Make Accurate and Productive Use of Assessment in Early Years Settings

Unit aim

This unit gives learners the understanding and competence to facilitate assessment and planning with children in partnership with others. The unit also identifies the importance of children being involved in assessment and planning. 

Learning outcomes

1 Understand how to assess within the early education curriculum framework

1.1 Analyse the value of a child-centred model of assessment

1.2 Describe assessment techniques appropriate to the current early education curriculum framework

1.3 Evaluate how observations and assessments are used to inform planning

1.4 Explain the importance of parental involvement in observation and assessment

1.5 Explain how to relate theories of play and development to assessment

2 Be able to carry out observational assessment

2.1 Ensure issues of permission, confidentiality and participant bias are addressed when carrying out assessment

2.2 Carry out observational assessment

2.3 Complete assessment records for a given child

2.4 Review the effectiveness of plans and planning methods

3 Be able to identify the needs, interests and stages of development of individual children

3.1 Use assessment to identify the needs of individual children

3.2 Use assessment to identify the interests of individual children

3.3 Use assessment to identify the stages of development of individual children

4 Be able to use assessment to plan next steps

4.1 Collaborate with children and others in expressing their needs and aspirations to inform planning

4.2 Use formative assessment to shape learning opportunities

4.3 Use summative assessment to shape learning opportunities

4.4 Explain how the goals and targets for a given child will support the achievement of positive outcomes

4.5 Explain the action to take if atypical development is identified

5 Be able to discuss children’s progress and plan next stages

5.1 Discuss children’s progress and plan next stages in their learning with:

the key person

colleagues

parents and/or carers

5.2 Develop a plan with a child and others to meet their needs to achieve positive outcomes

5.3 Support children and others to understand and agree:

the goals

targets

outcomes of a development plan

5.4 Review the achievement of goals and targets to track children’s progress

5.5 Review plans and planning methods to evaluate their effectiveness in ensuring the progress of children’s play and development