1.2 Explain the relationship between formative assessment and the learning and development process

This guide will help you answer 1.2 Explain the relationship between formative assessment and the learning and development process.

Formative assessment plays an important role in supporting the learning and development of children in early years settings. Understanding how this method of assessment interacts with the learning process is key to supporting children effectively. Formative assessment is a tool that helps practitioners observe, track, and guide children’s progress. It informs planning, builds on a child’s current knowledge, and provides opportunities for targeted support.

Formative assessment ensures that each child is monitored continuously, making it possible to adjust practice to their needs. This section explains the relationship between formative assessment and learning and development, discusses the methods used, and highlights its impact on outcomes for children.

What is Formative Assessment?

Formative assessment is an ongoing process where practitioners observe and assess children during their daily activities. Unlike summative assessment, which evaluates learning at a specific point (e.g., the end of a term), formative assessment happens throughout the learning journey. It helps practitioners identify children’s strengths, areas for improvement, and future learning goals.

Key characteristics of formative assessment include:

• Continuous observation during regular activities
• Assessing children in a natural and familiar environment
• Using evidence to plan next steps in learning
• Encouraging mutual feedback between adults and children

For example, during free play, a practitioner might notice a child showing an interest in building towers but struggling with balance. This observation can then spark activities to enhance the child’s coordination and motor skills, such as block stacking or using different construction materials.

The Learning and Development Process

The learning and development process in the early years involves supporting children to reach their full potential according to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. This includes seven key areas of learning:

1. Communication and language
2. Physical development
3. Personal, social, and emotional development
4. Literacy
5. Mathematics
6. Understanding the world
7. Expressive arts and design

Development starts with observing children to identify their current stage. Practitioners then set small, achievable goals that help children develop new skills and understanding. The process is cyclical, with practitioners continually revisiting and reassessing children’s progress to inform future activities.

Formative Assessment and Its Role In Learning

Formative assessment is closely linked to helping children progress in their learning and development. Without it, planning challenging yet achievable activities becomes more difficult. Formative assessment informs every step of the cycle:

• Observation: Practitioners observe children to learn about their skills, behaviours, and interests. For example, a child who confidently counts objects but struggles with forming letter shapes needs different support than one excelling in both areas. Observations can be casual (e.g., during play) or structured (e.g., using a checklist).
• Assessment: These observations are analysed to understand the child’s current stage of learning, relative to their age and developmental norms. The analysis might involve looking at the prime areas of learning first, as these lay the foundation for all development.
• Feedback: Formative assessment allows practitioners to adapt their interactions in real-time. For example, asking open-ended questions during art activities encourages problem solving and language development.
• Planning: Assessment aligns the activities offered to children with their next steps. A practitioner might plan a nature-based counting game for a child showing early mathematical interest in the outdoor area.

In short, formative assessment ensures that learning is matched to each child’s developmental stage. It prevents unnecessary gaps or repetition in learning.

Benefits For Individualised Learning

Children learn in diverse ways and at different rates. Formative assessment helps practitioners provide personalised support. For example:

• Some children might learn through sensory play, requiring practical activities like sand or water trays.
• Others may respond better to visual resources, such as picture books or puzzles.

Formative assessment uncovers which methods work best for each child and adjusts practice accordingly. This nurtures confidence and motivation while allowing children to thrive.

Supporting Early Interventions

Formative assessment identifies potential developmental delays early. For example, a practitioner may notice a speech delay where the child struggles to form sentences by a specific age. Early action can include referrals to speech therapists or additional in-house support, such as language-focused small group time.

Family Involvement Encouraged By Formative Assessment

Families play a large role in supporting children’s development. Formative assessment bridges the gap between families and practitioners. Sharing assessment findings with parents ensures everyone works collaboratively to support the child.

For instance:

• Practitioners can inform parents about activities that children enjoy or succeed in.
• Parents can share at-home observations or strategies that work well for their child.

This information-sharing promotes consistency between the child’s time at the setting and home environment.

Common Tools and Methods Used In Formative Assessment

Practitioners use a variety of tools in formative assessment. These help gather evidence and track development without disrupting children’s play and learning. Some examples include:

• Learning journals: These record observations, photos, and work samples over time.
• Anecdotal notes: Practitioners might record quick notes when they see significant progress or changes.
• Developmental checklists: These compare milestones reached against typical age expectations.
• Child reports: Summaries of strengths and next steps to share with families.

Using these tools creates a whole picture of a child’s progress. Practitioners then assess any gaps or areas for development while celebrating achievements.

For example, in the EYFS age group (birth to 5 years), practitioners might assess whether children have reached communication milestones such as understanding two-step instructions. If gaps appear after assessing routine interactions, targeted interventions follow immediately.

Linking This Back To The EYFS Framework

The formative assessment process aligns directly with the EYFS statutory framework. Practitioners plan activities suited to where children are within the EYFS’s prime and specific areas of learning.

For example, EYFS guidelines state that children should “play cooperatively with others”. A child struggling with this skill might first need simple turn-taking games under close supervision. Over time, assessments ensure games become more challenging as social skills grow.

Limitations To Be Aware Of

While formative assessment supports most children well, practitioners could occasionally rely too heavily on checklists or data rather than qualitative insights. Avoiding this requires combining formal assessments with a genuine understanding of emotional and contextual needs.

For example, stress from disruptions at home might temporarily affect a child’s behaviour or focus. Recognising these wider circumstances ensures compassion when interpreting their progress during assessments.

Simple Steps To Improve Formative Assessment Practice

• Observe naturally rather than interrupting children mid-activity.
• Use a mix of written, photographic, and hands-on evidence to build a child’s profile.
• Reflect regularly on observations alongside colleagues.
• Involve families by seeking their input whenever possible.

Conclusion

Formative assessment interacts continuously with the learning and development process by shaping everyday practice. By observing children during activities, practitioners gain valuable insights into their progress and individual needs.

Using this knowledge ensures that children benefit from meaningful, tailored learning opportunities. The adjustments practitioners make, based on formative assessment, help children achieve their developmental milestones while building confidence, skills, and knowledge.

Regular assessment, combined with reflection and collaboration, delivers the best possible outcomes for children and creates a strong foundation for their future learning.