Welcome to our Tapestry Workshop

How the class teachers assess in Early Years. Things we will cover this afternoon: How the class teachers assess in Early Years. How the staff in Early Years use Tapestry to support planning and assessments. What an observation on Tapestry would look like. The difference between an observation and a focus group. Staff who will contribute to individual observations. How parents can access Tapestry. Understanding Tapestry features (uploading photos, comments) Ways that parents can contribute to their child’s online learning journal.

Baseline Assessments: The staff in Early Years conduct baseline assessments during the month of September. These are based on observations and tick lists focusing on particular learning objectives. Assessments throughout the year: Individual and group observations (child initiated learning) – Tapestry Working in a focus group – Tapestry and Focus Book evidence. Interventions which are based on end of term assessments. During individual reading. Using paper Learning Journals to record progress.

The Early Years Curriculum consists of seven different areas: Using Tapestry to support individual progress: The Early Years Curriculum consists of seven different areas: Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) Physical Development (PD) Communication and Language (CL) Literacy (Reading and Writing) Maths (Numbers and Shapes) Understanding of the World (UW) Expressive Arts and Design (EAD) Observations will link to an area of the curriculum and a month band. The month bands show next steps.

An observation on Tapestry will include: Date and time A title (linked to the learning) Brief description of the learning/task The relevant Early Years statements A photo or a video The name of the staff member who took the observation.

Observations: Child initiated learning. Mostly independent work. Observations will sometimes include a Early Years statement.

Focus Groups: Involves working in a small group with the class teacher or the LSA. The teacher will decide on the learning and what she wants the children to achieve by the end of the focus group. Any focus group pictures on Tapestry will not include any Early Years statements.

Early Years Staff Miss Rowan – Jade Class Teacher Mrs Hall – Amber Class Teacher Mrs Edmonds – LSA supporting both classes Miss Treloar - LSA supporting both classes Mrs Dobbyn - LSA supporting children with specific needs.

How parents can access Tapestry Login Page – enter your email address and password.

Tapestry Features Add observation button. Press here if you want to add an observation from home. Observations by staff. Click on the title of the observations to read them in more detail.

How can parents contribute to their child’s online learning journal? You can write a positive comment or give positive feedback about the learning taking place or add anything that you feel could add more insight into the observation. You can upload any photographs or short videos of a family day out, your child riding a bike, reading a book at home or a special celebration. The class teacher may look at some of the home observations with your child in class or show any relevant photos / short clips as a circle time discussion.

Confidentiality – Safeguarding Policy Once we have all the signed agreements from the parents then we will go live with Tapestry for parents to see. You will receive an email from Tapestry containing your unique login details. Please only let immediate family have this. You need to make sure we have your current email address. You will only be able to access your child’s learning journal not the whole class. You will receive an email alert informing you to have a look at the observations that have happened that day or week.

Confidentiality – Safeguarding Policy You will sometimes see other children’s pictures on photos linked to observations. Please do not share any of the observations or photos on any social media website. This is stated in the agreement letter that you received last week. There is a comments section under your child’s observation, this is not to be used as a conversation between parent and teacher about your child’s progress. If you have any concerns about your child’s learning taking place then please book an appointment to see the class teacher. You can do this either using your child’s message book, via the office or speak to the class teacher on the gate at the end of the school day.

Next Steps: Please make sure that you have signed the agreement letter and sent it back to the class teacher. A tapestry guide leaflet and a letter containing your individual passwords will be put into your child’s book bag on Monday 12th December. This is when you can log on and activate your password. When you first log on, you will receive a back log of observations so it may be best to log on during the day rather than late at night (notifications).

Any questions? Thank you for coming!