P scales
P scales describe the progress of pupils with special educational needs who are working towards level 1 of the national curriculum.
There are eight levels of P scales with P1 being the lowest and P8 being the highest. Pupils working above level P8 will be working within the national curriculum levels.
The use of P scales is statutory for pupils with special educational needs who are working below level 1 of the national curriculum.
Schools will need to use P scales to record and report the achievements of those pupils in English, mathematics and science. The P scales must not be used to assess pupils with English as an additional language (EAL) at any age, unless they have additional special educational needs. In 2000, QCA produced the guidance document A language in common which relates to the assessment of EAL.
Using the P scales (2009)
We previously published a range of materials as a DVD.
Video presentations:
Assessing pupils' progress: using the P scales (2010)
These materials build on previous QCDA publications, and will be useful for practitioners, support staff, managers and policy makers.
You can download the Assessing pupils' progress: using the P scales booklet to learn more about using the P scales to assess pupils' progress.
The following videos accompany the booklet:
Introduction
Conceptualising progress: Daniel
Conceptualising progress: Lauryn
Using Evidence
Making judgements in mathematics
Making judgements in English
Partnerships for assessment
Securing reliable judgements
Using assessment information
Last modified: 26 Apr 2011
