K24 How, when, and why to conduct observation and assessment
This video, produced by Laser Learning, follows a discussion between two practitioners about observations. At the request of a parent one practitioner has been observing the friendships of a specific child, but she needs advice on how to interpret what she saw.
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
Laser Learning Ltd.
Academy House, 3 Langley Quay,
Waterside Drive, Langley,
Berkshire, SL3 6EY