THE way testing was conducted at one of Newport’s best-performing primary schools was open to potential abuse, it has been claimed.

A committee looking into complaints at Rogerstone Primary School found significant weaknesses in how the school ran national reading and numeracy tests, giving an understandable if false perception of malpractice.

The way test papers were reviewed by invigilators was criticised while the committee found that Year 6 pupils were given a list of words ahead of a reading test.

Investigations into complaints about the school are ongoing, according to Newport council.

The Argus reported in June that the school had changed its procedures after concerns were raised over how it conducted national tests. But it has since emerged that a committee – the membership of which is not known – was formed to look into the complaints from parents.

The findings of the Rogerstone Complaints Committee have been detailed in a document by the Educational Achievement Service for South East Wales, which has been seen by the Argus.

The Argus has also obtained an email from James Harris, council chief education officer, via a Freedom of Information Act request, which says there have been a significant number of complaints regarding alleged testing irregularities at the school.

Rogerstone Primary was given seven grade ones when it was inspected in 2008, but it is understood that the complaints relate to national tests conducted this year.

The committee, according to the document from EAS, found a procedure used by invigilators to review completed test papers with pupils for clarification was seriously flawed and open to potential abuse.

However, members of the committee did not agree that teachers were asking pupils to review incorrect answers.

The tests were conducted in an overly complex manner with significant weaknesses in their administration, the committee found.

The committee did not agree, however, that this led to a systematic manipulation of national tests at the school.

The document says that the school is taking “appropriate action” over Year 6 pupils being given a list of 20 words before the reading test, which had been proven to the committee.

Rogerstone Primary’s use of small groups to undertake tests was also deemed against best practice and not appropriate, the document reads.

A complaint appears to have been made about children being called back to amend their test, but the committee concluded this was only done for pupils normally granted extra time.

The EAS document adds that tests should be conducted as a whole class or year group with no breaks unless allowed in national guidelines, and clear guidance for staff is needed.

In future head teacher Sam Yeoman should take a lead for the management and administration of national tests, the committee had agreed.

Parents demand inquiry into testing

TWO parents with children at Rogerstone Primary School have called for an inquiry into national testing at the school.

Parents have been reluctant to be identified, but one told the Argus that some parents were involved in the committee’s work, but others weren’t.

“What needs to happen is an inquiry where all parents are spoken to. Parents have complained from all different year groups. I have got names of 10 to 15 people (who complained),” the parent told the Argus.

Another said the findings were worrying, adding: “I just want my child to have a proper education.”

School governor and Rogerstone councillor Sally Mlewa said the matter has to go to the next governors’ meeting to see what the next steps should be.

Ms Mlewa indicated the governing body was yet to get a full report, and said the independent complaints committee was established on the request of the governing body. “Parents need to have faith that the school is operating well. I think the way in which tests were administered should have been done differently,” she said, adding that the tests should have been conducted as per national test regulations.

Cllr Chris Evans, of Rogerstone ward, said: “Rogerstone Primary is fundamentally a good school at the heart of our community with some great teachers and fabulous kids who I’m sure will all work together towards a successful new term.”

The Argus asked chairman of governors Ernie Watkins for a comment, but he declined.

Council investigations are still ‘ongoing’

NEWPORT council said investigations are ongoing despite earlier telling the Argus it considered the matter closed.

A council spokeswoman said the authority takes complaints about schools extremely seriously.

“The initial complaints were investigated and the formal complaints procedure was followed in each case,” she said. “Since receiving these initial complaints and issuing our previous statement the council has received further allegations.

“As with the previous complaints the due process of investigation is being followed.

This is ongoing.

“The council said it is important for everyone concerned that the complaints are properly examined and measures taken if necessary.

“The chairman of governors at the school has asked the local authority to conduct an investigation into certain issues on behalf of the governing body and therefore it would be inappropriate to offer further comment.”