Level 2 Children and Young Peoples Workforce Diploma

Ways of observing and assessing children

There is no single, perfect method of recording children and the way in which you observe and assess children will vary according to where you work. It is useful, however, to have an understanding of the range of different recording methods and also their limitations.

Checklists and tickcharts

These recording methods are popular, especially where people are working with large groups of children. Many checklists and tickcharts are commercially produced, but it is also possible to design your own.

Assessment activity Functional Skills

ICT: Using a recording device demonstrates an ability to apply a range of techniques in a number of applications to produce an appropriate outcome (technical demand). Using an MP3 player or a similar device, record a child from each of these age groups: 0-2 years; 2-4 years; 4-7 years. (Note that you will need permission from your supervisor or the childrens parents.) How does their speech compare to the expected development for their age? What differences do you notice in the way they talk?

Best Practice Checklist

Ask your supervisor before carrying out any observation or assessment on a child. Carry out observations and assessments in line with your settings policy. Observe children sensitively and unobtrusively. Write up your observations in a sensitive and non-judgemental way. Avoid making any negative judgements about children. Make sure that any conclusions are based directly on the observations. Remember that observations and assessments are condential.

Unit 2.3 Children and Young Peoples Development How they work
Checklists and tickcharts are easy to use because they focus the observer on particular aspects of child development. The observer either watches as the child is playing or asks the child to do something, such as hop on one foot. The observer then notices whether or not the child is able to show the skill.

EYFS in Action
Personal, Social and Emotional Development underpins the ability to full our potential and is therefore a key area of development when working with babies and children. In order to boost childrens self condence and self-esteem, it is important that you provide age-appropriate opportunities for children to take responsibility and to make choices. Activities such as completing jigsaws or helping to make lunch are ideal. Praise toddlers when they try to be independent and avoid making a fuss when they make mistakes.

Childs name .................................. Date of Birth .................................

Date ................................. Observer ..........................

Developmental checklist By 12 months Picks objects with nger and thumb? Transfers items from one hand to the other? Looks for an object hidden under a beaker? Looks at a person who is speaking to him or her? Makes tuneful babbling sounds such as Da-da? Responds to different sounds e.g. drum, bell? Imitates gestures such as pat cake and bye bye? Holds beaker using two hands? Uses ngers to eat nger foods such as squares of bread? Picks up dropped toys? Reacts to the word No? Reacts to own name? Yes No Sometimes

This checklist has been designed to look at young childrens physical skills

Level 2 Children and Young Peoples Workforce Diploma

Aspects of childrens development

Reflect
Play is crucial to development and appears to be something that nearly all children seem to do instinctively. It is a key way in which you should be working with children. How structured is the day for children in your care? How much time do you allow children to simply play without intervening or organising them in some way?

Why the role of play is important in development

Opportunities to play are crucial when considering what children of different ages need. This is because play is a key way in which children learn about themselves and others. It is also an important way in which children learn many skills that will help their development. A good example of this is a baby playing with a rattle. The sound of the rattle helps the baby to learn about sounds, but because it is interesting, it also makes the baby want to reach out and touch it. Every time the baby shakes the rattle, the baby is learning control of the hands. With older children, play helps to develop different skills. It helps children feel in control, and learn how to problem solve and to be with others. These are important skills as they help children in later life learn how to be independent, to negotiate and to socialise.

Influences on how children develop

What makes children so different, even when they are the same age? This is an important question and one that has not yet been fully answered. We do know, however, that childrens development is shaped by both what they are born with and the experiences that they have.

Inuences before and at birth

Childrens development starts from conception. Genetic information is packaged together from the egg and the sperm. Traits such as

A simple activity such as scooping damp sand encourages children to make a variety of hand movements and if done alongside others, can help them to socialise.

Unit 2.3 Children and Young Peoples Development

height and eye colour will be determined from this genetic information. This process at conception is not always perfect. Sometimes genetic information is faulty and this can affect childrens health or development.

Key term
Mental health is the strength and well-being of childrens minds.

Health
Health is a complex issue. Often peoples health is determined by a variety of factors such as their genetic make up, where they live, what they eat and their stress levels. Where children are unwell or have an ongoing medical condition, it may affect their development.

Case study:

A good start in life

Jamal is 2 years old. His parents spend plenty of time talking to him and involving him in daily activities, such as laying the table and shopping. They also know it is important that he should eat well and they have read the latest guidance from the Food Standards Agency. Jamal has a good bedtime routine and he sleeps well each night, in addition to having a nap in the afternoon. His parents take him on outings to the park and to the swimming pool. At Jamals latest check, the health visitor commented on how well he was doing. How might Jamals diet and sleep be contributing to his development? In what other ways is Jamal having a good start?

Inuences after birth

Once children are born, several major factors might influence their development.
Parents and other adults Health Family circumstances

Key inuences on childrens development

Diet Opportunities for play, stimulation and exercise Discrimination

Level 2 Children and Young Peoples Workforce Diploma

They may not feel like playing, or their condition may restrict what they can do. Health, including mental health, can affect many aspects of childrens development. Children may find it harder to make friends because they miss sessions or they cannot physically join in. Today, there is a greater understanding of the needs of children who are unwell or have a medical condition. This means that professionals who work with children have to look at ways of making sure that children do not lose out.

Parents and other adults

Childrens development can be hugely influenced by the adults with whom they spend time. Parents in particular are extremely important in childrens lives. This is why policies in early years settings are designed to work in partnership with parents. Most parents do a very good job at nurturing and providing for their children, but for a number of reasons, some parents are not able to cope so well. This can affect the way that their children develop.