Child Development, Assessment & Knowing Every Child
Week 1 – Understanding Typical Child Development
Understanding how young children typically develop gives practitioners an important foundation for recognising progress, planning appropriate experiences and identifying when additional support may be needed. Development is not always linear, and every child will grow and learn at their own pace. In this session, we’ll explore key aspects of early child development and consider how a strong understanding of typical developmental patterns can help practitioners respond effectively to the individual children they know best.
Week 2 – Observation That Matters
Effective observation is about more than recording what a child has done—it is about noticing what their play, interactions and behaviours tell us about their learning and development. The most valuable observations happen naturally as practitioners watch, listen and engage with children throughout the day. In this session, we’ll explore how purposeful observation can help practitioners understand each child more deeply, identify meaningful next steps and shape provision without creating unnecessary paperwork or workload.
Week 3 – Assessment Without Creating Workload
Effective early years assessment should help practitioners know children better and inform what happens next—not generate unnecessary paperwork. Much of the most valuable assessment happens naturally through observing, listening and interacting with children during everyday provision. In this session, we’ll explore practical approaches to assessment that capture what matters, support professional judgement and inform responsive teaching while keeping workload manageable and the focus firmly on time spent with children.
Week 4 –Identifying Children Who Need Additional Support
Knowing children well enables practitioners to notice when development may not be progressing as expected and when additional support could make a difference. Early identification is not about labelling children, but about recognising emerging needs, understanding potential barriers and responding appropriately. In this session, we’ll explore how observation, assessment and professional knowledge can help practitioners identify concerns early, work collaboratively with families and colleagues, and put timely support in place to help every child thrive.
Week 5 – Working with Parents as Partners
Parents and carers know their children in ways that practitioners cannot, making them invaluable partners in understanding each child’s development, interests and needs. Strong, respectful relationships between home and the setting help create a more complete picture of the child and ensure support is consistent and meaningful. In this session, we’ll explore practical ways to build positive partnerships with families, share information effectively and work together to support every child’s learning and development.
Week 6 – Using Assessment to Inform Provision
Assessment has the greatest impact when it shapes what happens next for children. By drawing on observations, interactions and their knowledge of each child, practitioners can identify emerging interests, strengths and areas where further support or challenge may be needed. In this final session, we’ll explore how assessment can be used purposefully to adapt provision, plan meaningful experiences and ensure the learning environment continually responds to the children within it.