The Department for Education (DfE) has released further information (external link) about a new online times tables assessment for year 4 pupils.
The assessment, which will be compulsory from 2020, will check whether pupils are able to “recall the multiplication tables up to and including 12 × 12”. The aim is to “help schools to identify pupils who have not yet mastered their times tables, so that additional support can be provided”. While under no obligation to do so, schools can volunteer to take part in a pilot of this assessment between 10 and 29 June 2019.
While the planning for, and administration of, these tests falls outside of the remit of governors and trustees, governing boards should gain assurances from executive leaders that plans are in place for year 4 pupils to take these assessments in June 2020. Whilst being mindful of putting undue pressure on teachers and leaders, those governing may also want receive the results of these checks as part of their ongoing monitoring of student outcomes.