Many see no reason why England should continue with SATs tests when Scotland and Wales have done away with them and seem to be none the worse. But primary SATs do at least provide an independent assessment of the relative success of a school when it comes to teaching basics.

In-school verdicts on children's progress may not be quite as reliable when it comes to providing the information on pupil progress that parents now expect. But we question the value of a system which produces results as devalued and discredited as this year's. And will this year's primary tables be worth the paper they'll be printed on?

The current chaos has at least raised serious questions about the value and accuracy of England's system which will remain long after the next academic term gets under way.

Figures highlight RSPCA's importance
YET again, the RSPCA's annual report paints a disgusting picture of cruelty carried out by people from our area against defenceless animals. Almost 40 South Yorkshire residents were convicted of cruelty crimes , with another 31 before the courts in Derbyshire.

The RSPCA is a charity which earns widespread respect for its fight against cruelty. Even so, that degree of admiration is always brought into sharp focus when the annual statistics show just how important is their work.

Donkey delights
ONE in 10 children have never seen and enjoyed the glories of the British seaside. That's a whole generation who don't know what it's like to huddle behind a windbreak or search for shelter from driving rain, because they've been brought up thinking holidaying means being abroad. But with the credit crunch, it won't be long before they discover the delights of donkey rides and sand-filled sandwiches!

READ MORE
Your letters.
Today's features.
Latest sport.
Main news index.