Initial observations for new starter

[LittleAcornsThatcham]

What do you do and how do you do it? I have a baby of 6 months who has started and I suddenly feel confused where to begin. Is it like a summative assessment but obviously learning what stage they already are at?

P

[Bumble Beez]

Do you use an all about me type booklet when LO's start?
That's where I would start and then do a quick assessment over the prime areas and go from there...
Look at these links also

http://www.childmindinghelp.co.uk/freeresources/Free%20downloads/eyfsassessment.html
http://www.childmindinghelp.co.uk/freeresources/Free%20downloads/allaboutme.html

Sarah x

[moggy]

What do you do and how do you do it? I have a baby of 6 months who has started and I suddenly feel confused where to begin. Is it like a summative assessment but obviously learning what stage they already are at?

P

I would only start doing Starting Points when 'settling in' part of contract has passed as they may not even stay! and once we feel child is settled and behaving 'normally'! ie: not if still screaming/upset/very shy because of new surroundings.

First I give parents a blank 'At home I am...' sheet with the 3 Prime areas on (and the Aspects listed to give them an idea of things to think of) for them to fill in.

Then I do the same using their input, and using my obs to make an 'I can...' sheet where I add a few simple Next Steps per Prime Area based on what child is doing now and what is likely to do next and how we can all support child.

Then compare sheet to DM and mark what band child is in for each Prime area's aspect on a chart.

Done.

Continue with Obs each week or so depending on how many days child is with me.

Revisit the 'I can...' forms in the same way 4 months later (I do termly) and repeat!

That's what I do anyway. Everyone has their own ways, try and see what works for you.

[supermumy]

I've had a newbie baby start today (settling in day)

Me and the parents done all about me form parent wrote a lot Of info for me
Than today I just sat and took in what mindee could do and when home time came I highlighted the 0-11 and 8-20months paperwork of what mindee can do which also helps with what you can work on also.
I have another settling in day nx day before full contract starts so won't be doing any obs till than just getting to know little one :)