Fiducia TogetherReception baseline
Also called RBA, Reception baseline assessment
A short activity-based assessment in the first weeks of Reception, used to measure the school seven years later.
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.
What it is
The reception baseline assessment is a short, practical, one-to-one activity carried out within the first six weeks of a child starting Reception, covering early literacy, communication and mathematics.
It exists to create a starting point for measuring a school's progress by the end of Key Stage 2.
Where it applies
Children in Reception in state-funded schools.
How it works
It is not marked or levelled, and no result is given to parents or used to group children. Schools receive a narrative statement of how the child engaged.
Parents cannot withdraw a child, though a child who does not want to take part is not made to.
What you can ask for
Ask what the school noticed, rather than for a score — the narrative feedback is the only useful output and it is available if you ask.
Ask for EYFS adjustments if your child has known needs. The assessment can be adapted.
Where to get help
The Reception teacher. GOV.UK publishes the assessment framework.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.