While Sats measure academic ability, they do not take into account the fact that children’s brains develop at varying rates. Furthermore, the focus of primary school should be on building relationships and forming a love of learning. Good teaching should be hard work as long as it is teaching and not endless tickboxes, written planning and accommodating curriculum changes. Tony RobertsPreston, Lancashire• In its decisions about primary school accountability, the government is replacing one testing monstrosity by an even more monstrous one. Professor Colin Richards(Former HM inspector of schools), Spark Bridge, Cumbria• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters

Source: The Guardian September 15, 2017 16:30 UTC