sarah707
01-11-2013, 02:59 PM
I have talked about children's starting points and given ideas about how to record them in this document in free downloads -
Starting Points (http://www.childmindinghelp.co.uk/freeresources/Free%20downloads/startingpoints.html)
I just want to update everyone please... :jump for joy:
Ofsted inspectors are putting more emphasis on evidence of children making good progress - we cannot show a child is making good progress until we know their starting points in each area of learning.
We know that we need to start planning for children and helping them to make progress as quickly as possible when they start in our care - but we have normally said 'give them a few weeks... watch and listen'.
I think we need to revise this advice in light of the new inspection framework and the importance it is placing on accurate starting points leading to evidence of observations, assessments and quality individual planning.
New advice is -
- Speak to parents before children start with you - ask what their child can do at home - ask about all 7 areas of learning (without using confusing Eyfs terminology or scaring them witless)
- Include information about starting points in the 'all about me' / child information document you give parents before their child starts in your care
- Ask parents to update information regularly on, for example, 'all about me now' sheets - so they understand the importance of keeping you updated
- Do some quick baseline observations across all areas of learning during the child's first few sessions with you
- Start recording next steps / individual planning as quickly as possible - link to Development Matters / Early Years Outcomes and your next set of observations
- Plan to do regular SHORT summary assessments - say every 6 months - to help you show that the child is making good progress
- Link your summary assessments to Development Matters / Early Years Outcomes so you can clearly show that you are using the Eyfs guidance document to support progress.
I hope this helps. If you have any questions please ask! :)
Starting Points (http://www.childmindinghelp.co.uk/freeresources/Free%20downloads/startingpoints.html)
I just want to update everyone please... :jump for joy:
Ofsted inspectors are putting more emphasis on evidence of children making good progress - we cannot show a child is making good progress until we know their starting points in each area of learning.
We know that we need to start planning for children and helping them to make progress as quickly as possible when they start in our care - but we have normally said 'give them a few weeks... watch and listen'.
I think we need to revise this advice in light of the new inspection framework and the importance it is placing on accurate starting points leading to evidence of observations, assessments and quality individual planning.
New advice is -
- Speak to parents before children start with you - ask what their child can do at home - ask about all 7 areas of learning (without using confusing Eyfs terminology or scaring them witless)
- Include information about starting points in the 'all about me' / child information document you give parents before their child starts in your care
- Ask parents to update information regularly on, for example, 'all about me now' sheets - so they understand the importance of keeping you updated
- Do some quick baseline observations across all areas of learning during the child's first few sessions with you
- Start recording next steps / individual planning as quickly as possible - link to Development Matters / Early Years Outcomes and your next set of observations
- Plan to do regular SHORT summary assessments - say every 6 months - to help you show that the child is making good progress
- Link your summary assessments to Development Matters / Early Years Outcomes so you can clearly show that you are using the Eyfs guidance document to support progress.
I hope this helps. If you have any questions please ask! :)