<p><br /> Around 600,000 primary school children will not sit exams as teachers boycott the SATs.<br /> </p><p><br /> Increasing numbers of schools are confirming they will not administer the exams with more expected to join them.<br /> </p><p><br /> Two teaching unions are staging the boycott - the National Union of Teachers has said that more than 70 per cent of schools will be taking part in some areas.<br /> </p><p><br /> Children aged10 and 11 were due to take the tests throughout this week, starting with reading.<br /> </p><p><br /> The test results are used to determine league tables and Ofsted reports, both of which will be affected by the missed exams.<br /> </p><p><br /> Teachers unions are insisting this will be industrial action with no downside as children will still be taught.<br /> </p><p><br /> They claim the tests cause unnecessary stress to children and undermine education through the creation of league tables.<br /> </p><p><br /> The action is expected to be the first big problem for the incoming Government.<br /> </p>
