This guide will help you answer 2.6 Observe children, assess, plan and record the outcomes, sharing results accurately and confidentially in line with expected statutory framework and setting’s requirements.
Observing children is a crucial aspect of an Early Years Practitioner’s role. Observations help you understand each child’s development, learning needs, and interests. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework guides you in observing children from birth to age five.
Purpose of Observation
- Identify developmental milestones
- Understand individual interests and behaviours
- Inform planning for tailored learning opportunities
- Monitor progress against EYFS standards
When you observe a child, you watch their behaviour and interactions. You might note how they play, communicate, and express emotions. Observations should be natural, without interruptions to the child’s activities.
Types of Observations
There are various ways to observe children:
- Anecdotal Records: Short, narrative accounts of significant incidents and behaviours.
- Event Sampling: Detailed records of specific events, usually when particular behaviours occur.
- Time Sampling: Observations taken at regular intervals to capture a snapshot of a child’s activities.
- Learning Journeys: Collections of observations, photos, and samples of the child’s work over time.
Assess
After observing, assess the information to understand the child’s development and needs. Use the EYFS framework as a benchmark. Compare your observations to the Early Learning Goals and Development Matters checkpoints.
Steps in Assessment
- Identify Strengths: Recognise what the child can do well.
- Spot Areas for Development: Understand what the child needs help with.
- Recognise Interests: Note what the child enjoys and is curious about.
- Plan Next Steps: Determine activities and support to promote further development.
Assessment isn’t just about identifying shortcomings. Celebrate achievements and use them as building blocks for future learning.
Plan
Planning based on your observations and assessments ensures that you provide meaningful and tailored learning experiences. Planning must be flexible to adapt to each child’s changing needs.
Individualised Planning
- Set Learning Objectives: Aim for what you want the child to achieve.
- Choose Relevant Activities: Select activities that suit the child’s interests and abilities.
- Facilitate Development: Include resources and strategies that support learning and development.
- Review and Adapt: Monitor the child’s engagement and progress, adjusting plans as necessary.
Plans should be age-appropriate and inclusive, ensuring all children can participate and benefit.
Record the Outcomes
Recording the outcomes of your observations, assessments, and plans is essential. It provides a clear and structured account of each child’s development journey.
Methods of Recording
- Written Reports: Narrative summaries of observations and assessments.
- Checklists: Mark off developmental milestones as they are achieved.
- Progress Books: Collections of children’s work showing growth over time.
- Digital Portfolios: Online records that can include photos, videos, and notes.
Ensure records are accurate and concise. Include dates and specific examples to support your observations.
Importance of Accurate Recording
- Track Progress: Provides a timeline of development
- Share Information: Informs parents and other practitioners
- Legal Compliance: Meets statutory requirements for record-keeping
Sharing Results
Sharing the outcomes of observations and assessments is vital. Communication should be effective, accurate, and maintain confidentiality.
Ensuring Confidentiality
- Anonymise Data: Use codes or initials instead of full names when discussing children in team meetings.
- Secure Storage: Keep records in locked cabinets or password-protected files.
- Controlled Access: Only share information with authorised personnel and parents.
Effective Sharing
- Parent Meetings: Regular updates to parents on their child’s progress.
- Team Briefings: Share relevant information with colleagues for enhanced collaborative support.
- Reports: Provide written summaries for reviews or statutory reporting.
Confidential sharing builds trust with families and keeps all stakeholders informed, promoting coordinated support.
Statutory Framework and Setting’s Requirements
Compliance with statutory frameworks and setting requirements ensures you meet professional and legal standards. The EYFS is the statutory framework in the UK for children up to age five.
EYFS Requirements
- Learning and Development: Understand and implement the Early Learning Goals.
- Assessment Requirements: Conduct and document assessments at least once per term.
- Reporting: Submit progress checks for two-year-olds and end-of-year summaries.
Setting’s Policies
Every setting will have its own protocols in addition to statutory requirements. Familiarise yourself with:
- Observation and Assessment Policies: Procedures for conducting and recording observations.
- Confidentiality Agreements: Rules for storing and sharing information.
- Data Protection Policies: Compliance with the Data Protection Act and GDPR.
Adhering to both statutory and setting-specific requirements ensures high standards of care and legal compliance.
Conclusion
Observing, assessing, planning, and recording are interlinked processes vital for supporting children’s development in the Early Years setting. Observations inform assessments, which guide planning. Accurate records are essential for tracking progress and sharing results.
Follow the EYFS framework and setting requirements to ensure your practices support each child effectively and maintain confidentiality. This comprehensive approach helps create a productive and safe learning environment for all children. Keep up-to-date with current policies and continuously reflect on and improve your practices. Ensuring you follow these steps will lead to better outcomes for the children in your care.
