Assessment for Learning (AfL) in the Primary Framework

Assessment for Learning (AfL) is the process of seeking and interpreting evidence for use by learners and their teachers to decide where the learners are in their learning, where they need to go and how best to get there.

The guidance and materials have been organised into three interrelated areas. This interrelationship is fundamentally important and Assessment for Learning will not be effective unless all the areas, or layers, are working together.

At the heart of everything is learning and teaching. The materials in this area focus on the interactions between children and teachers, and between children themselves, which enable children to develop as independent learners who enjoy learning, work well with others and make good progress.

Planning for personalised learning focuses on what teachers need to do, individually and collaboratively, to develop assessment for learning and personalise learning by establishing supportive conditions for learning.

Leadership and management focuses on how to develop assessment for learning in a whole school or setting. It provides practical advice and tools to develop approaches and strategies. It highlights the need for distributed leadership where everyone in a school takes responsibility and works collaboratively, including children taking a lead in their own learning.