Reception baseline assessment: IT guidance
Guidance for schools to check device requirements and prepare devices to deliver the 2026 reception baseline assessment (RBA).
This guidance is for school staff and IT support staff, to help them prepare devices and internet connections ahead of delivering the reception baseline assessment (RBA).
Before administering an assessment, we recommend reviewing this guidance as early as possible to allow time to:
- check compatibility
- test devices and connections
- resolve any issues in advance
Completing these checks early can help reduce disruption when the assessment is administered with pupils.
Device requirements
Schools need a minimum of 2 devices to administer the RBA:
- one device used by the practitioner to administer the assessment
- a touchscreen device used by the pupil to respond to questions
Practitioner device
Practitioners can use:
- a desktop computer or laptop
- a Mac
- an iPad
- an Android tablet
- a Windows tablet
- a Chromebook tablet
Practitioners may find it helpful to use a device that allows them to easily access their email account, as they will receive a multi-factor authentication (MFA) code by email when signing in to each device.
Practitioners using shared devices, where sign-in details cannot be saved, will need to ensure they have their username and password available when accessing the services.
Pupil device
The pupil device must have a touchscreen and can be:
- an iPad
- an Android tablet
- a Windows tablet
- a Chromebook tablet
- an interactive whiteboard
The pupil’s touchscreen must be at least 9.7 inches measured diagonally from corner to corner.
Operating systems and browsers
The RBA is accessed through a web browser (the software you use to access the internet).
You should ensure that your device’s operating system (OS) and browser have the latest updates installed before administering the assessment. This will ensure the RBA runs smoothly and securely.
The RBA can run on the latest version of the following operating systems and browsers:
| Operating system | Browser |
|---|---|
| Windows | Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox |
| macOS | Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox |
| iOS | Safari for iOS, Google Chrome |
| Android | Google Chrome, Samsung Internet |
| ChromeOS (Chromebooks) | Google Chrome |
Recommended actions
We strongly recommend practitioners and IT staff complete the following checks to ensure they are prepared to administer the RBA:
Check your devices are ready
For both devices, you should ensure that:
- they are switched on, fully charged and in good working order
- the auto lock, hibernate and sleep mode features are disabled
- all devices have recently been updated with the latest operating system and browser version, and that there are no scheduled or automatic updates on the day of the assessment
If your devices are shared or centrally managed, you may need IT support to regularly update your devices.
Check your internet connection
A stable internet connection is essential for administering the RBA, which relies on a continuous connection between the practitioner and pupil devices.
You should ensure the connection is stable, reliable and consistent in the location you plan to administer the assessment.
Prepare your internet browser
You should ensure that:
- any unnecessary tabs on the browser are closed
- any other applications are closed
- the browser is not in privacy or incognito mode
- cookies are enabled
- the browser has local storage access enabled
- pop-up blocker software is disabled
Checking your devices are compatible
The RBA works when your devices and the assessment service communicate with each other through your school’s network.
We strongly recommend you use the ‘Preview the assessment’ section within the ‘Assessment service: start an assessment’ to check both devices can connect to the service, pair with each other and maintain a stable connection throughout an assessment.
You should carry out these checks under the same conditions you plan to administer the assessment – for example, in the same location and using the same devices and wifi connection.
Troubleshooting
This section provides troubleshooting advice for schools that experience issues connecting their devices. Practitioners may need help from their IT support to resolve these.
Internet filtering and firewall issues
The RBA services need to communicate with supporting services.
Most schools use internet filtering or firewall systems to keep pupils safe online. Sometimes these systems can block parts of the RBA without showing an obvious error message. This can cause the assessment to freeze or disconnect.
It is important that you allowlist all subdomains under ‘.education.gov.uk’.
You must also ensure the following domains are accessible across your network:
- assessment-service-cdn.sta.education.gov.uk
- prod.assessment-service-connections.sta.education.gov.uk
- dc.services.visualstudio.com
Connection issues
If you experience connection issues, the following actions may help to resolve them:
- Restart your browser.
- Sign out, close all browser windows, and clear your cache and cookies on both devices.
- Check your internet connection.
- Try another device or location.
- Check your device has the latest operating system and browser version installed.
Further support
If, after completing the actions in this guidance and reviewing the troubleshooting information, you are unable to resolve any issues you are experiencing, you can contact us or call the national curriculum assessments helpline on 0300 303 3013, selecting the option for RBA.
You will need to provide the following information so we can give you the best support:
- type of device – for example, desktop, laptop, tablet or iPad
- operating system – for example, Windows, macOS, iOS or Android
- browser – for example, Edge or Chrome
- as much detail as possible – we recommend taking a screenshot
Depending on the nature of the issue, we may also ask you for additional information such as:
- pupil details
- timing when the issue occurred
- any troubleshooting actions already taken
You can find more information about the RBA, including how to access the assessment services using DfE Sign-in, and how to prepare for and administer the assessment, in the RBA administration guidance.
Updates to this page
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Updated guidance for the academic year 2026 to 2027.
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Added a 'Troubleshooting' section to support schools who may experience technical issues.
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Updated guidance for the reception baseline assessment in the academic year 2025 to 2026: added section with 'Recommended actions before administration' and updated contact details in 'Further support'
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Removed duplicate content relating to the administration of the assessment, which is covered in the 'RBA administration guidance'.
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First published.