Laser Lessons - Lesson

K24 How, when, and why to conduct observation and assessment

This video, produced by Laser Learning, follows two experienced practitioners and a trainee discussing their observations and planning for a specific child. One practitioner, through observation, has noticed the child is struggling with forming a tripod grip and also doing up buttons. After referring to the EYFS milestones the practitioners plan opportunities for the child to develop the strength in her hands and fingers, and to practice with buttons.

Table of Contents

Tutorial Video
Reading Materials

Find and read your setting’s policies, procedures and templates for observation and assessment.
‘Early years foundation stage statutory framework’ from the Department for Education

Good Practice Example
Reading Materials

Laser reading text: ‘Why observe?'
‘Observation, assessment and planning’ on the Birth to 5 Matters website
‘Effective Practice: Observation, Assessment and Planning’ from West Sussex County Council

Presentation

Click on the icon to the left to launch this lesson's presentation on ‘Observation methods'.
Click on the icon to the left to launch this lesson's presentation on ‘Purposeful observation'.

Reading Materials

‘Observations in early years – Different types, why they are important and examples’ from Teach Early Years
‘Careful Observations’ from Teach Early Years
Laser reading text: ‘Observation in the Early Years Foundation Stage '

Good Practice Example
Reading Materials
Good Practice Example
Good Practice Example
Reading Materials

‘Progress check at age 2’ from the Department for Education.
‘Early years foundation stage profile handbook’ from the Department for Education

Good Practice Example
Reading Materials

‘Development Matters’ from the Department for Education
‘Child observations and learning journeys’ from PACEY

Interactive Quiz
Evidence Opportunities
Extended Learning

In this Nursery World piece ‘Observing children’ you will read more about why we observe.
This article from the TES magazine is titled ‘EYFS: 5 steps to effective child observations’.
This article from the Twinkl website asks the question ‘Why are Observations Important in Early Years?’. It also gives examples of different types of observations in the early years.
Click on the link to learn more about ‘What is a focused observation?’ on the Twinkl website.
Learn more about ‘What is a child initiated observation?’ in this Twinkl article. This form of observation is often used in EYFS environments. It involves watching the child initiate play and engage with the learning environment around them. This type of observation may be added to a learning journey as evidence of a child's development.
Click to read this Famly website article ‘How should you approach assessments with the new EYFS?’. Consider each tip – do you agree with the tip, and could you use it in your role?
‘The Do's and Don'ts of Assessment in the EYFS’ on the Famly website. This piece suggests ‘Instead of arbitrary levels, age bands, or statement-based tracking, you can make assessments a celebration of what children have learned and experienced’. Do you agree?

Good Practice Example
Think And Challenge
Think And Challenge
Think And Challenge