Celebrating Children’s Learning

Early Years Assessment Materials

These observations were contributed by nursery schools across London to help practitioners to assess children’s learning and exemplify the progress they make, using the Development Matters guidance. They were particularly selected to show the Characteristics of Effective Learning in action. Every aspect of the seven prime and specific areas of learning is illustrated by real observations of young children’s learning in action, using a wide range of different styles and formats.

We hope that these materials will be useful for training and development purposes, both to develop the quality of assessment, and to improve the accuracy and robustness of assessment across the early years. If early years settings, childminders and schools come together for training and for moderation, that will improve transition arrangements and will help to ensure that children can build on their learning and deepen their interests. Higher-quality assessment information will also engage parents more, and prompt more discussion: fostering early learning is a partnership between parents and practitioners.

As we worked on the project, we identified four features in the most effective practice in early years assessment:

you can ‘hear’ the child’s voice or ‘get a feel’ for their play
there is keen observation of the child’s exploration, play and thinking
the practitioner has noticed that the child is learning a new skill, or is making new links between aspects of knowledge
there are examples of Sustained Shared Thinking, or a response from the child showing their feeling of awe and wonder.

You can find out more about our project in All About…early years assessment.

We strongly believe that one of the most promising ways to develop innovative practice is to work collaboratively like this. We would welcome your feedback. To do so click through to each individual document (PDF) via the image or title and leave a review/rating by clicking the ‘Leave a Review’ link inside each box. If you’d like to submit an observation for future inclusion, please email .

Kindly supported by Nursery World

Nursery World is the leading magazine and website for the early years community. Content includes all the latest news and analysis on government policy, research and nursery businesses, with opinion from voices across the sector. Top experts contribute articles on best practice across the EYFS, and the regular Work Matters section includes in-depth advice on management, careers and training. Free supplements include Nursery Management, Nursery Chains, Nursery Equipment and Early Years in School, plus a monthly A2 colour poster.

Website: www.nurseryworld.co.uk
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Free download: Early Years In School