Ongoing learning reviews

As well as more formal assessments, regular ongoing assessments of the children and sharing this feedback with parents and carers are essential. When parents and practitioners work together the impact this has on children’s learning and development is apparent. 

Observations of the children are vital. Each child has a unique set of abilities and talents, observations in different situations capture these first hand. Observing what children choose to do, what their interests are and who and what resources they enjoy playing with, provides adults with reliable information about children as individuals. Observation also provides opportunities to gauge children’s needs and so more accurately plan next steps in their learning. Observations take place on a regular basis as part of daily routines.  Discussing these with the child, their parents and team members gives a starting point for a holistic approach that will ensure that the child is always central to what is planned. 

Ongoing assessment is what practitioners do on a daily basis to make decisions about what the child has learned or can do already, so practitioners can support that child move on in their learning. This is also known as formative assessment as it informs the next steps. 

These are recorded and kept in a learning journey specific to that child.