Forum Response: Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said: "If ministers mean what they say about lifelong learning, it is absolutely essential that we reclaim assessment for teaching and learning - and the sooner the better. High stakes tests do untold damage to children’s learning. The time is ripe for a fundamental review."

Forum Response: Professional Association of Teachers

Jean Gemmell, general secretary of the Professional Association of Teachers, said: "Teachers accept the need for children's process to be monitored, but too much testing is putting children, teachers and parents under increased stress. Tests don't give a complete picture of individual pupils' progress.

"PAT's 2000 survey, 'Tested to Destruction?: a survey of examination stress in teenagers', found that many youngsters suffer from stress, anxiety and even illness as a result of examination pressures.

"PAT advocates teacher assessment, as this allows teachers to educate children, rather than teach them to pass tests, and gives a much more accurate picture of children's educational development.

"The type of assessment which best supports learning is based on the professional judgements that teachers make about their pupils' achievements. These judgements are underpinned by their knowledge and understanding of pupils' learning needs."

Forum Response: National Union of Teachers

Doug McAvoy, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "The unholy trinity of tests, targets and tables narrow the curriculum and undermine teaching and children’s learning.

"If other governments in the UK can have the vision to tackle the damage caused by this approach so can the government in England. I urge Charles Clarke to meet us, act on our proposals and commission an independent review."