Observation, Record Keeping and Assessment Policy

“Systematic observation is a way of ‘tuning in’ to children, those playing happily as well as those needing particular help, so that we can know them and their play better.”  Sylva, Painter, Roy (1980)

Systematic observation and record keeping informs effective planning.  It helps us to learn more about the individual needs, abilities and interests of a child.  It can help identify gaps in provision, inappropriate resources or layout of equipment or materials.  It helps staff provide for challenge and progression and help us establish a broad and balanced curriculum.

All records and observations on children are open to inspection at any time by the parents involved.  Key workers will have their records on file.  Students will at times be asked to observe children as part of their training.  All such observations will be carried out under the supervision of a full-time member of staff.  Children will be given fictitious names and the Playgroup and Nursery name will be kept anonymous.

Registration forms, which are completed prior to commencing Playgroup and Nursery, and the information they contain, remain with the Leaders and are shared only on a need to know basis with other staff.  This applies to information given by a parent during the Playgroup and Nursery year.  All records are treated confidentially and are kept in a lockable metal filing cabinet.

Throughout the year we will have parents’ information sessions, verbally and written term one and two and a transition form at the end of term three.

Staff plan on a weekly and monthly basis and children’s individual needs are taken into consideration.  Evaluation is carried out daily, weekly and monthly.