Hi everyone. I have been registered since 2003 but for the last couple of years have only done before and after school. As a result I haven't done any EYFS work. I have just taken on a one year old and am due the dreaded Ofsted call any time now. I have all my policies up to date but what will I need from the EYFS point of view. I'm not really sure what observations I should be making for a child this age.

Thanks
Mel x

I use post it notes which I just scribble down anything new I see them do or say. E.g "independently used a spoon to feed themself for the first time". I stick this to the fridge and at end of the week / month, just type them up onto an observation sheet (8 short obs on a page) with next steps:E.g "continue to provide a spoon with meals - introduce a fork when confident with the spoon". This is quick to do, I don't spend hours on paperwork and using the post-its then and there means I don't forget things.
I take loads of photos and choose 4 a month to print off on an A4 sheet to go in Learning Journeys of them doing a variety of activities.
I also make time every couple of weeks to sit and do a more formal observation of each child, I type these up and link them to the areas of learning and plan next steps.
Over a period of time this builds up to provide a lovely record of the childs time with me. I also record funny things they say which I know parents will forget - its not all about learning, more a picture of the child at that time.

I am a big fan of the post-it notes too - It is a great way to keep track and make notes. They also give great flexibility if you use one per event/note. They will be easy to sort into groups and build bubble charts so you can see them in a new perspective.