What is PIVATS?

Lancashire County Council has developed the widely acclaimed assessment tool PIVATS (Performance Indicators for Valued Assessment and Targeted Learning) as part of its commitment to ensuring all young people receive an education of the highest quality, appropriate to their needs and irrespective of any special needs, disabilities, social or other contextual factors.

Although P Scales are now no longer used for statutory assessment, having been replaced by the Pre-Key Stage Standards and the Engagement Model, PIVATS remains a highly regarded, effective in-school assessment tool that is used throughout the world, and is available in two formats:

PIVATS 5

Assesses small steps of progress in Listening & Understanding, Number, Reading, Shape, Space & Measure, Talking & Communication,  Using & Applying and Writing, from PIVATS P-Scale milestones 1-8, up to PIVATS milestone 4 (which is approximately in line with Year 4 age related expectations)

PIVATS PSED (Personal, Social and Emotional Development) 

Aims to narrow the gaps in social and emotional development that are present in some children, in order to help them to be ‘ready for leaning and life’. The PSED format is similar to PIVATS 5^th Edition but some of the milestones go up to PIVATS milestone 6 (the approximate equivalent of Y6) as this is used more widely in secondary schools.

PIVATS Milestones & Indicators:

 The full sets of PIVATS 5 and PIVATS PSED milestones are available in both electronic (PDF) and hard copy folder format. To place an order please complete the order forms accessible via the live links provided.

Additionally, with a view to keeping costs to a minimum, individual PIVATS 5 milestones can now be purchased both electronically (PDF) and in booklet format in the following areas:

• Language & Communication (including “Listening & Understanding” and “Talking & Communication”)
• Maths (including “Number”, “Shape, Space & Measure” and “Using & Applying”)
• Reading
• Writing

PIVATS 5 Extension Packs:

 Providing electronic (PDF) milestones, which contain a series of hyperlinks embedded, to link to associated resources assisting teachers, learning mentors and support staff to use assessment to enhance teaching and learning.

Currently the “Extension Packs” are available in the areas of:

1. Number (P6 to Milestone 2)
2. Reading

In addition to the existing extension packs, the “Number (Milestones 3 & 4)” and “Language and Communication” editions are under construction and will be released for purchase in the near future. Should you wish to be notified when they are available please complete the form accessible via the live link provided above.

PIVATS Webinars:

Designed and recorded to be run as staff meetings or INSET sessions the following training webinars are now available to order:

• “An Introduction to PIVATS 5”
• “An Introduction to PIVATS PSED”

The videos will be accompanied by training packs to supplement the sessions which is it is recommended should be lead by SENDCOs or a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

PIVATS On-line Analysis:

In addition to providing the assessment structure, PIVATS 5 On-line Analysis enables schools to enter PIVATS assessments, track progress, set targets and generate pupil, group and school level reports.

Constantly seeking to add to our range of products we launched the PIVATS PSED Toolkit in March 2020 which provides a time saving, flexible resource to work alongside the PSED milestones. Containing a large number of information cards and editable resources, the Toolkit assists teachers, learning mentors and support staff to use assessment to enhance teaching and learning. 

PIVATS Packages:

With reduced budgets in the current financial climate, we are now offering multiple PIVATS resources at discounted prices as part of the following packages outlined below:

PIVATS 5 Package includes:

• PIVATS 5 milestones in electronic (PDF) and hard copy folder format
• PIVATS 5 “Number P6 to Milestone 2” and “Reading” Extension Packs
• “An Introduction to PIVATS 5” Webinar

To order this package please complete the form accessible via the link

PIVATS PSED Package includes:

 PIVATS PSED milestones in electronic (PDF) and hard copy folder format;

• PIVATS PSED Toolkit
• “An Introduction to PIVATS PSED” Webinar

 PIVATS Comprehensive Package includes:

• PIVATS 5 & PSED milestones in electronic (PDF) and hard copy folder format;
• PIVATS 5 “Number P6 to Milestone 2” and “Reading” Extension Packs
• “An Introduction to PIVATS 5” Webinar
• “An Introduction to PIVATS PSED” Webinar
• PIVATS PSED Toolkit

Guidance & Support:

 For guidance and support a range of PIVATS samples and short videos are available to view via the links provided on the PIVATS website accessible via https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/lpds/teaching-and-learning/pivats/. You can also contact the PIVATS team on (01772) 531555 or via pivats@lancashire.gov.uk.

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