
1. Parents and carers want a system that works for all learners; and
2. Parents and carers understand that different assessment methods work for different children and young people.
The NPFS will continue to work to elevate the voice and views of parents and carers to the highest levels of Scottish Government. Our forward work in this area will be focussed on ensuring:
• plans for any proposed changes are clearly communicated to parents without unnecessary jargon,
• parental views continue inform any proposed changes,
• timelines for change are realistic and clear for all stakeholders, and
• any reforms are properly resourced and funded for school communities.
You can read the full report, ‘It’s Our Future: Report of the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment’ here, find a summary of the review’s findings and recommendations are here, and find an analysis of the consultation here.
We’d like to extend our thanks to Connect, along with scores of parent councils across the nation for working closely with us throughout the review. And, finally, thank you again for the effort you’ve put into this consultation with us – it really does take a village, and NPFS are grateful to have you play a part in ours.