Observation Policy & Practice
In order to plan, prepare and organise for good quality pre-school education, staff will observe children at play, review and evaluate the curriculum regularly and maintain systematic records.
- Information Open Day will be available to parents before their child commences playgroup.
- Written parental consent is included in the playgroup registration form and observations will not be carried out without this.
- Narrative records seem to be the most useful for early childhood educators. They are factual observations of a child, which note the date, the time, social and play context and record the child's activities and language. They record exactly what the child says and does, not what the adult observer assumes the child is doing or thinking
- The staff work as a team with each member of the team being a key worker to a percentage of the children. Each key worker is responsible for keeping their group of children's records together and ensuring they are completed showing progression and building up a holistic picture of the child's development.
- We are happy to discuss your child's progress at any time throughout the year. However, communication between you and your child's key worker should initially be carried out through the playgroup leader.
- Progress reports based on these observations will be given to parents at the end of the first and second terms. Transition forms will be completed when your child is moving school, parents are asked to sign these.
- Staff will respect the confidentiality of all information.
- Observations will be carried out discreetly and will not interfere with the children's routine.