NSW public schools will hold check-in assessments for students from years 3 to 9 upon their return to school, to see how they have fared in their learning and assess what extra help they may need. The tests are mapped to the literacy and numeracy syllabuses.

The assessments consist of between 40 and 50 multiple choice questions, and schools receive the results within 48 hours, which “means they can immediately respond to the learning needs of each of their students”, a NSW Department of Education spokeswoman said.

“The check-in platform includes links to teaching strategies supporting teachers in addressing those learning needs.”

The assessments are for teachers; parents do not get a formal report of students’ results, unlike NAPLAN.

Sydney schools will run the assessments in term four, but teachers can decide when. “We are strongly encouraging schools to complete them as soon as is practicable once students have settled back into school routines,” the spokeswoman said.

Loading

“We understand schools will need to focus on student wellbeing when students first return.”

UNICEF Australia and the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth are calling for the establishment of a national children’s plan to help young people address their mental health concerns and other challenges that have arisen out of the latest COVID wave and lockdown.

National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds said: “I am very concerned that the unique needs of children have not been a priority during the past 10 months with COVID policy focused primarily on adults. As we climb out of COVID lockdowns, we need to listen to children and act to support their safety, development and wellbeing.”

If attendance for kindergarten and year 1 last week was any guide, about 91 per cent of students will go back to campus despite parents’ concerns about COVID-19.

From November 8, all adults working on school sites will need to be fully vaccinated. Until then, schools must find a way to manage while those who have not had two shots work remotely. By last Friday morning, nearly 110,000 of the department’s 130,000-odd staff had provided their vaccination status, with more than 95 per cent fully vaccinated.

The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.