As an early childhood practitioner, you will frequently come across the term "assessment". Assessment is part of early years practitioners' day-to-day interactions with children. In the early years, assessment is the process of gathering information about a child, analyzing that information, and then using the information to arrange educational activities that are at the level of the child and also benefit the child. EYP continually makes judgments about children's learning and development and uses the information they gather to help children to progress. Children, too, make judgments about what they are good at, what they enjoy doing, what they can do now with little help, and what they would like to be able to do in the future. “ Assessment plays an important part in helping parents, carers and practitioners to recognise children’s progress, understand their needs, and to plan activities and support. “ EYFS Framework 2024, section 2.1, page 19 The most common types of assessment are formative and summative. As a preschool teacher, you might be familiar with these terms but still need clarification about how they work.

This blog explores the assessment opportunities applied by early years educators to ensure the unique needs of each child and understand that there are different assessment methods and techniques, which inform what we know about children’s progress.

Understand that there are ways to communicate with all children, appropriate for their stages of development.

The professional role and responsibilities of an early years educator regarding knowledge, skills and behaviours.

A guide to child development from birth to 5 years. Assuming no prior knowledge of the topic, it will take you through all the perspectives on the subject, covering physical, cognitive, moral, and behavioural aspects of a child's development.

Caterpillar & ButterflY counting jar activity is fun way to identify numbers and a great way for children to practice counting skills. It is a perfect activity for the pre-schooler who are still polishing their basic counting skills and older preschoolers can even do it independently.

This post will discuss the importance of talking and listening skills for children’s learning and development, the role of adults when talking and listening to children, factors that may enhance talking and listening activities, and a list of appropriate talking and listening games.

Creativity and imagination are important in the early years of a child's development. Children can develop and thrive emotionally, socially, and physically through creative and imaginative play. Creative activities encourage a child's development of these skills while also allowing them to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Exploring creative possibilities with children contributes to and promotes their development.