Nursery World - EYFS Best Practice: Observation part 1

In this first of a four part series, Dr Sue Allingham looks at how effective and informed observation can support the emotional and physical wellbeing of young children

Observation of children remains vital to teaching in the early years

This series will follow the three Prime Areas, with the final part reflecting on how these underpin the four Specific Areas. Each part will be threaded through with references to the overarching principles of:

The Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning will also be an integral part as these are also key to effective and informed observations.

CRUCIAL TOOL

Since the introduction of the revised Statutory Framework, and its trial during the ‘early adopters’ phase, there has been much discussion about ‘observations’. There is a common misconception that there is no longer any need to do them. What has actually happened is a renewed emphasis on the, long pre-existing, statement about there being no need to do excessive paperwork but to only do what is necessary and useful.

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