In answer to listener Ian Anderson, the education secretary said he was "open to persuasion" on reducing any unnecessary pressure on young pupils.

David Blunkett says he is open to persuasion on how primary school tests are carried out

Mr Blunkett said that assessment for seven year olds should take place as part of the ordinary school day - with no time limits or exam-room conditions.

"If we could show that the assessment was actually putting children at seven under pressure across the country, and we couldn't organise for teachers to be able to do it as part of the normal class work without putting them under test conditions, then I would very seriously consider changing it," said Mr Blunkett.

Mr Anderson, a father of a seven-year-old, had said that too much time was being devoted in schools to preparing for tests.

'Pressure from parents

Parents and schools needed to ask whether "our children are being educated or taught to pass tests", said Mr Anderson.

But the body which sets the tests, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, denied they caused great stress to young pupils.

It said teachers have such flexibility in conducting the assessments, that it relieves children of the pressure to perform.

Most pressure was put upon children by their parents who were anxious for them to succeed, it said.