3.1 Explain how to monitor children and young people’s development using different methods
‘Accurate observations and assessments are essential to effective educational practice.’
We observe that we can recognize children’s and young people’s skills and abilities and identify their needs. This will make planning for their future development much more specific to the individual need. ‘Observation is more than just watching; you are also noticing and thinking at the same time ‘2
Observation enables the childcare practitioner, play worker or educator to compare a pupil’s progress with the expected range for their age group, and to plan activities and support techniques that will lead to the next stage. Observation is primarily of children’s normal daily activities, their use of language, social interactions with others and samples that demonstrate their work.
When we observe we have to record what we see and hear - not what we think or feel. A child may cry for different reasons; we don’t know how the child is feeling, and we shouldn’t make a subjective assumption that the child is sad. We should always focus on the child’s strengths as much as we focus on any learning or behaviour difficulties. The observation must follow the school’s policies and procedures regarding confidentiality and data protection.
Monitoring children and young people’s development takes different forms depending on its purpose.
* Assessment frameworks are useful in deciding whether a child is reaching expected milestones of development in different areas, whether they have any particular needs and what these needs are. Assessment frameworks can be used to screen for disabilities, to assist in developing curricula and daily activities, and to provide feedback to parents and colleagues.
* Observations can be taken during lessons or playtime, and can be presented in a number of ways depending on their purpose
* Standard measurements include health assessments, reasoning tests...