Using AFs when periodically reviewing and assessing pupils' ongoing work helps teachers to:

• have a consistent approach and language for talking about pupils' progress with pupils themselves, parents/carers and other teachers
• helps teachers to recognise significant evidence of learning
• develop a common understanding of the requirements of National Curriculum levels
• see how pupils' work on a small number of teaching objectives can contribute to the bigger picture of their progress and attainment
• give more precise feedback to pupils
• refine learning targets for individuals and groups within the class
• identify gaps in teaching and learning and adjust planning
• plan next steps based on the diagnostic information that emerges.