David Bell has said the "excessive" attention given to targets for SATs tests could damage children's education.

He is not calling for them to be scrapped, but many parents and some head teachers are.

Simon Marsh, the head teacher of Mary Magdalene School in Islington, says he would like to see the tests scrapped.

The chief inspector An excessive focus on targets can narrow and reduce achievement What David Bell said

"Of course we should aim for good achievements, but we should not just focus on numerical targets," he said.

"People are so focussed on targets that they are almost teaching to the test instead of giving children a broad and balanced curriculum."

Parents' outcry

The overwhelming majority of parents who have e-mailed BBC News Online in the past week about the national schools tests have said they are against them.

Margaret Morrissey, of the National Confederation of PTAs, agrees.

"As parents we welcome all efforts to raise standards, but we have a serious concern about the amount of pressure that these tests are putting on children.

"Parents are noticing how much of an effect they are having on children."

Many schools are now giving children extra coaching in national test subjects either before or after school and in the Easter holidays.

Among those who e-mailed BBC News Online was Terri West, who complained her bright son was being pushed extra hard so that he could reach the highest possible level in the SATs (level 5), something schools have targets on.

She said her son's school asked her to buy revision books designed to help children reach level 5.

"This half-term he has already had to complete a revision booklet for all three subjects plus reading, totalling about five hours' homework!," she said.

"I have decided not to buy the books as I believe that if he is already able to get a level 4 then he is doing just fine.

"These children will never be 11 again, they should be able to play and have fun after school, there will be time for revision and study when they do their GCSEs."

Boycott plan

Brio, from England e-mailed to say: "It's about time parents voted with their feet and stood firm and refuse to send their children into school to take SATs tests.

"It's the only way that the government will listen."

Nearly 200 parents in Norwich have signed a petition complaining to the government about the SATs tests and are considering keeping their children at home on the test days.

They have told their school they will ignore its request that children complete SATs booklets as extra homework.

Sharon Rustemier e-mailed BBC News Online: "As a visiting brass tutor, I have spent many a lesson listening to children's stress about forthcoming tests before being able to enjoy their music session.