Parents take kids out of school in protest of SATs
Parents in Leeds have taken their children out of school today in protest of harder exams.
Parents in Leeds have taken their children out of school today in protest of harder exams.
The SATs exams, which are for Year 2 students, are said to be causing kids anxiety, and parents aren't happy.
'Educational Fun Days' have been set up in Leeds and around the country, to join the Let Our Kids Be Kids campaign.
Victoria Perrett has taken her 6-year-old son, Elliot, out of school today - she's been protesting at Hall Park in Horsforth: "I wanted to join the protest because as a teacher myself I can see the unnecessary damage dont to children at such a young age.
"This is about supporting teachers as well- this is supporting Headteachers and teachers around the country, who are having to teach to an exam. The fun in a classroom is gradually being eroded away, so much so that teachers can only teach around teh exams and tests set".
Thousands of parents across the country are joining in the protest, but the government says that taking kids out of school is damaging their education.
Pete Goldup is also a parent who took their child out of school in Leeds today: "We strongly disagree with the SATs, we think it's unfair and it's a massive pressure on kids.
"They've taken a lot of the art, music and PE out of school and it's all repetitive tests, and it's not fair on the kids- it's a dulled down curriculum".
The Department of Education have released a statment saying: "We are clear that tests should not be a cause of stress for pupils – they help us ensure schools are performing well, and we know the best schools manage them successfully.
“Our reforms are raising standards and thanks to the hard work of teachers there are a record number of children in good or outstanding schools – 1.4 million more since 2010"