It is important to remember that one of the purposes of the key stage 2 assessments is to identify each pupil's strengths and the areas where they may have fallen behind in their learning as they head into secondary school. The results will help their new school determine in which areas children need the most support. The tests are designed to be challenging to measure attainment, including stretching the most able children. It means some pupils will find them harder than others.

It takes three years to create appropriate tests. During the process, they are rigorously trialled with year 6 pupils and reviewed by education and inclusion experts to make sure they are the right difficulty level. The Standards and Testing Agency is responsible for developing the tests, and Ministers do not have any influence on their content. However, as the Minister of State for Schools acknowledged, the Department will look into this after concerns have been raised over last year's paper.

I would like to reassure you that the Government has published guidance for schools to ensure that pupils with specific needs are able to undertake SATs. This guidance advises schools to make additional arrangements and accommodations for pupils with any special educational needs and disabilities. This includes measures such as additional time, the use of scribes, word processors or other technical or electronic aids, and the early opening of test packs to adapt test papers. Schools must consider whether any of their pupils will need access arrangements before they administer the tests and may be required to request permission from the Standards and Testing Agency in advance for some arrangements.

I believe that we must do more to give teachers the support they need, as such I welcomed the introduction of the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy, which, amongst other things, is an impetus for discussion between government and head teachers about further ways in which teachers’ workload can be reduced, and professional development supported.