Just a quick comment on this nonsense [see further details here], but I continue to be bemused by the DfE drafters’ dodging responses to public/media queries, this one of their easier dismissive deflections:

A DfE spokesman said the paper had been removed from the website.

He added: “Fortunately this is a Key Stage 1 test which is provided to schools to support teacher assessment judgments.”

Well that’s OK then! It’s not a monumental cock-up, just an annoying erection of ineptitude.