free downloadable templates for observation notes

Use the correct Process Observation form You have the choice of four time study templates Time Observations in the Standard Work template Once you have your own system in place it’s not as time-consuming as it seems I promise.Time Study Form, Time Study Worksheet, Time Study Observation Form There also needs to be written evidence of children’s progress towards the Learning Outcomes. What you do need to demonstrate with the majority of early years frameworks and guides is written evidence of a planning cycle which can show you are observing, noticing, recording, planning and evaluating. Try and think about your observations telling the child’s story and how often you might need to add observations and reflections to keep the story rolling along without big gaps!! An observation here and there or because you ‘have to meet your weekly obs quota” is again a waste of your time and does nothing to support the child on their learning journey. The frequency of your observations will depend upon the number of children in your care, the environment you work in and your centre or scheme expectations – there is no set magical number for compliance. I know this can easily become a source of confusion and frustration for educators as some are told to use specific methods like learning stories only and others are told to use set templates or a digital app that the entire service is using. An ‘observation’ can take many different forms and not all will suit every early learning service, educator, child or play experience. Educators use the information provided by child observations as just one way to support and challenge a child’s development and individual learning journey. It also encompasses the skills of listening, questioning, reflecting and documenting what we actually see and then interpreting succinctly in order to identify and support a child’s strengths, needs, interests and development.

Observing is obviously the act of looking and watching, but in our profession, we need to take that one step further.

When working as an educator in the early childhood profession, documenting child observations is simply a means of gathering information about a child to inform your programming and ensure you are planning appropriate activities, strategies and experiences for each individual child and also the whole group.

Free downloadable templates for observation notes