This document is an observation form used to assess how settled a child is and their characteristics of effective learning. It contains sections to record the child's name, age, start date, how settled they are using descriptors of effective learning, the date the observation was completed, the child's age band of development, their key person's name, and next steps. The form focuses on evaluating a child's curiosity, engagement in open-ended play, willingness to try new activities, ability to concentrate, persistence when challenged, enjoyment of achieving goals, independent ideas, ability to make links and choose how to approach tasks.

1. Settling in Observation
Name: Age: Start date:
How settled is the child?
(Use the characteristic of Effective Learning to describe how the child is learning)
Characteristics of Effective Learning:
Finding out and exploring
• Showing curiosity about
objects events and people
• Using senses to explore the
word around
• Engaging in open-ended
activity
• Showing particular interest
Playing with what they know
• Pretending objects are
things from their experience
• Representing their
experiences in play
• Taking on a role in their
play
• Acting out experiences with
other people
Being willing to ‘have a go’
• Initiating activities
• Seeking challenge
• Showing a ‘can do’ attitude
• Taking a risk, engaging in
new experiences, and
learning from failures
Being involved and concentrating
• Maintaining focus on their
activity for a period of time
• Showing high levels of
energy and fascination
• Not easily distracted
• Paying attention to detail
Keeping on trying
• Persisting with activity when
challenges occur
• Showing a belief that more
effort or a different
approach will pay off
• Bouncing back after
difficulties
Enjoying achieving what they set
out to do
• Showing satisfaction in
meeting their own goals
• Being proud of how they
accomplished something –
not just the end result
• Enjoying meeting
challenges for their own
sake rather than external
rewards or praise
Having their own ideas
• Thinking of ideas
• Finding ways to solve
problems
• Finding new ways to do
things
Making links
• Making links and noticing
patterns in their experience
• Making prediction
• Testing their ideas
• Developing ideas of
grouping, sequences, cause
and effect
Choosing ways to do things
• Planning, making decisions
about how to approach a
task, solve a problem and
reach a goal
• Checking how well their
activities are going
• Changing strategy as
needed
• Reviewing how well the
approach worked
Observation completed on:
Age band of child’s development; Mths
Use the development matters or early year’s outcomes to make a best fit judgement.
Name of Key person:
Next steps for the child:

2. Copyright © Early Years Careers, 2014 Outstanding Day Nurseries Ltd