This guide will help you answer 2.2 Identify assessment strategies in relation to the current framework.
Assessment plays a significant role in ensuring that each child’s learning and development needs are met. This guide will help you understand these strategies in the current Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
What Are Assessment Strategies?
Assessment strategies refer to methods and techniques used to evaluate and track children’s development and learning. These assessments help practitioners understand where each child is in their learning journey and identify areas for improvement or further support. They also ensure that learning opportunities are tailored to the child’s unique needs.
Importance of Assessments in Early Years
Assessment is not just about checking what children can or cannot do. It’s about understanding how they think, behave, and learn. Proper assessments help shape the learning environment and create pathways that lead to effective learning. Through assessments, practitioners can:
- Identify children’s strengths and areas needing support
- Inform planning and tailor activities to meet individual needs
- Monitor progress over time
- Communicate with parents and other professionals
Observational Assessment
Observational assessment is one of the primary strategies used in early years settings. Practitioners watch and listen to children as they engage in activities, taking note of key behaviours, skills, and interactions. This method provides valuable insights into a child’s development in a naturalistic setting.
Strategies for Effective Observational Assessment
- Anecdotal Records: Brief, descriptive stories of specific incidents that illustrate certain behaviours or skills.
- Time Sampling: Observing and recording behaviours at specific intervals to understand how often a behaviour or skill occurs.
- Event Sampling: Focusing on specific events or types of behaviour when they occur.
Formative Assessment
Formative assessment is a continuous process that focuses on understanding and improving children’s learning. It is often informal and involves providing feedback that helps guide children’s learning and development.
Techniques for Formulative Assessment
- Feedback: Offering comments and guidance that help children understand their progress.
- Questioning: Engaging with children through open-ended questions that encourage them to think and articulate their understanding.
Summative Assessment
Summative assessment is more formal and occurs at particular points in a child’s education. It sums up what a child has learned over a period.
Methodological Approaches
- Checklists: A simple method where practitioners mark off skills and behaviours a child has mastered.
- Portfolios: Collections of children’s work over time, documenting their progress and achievements.
Framework Alignment: The EYFS Profile
The Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) is a statutory assessment carried out in the final term of the year in which a child turns five and is based on practitioner observation. The EYFSP assesses children against the early learning goals, covering areas such as personal, social, and emotional development, communication and language, and physical development.
EYFS Assessment Strategy
- Early Learning Goals: These goals define the level of progress expected from children by the end of the Reception year.
- Assessment Steps: Practitioners need to make judgements about children’s attainment and record whether they have achieved the early learning goals, exceeded them, or are still working towards them.
Child-Initiated Observations
Child-initiated observations involve children leading and engaging in activities of their choosing, with practitioners observing their actions and interactions. This type of assessment allows practitioners to see children in a natural play context.
Benefits of Child-Initiated Observations
- Children feel more relaxed and display behaviours that show their genuine interests and abilities.
- Practitioners can observe problem-solving, creativity, and social skills.
Narrative Observations
Narrative observations involve writing a detailed account of what a child is doing over a set period. This approach offers a more nuanced picture of the development and can highlight skills or behaviours that may not be evident in more structured assessments.
Tips for Conducting Narrative Observations
- Focus on concrete actions and words rather than interpretations.
- Note the context, interactions with peers or adults, and any skills or competencies demonstrated.
Holistic Approach to Assessment
The holistic approach considers the whole child rather than focusing on isolated domains of development. When assessing holistically, practitioners look at physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development as interconnected areas.
Implementing Holistic Assessments
- Developmental Milestones: Compare children’s progress against expected milestones.
- Contextual Understanding: Incorporate family, cultural, and environmental factors that may impact development.
Involving Parents and Carers
Collaborating with parents and carers is key in the assessment process. Their insights can add depth to practitioners’ observations and provide a fuller picture of a child’s experience and development.
Encouraging Parental Engagement
- Communication: Regular updates and discussions about progress and any concerns.
- Home Observations: Ask parents to share observations from home to support the assessment process.
Collaborative Assessments
Working alongside other professionals ensures that assessments are comprehensive. Involving specialists like speech therapists or educational psychologists when needed can provide additional insights into a child’s developmental needs.
Strategies for Effective Collaboration
- Professional Meetings: Regular meetings to discuss child progress and strategies.
- Shared Documentation: Use of shared platforms or documents to track assessments and interventions.
Reflection and Self-Assessment
Practitioners should engage in self-assessment to improve their assessment skills. Reflecting on the effectiveness of different strategies can help refine approaches and improve the accuracy and usefulness of assessments.
Reflection Techniques
- Feedback from Colleagues: Encourage peer reviews or discussions to gain new perspectives.
- Continuous Professional Development: Engage in ongoing training to keep updated on best practices in assessment.
Conclusion
Identifying and implementing effective assessment strategies are critical for early years practitioners in the UK. By understanding and applying these methods within the current EYFS framework, practitioners can ensure they meet the developmental needs of each child. Consistent reflection and adaptation of strategies will ultimately lead to better outcomes for children, fostering an environment where they can thrive.
