THE argument over the validity of Standard Attainment Tests in our modern education system is making waves on a national level.

But today we learn that children as young as 10 are being given stress-busting lessons in a bid to beat the pressures of the controversial examinations.

In the only initiative of its kind in the country, children's charity the NSPCC has stepped in to help Year 6 pupils at a Blackburn school cope with the stress of their Key Stage 2 Standard Attainment Tests.

The head has called for similar sessions to be available in all East Lancashire schools.

But the National Union of Teachers today said the event could reinforce its national push to boycott SATs testing, which it claims causes unnecessary stress for youngsters.

Anything which helps children through the maze of tests and exman which fill their education these days must be applauded.

But isn't the fact that children as young as 10 stop sleeping, feel adrenaline rushes and rushed breathing a sign that we are testing our youngsters too early?

And isn't the National Union of Teachers correct when it says SATs cause unnecessary unpleasantness for very young children.

There is no mistake that children need to experience the stress of exams as part of the process of growing up.

But the stress of the expectation of, not just parents, but schools dependent on good results, is surely too much for a child so young.