This document provides an overview of a professional development session on effective observation in early years education. The session will be split into two parts: attitudes and reality. Part 1 focuses on defining observation, why teachers work with children, and group reflections. Part 2 covers characteristics of effective learning, how observations and assessments are conducted using 2Simple and Classroom Monitor software, the planning cycle, a video observation activity, and reflective questions. The goal is to strengthen understanding of observation cycles and bring attitude and reality together to best support children's learning and development.

1. Welcome to our PD on Effective Observation
in the Early Years

2. Our focuses
•To share our experiences.
•To reflect on our journey.
•To gain a stronger, more focused and consistent understanding
of effective observation and the cycles involved.

3. The session will focus around 2 parts:
Reality & attitude
Part 1 Attitude
• Definitions of observation
• Animal School
• Why are we here? Why do you work with children?
• Buckets & spades
• Quotes
• Group reflections
Part 2 Reality
• Quote
• Characteristics of effective learning
• Our observations (2simple)
• Our Assessment (Classroom Monitor)
• Planning Cycle
• Video observation & questions
• Reflective questions & handouts

4. Part 1
Attitude!

5. Definitions of Observation
• Observation ‘involves practitioners observing children to understand their level of achievement.,
interests and learning styles, and then to shape learning experiences for each child reflecting those
observations.’ EYFS 2012
• ‘Observation entails close attention to children’s behavior within particular contexts, followed by
assessment involving reflection and evaluation in terms of children's knowledge, skills, well being
and thinking. Planning is the response that is intended to support, challenge or extend the
learning.’ Nancy Stewart 2011

6. Animal School Video
Thoughts?

7. Why are we here?
Why do you work with children?
Time for us to go and have a chat with a peer or potter on your own and jot some thoughts down
about why we teach?
Why we work with children?
What are our hopes and wishes for the rest of time here at GWPS?

8. Buckets and Spades!

9. Are you happy at work?
Would people describe you as being happy at work?

10. Group Reflections
Take your bucket and go &
potter & chat!

11. Part 2
Reality!

12. Bringing attitude and reality together…

13. Characteristics of Effective Learning
• Playing & Exploring – Engagement
- Finding out & exploring
- Playing with what they know
- Being willing to ‘have a go’
• Active Learning - Motivation
- Being involved & concentrating
- Keep trying
- Enjoying achieving what they set out to do
• Creating & Thinking Critically – Thinking
- Having their own ideas
- Making links
- Choosing ways to do things
Share these characteristics with your parents and TA’s, display them in your classroom and talk to parents about what they mean and how they can support their child at home.
School is a part of a child’s life as is their home life so we need to bring the two together.

14. Observations – 2simple
• 2simple is the observation process that we use at GWPS.
• All staff have been moderated and given individual and group feedback on how to develop using 2simple.
• Time now to focus on embedding these quality observations and practices.
• Observations should be purposeful, inform you of the next stages and capture what children know, what they can do and what their
interests are.
• Observations should be across all 7 areas of learning, during whole class, small group and individual play/learning opportunities, using all
areas of our learning environments.
• Observations should reflect multiple perspectives (input from the child, TA, parents, lead practitioner and other staff).
• Be mindful of using your knowledge of how children learn based around the characteristics of learning.

15. Assessment – Classroom Monitor
• Classroom Monitor is the observation process that we use at GWPS.
• Ongoing assessment is at the heart of our practice.
• Assessment is the link between observing the children and planning effectively to support and develop their learning.
Accurate formative assessments involve:
• Analysing observations (2simple) in order to decide on next steps and support individual children.
• Providing insights into how we move children on to develop and learn, while prioritizing their experiences/learning.
• Making sure all children are making progress.
• Talking to parents and engaging them in their child’s learning, identifying areas they can support their child with at home.
• We track these assessments summatively and these are highlighted on Classroom Monitor.

16. Planning Cycle
The EYFS highlights that ‘Each area of learning and development must be implemented through planned, purposeful play and
through a mix of adult-led and child initiated activity’.
Effective planning – what does it look like?
• It reflects, supports and extends individual children’s current interests, learning styles & stages of their development.
• It is flexible.
• It is a working document which responds to spontaneous situations and events.
• It enables staff to contribute, understand and articulate why experiences have been planned – refers back to 2simple.
• It offers opportunities for the children and their parents to be involved.

17. Look at video observation
• Thoughts?
• What areas of learning would you focus on to describe this?
• Would you share it with parents?
• Would you focus on next steps?

18. Reflective Questions & Handouts
Observation –
What is it like for a child in our school?
Assessment –
Are out tracking systems effectively building a picture of children’s progress?
Planning –
Is our planning purposeful?
Handouts  Thank you!