Government plans to relax much-criticised SATs testing of young children have been welcomed by Southend school heads and teachers' unions.
Education Secretary Charles Clarke announced the plans today as part of a package to reshape the primary education system.
He also pledged to make the curriculum more interesting.
Amanda Keech, headteacher at Bournes Green Infant School in Burlescombe Road, Southend, said she welcomed the Government's move.
She said: "There has been far too much emphasis on literacy, numeracy and science.
"These are clearly very important but we believe our children also need to learn to be confident, inquiring and articulate, with a range of hobbies and interests."
The National Union of Teachers has threatened to boycott the testing of seven-year-olds. It says it has fundamental objections to SATs.
The NUT feels that the entire SATs system, which tests children at seven, 11 and 14, should be abolished completely.
Published Tuesday, May 20, 2003
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