Level 2 introduction to early years education and Care – U11 Reflection –why observe? Level 2 introduction to early years education and Care – U11

Learning Outcomes An individual child Indoor provision LO2 Be able to use observation methods. AC 2.3 Reflect on outcomes of observations carried out in own setting in relation to: An individual child Indoor provision Outdoor provision. AC 2.4 Work with others to plan next steps in relation to the needs and interests of an individual child.

Welcome to session 4 What do you observe? What can you remember?

Lets have a look at these……

On your own……. Types, role of observation……

Think of an event you have planned…

Would you change anything about your plan?

Complete a spider diagram…. Indoor observations

Create a spider diagram Outdoor observations

Discussion How can you observe a child without them knowing?

What ingredients do you need to consider to ensure the observation remains non-bias and reliable?

Be able to use observation methods (2.3) Reflect on outcomes of observations Once you have carried out an observation, you need to reflect on the outcomes and decide what to do with this information. Your observation of an individual child may have identified: The child’s strengths Areas for development An activity the child particularly enjoys and excels at Friends Any areas of concern.

Be able to use observation methods (2.3) Reflect on outcomes of observations Your indoor and outdoor provision observations may have identified: Favourite areas Under-used areas Areas that are not used as intended Any issues with space and layout Availability of resources Children’s views and opinions The interests of the children.

Be able to use observation methods (2.3, 2.4) Work with others to plan next steps After carrying out your observation and reflecting on the outcomes, you will need to decide what to do next. You should discuss your observation with others. This could include the child’s key person and your supervisor. When working as a practitioner you may involve others from outside the setting when planning next steps.

Be able to use observation methods (2.3, 2.4) Work with others to plan next steps Your observation of the indoor provision may have identified that the book area is too cramped, as only one or two children can comfortably use it at any one time, which causes arguments and frustration between the children. You could discuss this with your supervisor and decide what to do next. It could be something as simple as moving a book box over a little to give more space.

2. Be able to use observation methods (2.3, 2.4) Work with others to plan next steps Your observation of an individual child may have identified their social and emotional skills when playing with others. It may be that they struggled to share during role play in the home corner and always cried when they did not get their way. You would discuss this with their key person and your supervisor, and together, you can plan for the child.

Be able to use observation methods (2.3, 2.4) Work with others to plan next steps It is important to discuss your observations with your supervisor as together you can identify and, where appropriate, plan next steps. Your supervisor may give you permission to make a minor change to the layout of the setting. They may suggest an activity you can carry out to support the development of the child you observed. This is all part of the observation cycle which includes: plan, do, review.

Be able to use observation methods (2.3, 2.4) Time: 20 mins Discuss the benefits of the observation process. Consider: The age and stage of the children The range of methods available Possible outcomes The observation cycle Do you feel there are any negatives to the observation process? This will give learners the opportunity to discuss the whole process. Benefits – assessment, development, assess against current frameworks. Plan – who, what, where, how are you going to observe? Do – carry out the observation. Review – act on outcomes.

Summary It is important to reflect on the outcome of an observation. This will help practitioners to plan what to do next. Working with others when planning next steps will help to support a child’s development.

Plenary Describe what is meant by plan, do, review in relation to observations. Identify two reasons for reflecting on the outcome of an observation. Give three benefits of the observation process.

What now?

How will I be assessed in my observation technique? Carry out observations You are required to carry out the following observations: An individual child – this will require you to have permission from the setting and the parent/carer. Indoor provision – you will need to choose one specific area inside the setting and observe how it is used. Outdoor provision – you will need to choose one specific area in the outdoor space and observe how it is used.

Be able to use observation methods (2.1, 2.2) Discuss what you need to do in preparation for the observations. Consider: Permission Choosing the method Identifying the individual child Resources needed to carry out the observation When you are going to plan to do the observations Are there any areas of this task that you are concerned about? Learners could create a ‘to do’ list in preparation for carrying these out. This activity will enable learners to see what they need to do before the observations are carried out. The final question will enable learners to share concerns and ways of solving these concerns.

2. Be able to use observation methods (2.1) Free-description observation Practitioners must be objective and not subjective in their writing: Subjective Objective Sophie likes red circles and does not like squares Sophie chose 3 red circles and said ‘no’ to the squares Amir was very cross with Ben Amir told Ben to ‘go away’ Tyler was obsessed by the cars Tyler played with the cars for 17 minutes Nadia thinks worms are disgusting Nadia saw a worm and said ‘argggh’ and ‘yuk’

Learning Outcomes An individual child Indoor provision LO2 Be able to use observation methods. AC 2.3 Reflect on outcomes of observations carried out in own setting in relation to: An individual child Indoor provision Outdoor provision. AC 2.4 Work with others to plan next steps in relation to the needs and interests of an individual child.

For next Thursday ensure you have carried out a Lengthy observation on placement and bring it to class (delete any child name etc. to maintain confidentiality)