THOUSANDS of children across Hampshire are preparing to take their controversial SATS from today.

As children prepare to be put to the test this week, there are calls for the tests to be scrapped for seven and 11-year-olds.

The SATS (Standard Assessment Tests) test children aged seven in English and Maths. Eleven-year-olds take exams in English, Maths and Science.

Results of the tests are used to determine rankings in school league tables.

Last week, Lymington CE Infant School head teacher Jenny Simpson led calls for the abolition of the controversial exams for seven-year-olds, at the annual conference of head teachers in York.

She told delegates that many children who took Key Stage 1 tests every year were actually six as their birthdays were in August. She also branded the tests as "sick".

The largest classroom teaching union, The National Union of Teachers, has voted to ballot its members on a possible boycott of tests at seven, 11 and 14, which could seriously disrupt the tests next year.

National Association of Head Teachers general secretary David Hart has poured cold water on the likelihood of his union joining the NUT national boycott, saying it is a "non-starter" under the law.

Meanwhile, Year Six Pupils at St Mark's Church of England Junior School in Stafford Road, Southampton, will be holding a special Breakfast Club this week as they take their exams.

The club will be inviting all pupils in Year Six to have a breakfast consisting of tea, toast, fresh fruit and fruit juice to start the day before they go to class.

One Year Six pupil was very clear about the benefits of the club.

He said: "I can't wait for it to start. I think I will work much better on a full tummy."

The provision of the free club has been made possible by donations from Tescos and Safeways, together with a cake sale run by the pupils themselves.

It will be staffed by a team of teachers, learning support assistants and parents, who will be giving their free time to support the initiative.

Karen Mellor, head of Year Six, is delighted with the initiative.

She said: "This has been co-ordinated by one of the teachers in our year team but has relied on input from other staff, parents and not least, the children.

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for peak mental performance and this sociable start to the day should also be a very helpful way to ensure that the children feel confident about tackling what will be quite a demanding week."

What do you, the parents, think of SATS tests? Are they putting your children under too much exam pressure, or are they a good thing?

Let us know by ringing the newsdesk on 023 8042 4520.