Early years observation and assessment

Browse the resources below to access methods and practices of effective observation and assessment in the early years. From understanding the characteristics of effective learning to using observations and assessments to support planning, ensure you're meeting the needs of children in your early years setting.

Observations and optimal planning in the early years

Planning is the bane of many teachers’ lives and it can take over your practice. Neil Farmer shows how observations and assessment can help ease the burden of detailed planning
Progress and reflective systems for early years

Reception teachers need to demonstrate that all children make good progress and that their achievements are relative to their starting points. Neil Farmer looks at achievement and attainment, levels of development and the implications of age
Completing the self-evaluation form for providers on the Early Years Register

Linda Thornton and Pat Brunton provide a handy summary of recent changes to the early years self-evaluation form
The EYFS: what inspectors will want to see
Measuring progress in the Foundation Stage
Reception assessment - measuring what matters