Assessment at the Meadows

Assessment at the Meadows
 

At the Meadows School, our approach to assessment is grounded in a deep commitment to individual progress, inclusive education, and the holistic development of every learner. we believe that every pupil deserves a learning journey that reflects their strengths, needs, and potential.
 

We assess progress against individual Personal Learning Goals (PLGs) linked to EHCP targets in the following areas:

  • Communication and Interaction
  • Social and Emotional Wellbeing
  • Cognition and Learning
  • Physical and Sensory Needs
  • Self-Care and Independence

These areas change in year 9 to:

  • Preparing for Adulthood
  • Employment
  • Community Inclusion
  • Independent living
  • Health

We also use the Meadows custom Frameworks and Skill Maps to assess progress in core subjects, providing a structured and consistent approach to identifying, tracking, and supporting each pupil’s academic development.

Due to the different cohorts of students that we have within our pathways we vary the way in which student learning and progress is measured

  • Engagement for Life (PMLD) Pathway- These learners are assessed using PLGs (Adapted MAPP/Engagement Model and Routes for Learning.
  • Foundations for Life (Complex ASC/Complex SLD)- These learners are assessed using PLGs (MAPP).
  • Learning for Life (Semi Formal/SLD)/Options for Life (Formal/MLD) pathways- These learners are assessed using PLGs (MAPP). Learners also access and are assessed against subject specific frameworks in core subjects using Meadows progression maps.
  • Transition for Life (Sixth Form) pathway- These learners are assessed against accredited course frameworks (where appropriate) as well as PLGs (MAPP)


Qualifications and Accreditation

We do not offer GCSEs because our students are not working at the academic level required to access this level of study.

Students in the Transition for Life (Sixth Form) pathway follow ASDAN’S Life Skills Challenge (LSC) Qualifications that have been designed to address the needs of students who are working towards Entry 1 award and certificate levels up to Level 1.

ASDAN Website/ Life Skills Challenge

Some students also follow ‘Personal and Social Development’ (PSD) qualifications accredited by ASDAN at Entry award and certificate level. Entry level qualifications provide foundational knowledge about a subject at a basic level of academic study. Entry level qualifications are available in three different sub-categories, which progressively get more difficult: entry levels 1, 2 and 3.

ASDAN Website/Personal and Social Development (PSD)

Students in the Engagement for Life (PMLD) pathway do not follow formally accredited routes.


Evidence for Learning

Student progress will be assessed across three data entry points throughout the year and will be recorded on Evidence for Learning (EFL) and analysed through Insights.

We use Evidence for Learning as a central platform to capture and track each pupil’s progress towards their Personal Learning Goals (PLGs). Staff record observations, photos, videos, and annotated work samples that directly link to the specific targets set for each learner. This enables us to build a rich and meaningful picture of individual development over time. Each piece of evidence is carefully tagged to reflect the intended learning outcomes, ensuring alignment between daily classroom experiences and long-term goals. Through this approach, we are able to monitor and celebrate small steps of progress, adjust support strategies responsively, and maintain a consistent, shared understanding of each pupil’s learning journey among teachers, support staff, families, and external professionals.

A logo with colorful circles AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Insights for Learning is the companion toolkit to Evidence for Learning, offering powerful analysis and interpretation of the rich information, data, and evidence we collect. It enables schools to draw meaningful insights from classroom interactions, observations, and progress data, supporting informed decision-making at every level. By highlighting key patterns and trends, Insights for Learning empowers school leaders, teachers, and other stakeholders to engage in purposeful conversations about pupil learning, the impact of provision, and how best to support progress both in and beyond the classroom. The Meadows school is in the process of developing Insights to further support the analysis of EfL data.
 

Assessment Data

Key Stage 5 Data Year 14 Results 2024-25

 

You can view our school performance, characteristics, workforce, finance and Ofsted inspection outcomes by following the link below:

The Meadows School - GOV.UK Compare school and college performance in England