Effective EYFS Observation Methods in Early Years Education
In recent years, the approach to observations in the early years sector has seen significant changes. Practitioners no longer need to provide physical evidence of a child’s progress and needs. They can rely on their professional judgment instead.
Fortunately, we no longer just check off children’s milestones on lists using frameworks like Development Matters — something it was never truly intended for. Observing children is now more meaningful and not just a routine task.
That said, we still believe observations still have a place in early years education. We won’t cover all the reasons now, as that’s a separate topic. However, you can read more about it in our recent blog post if you’re interested.
Today, we will share quick and easy ways to observe children. These methods can help improve communication with parents and assist in assessments, such as the 2-year progress checks.
What is an observation in early years education?
With the changes to the EYFS, we now understand that with a well-designed curriculum, thoughtful provision, and skilled early years professionals, most children will make good progress—regardless of the amount of evidence you collect. However, it’s important to remember that observations have always been about much more than just assessment.
Observations help early years educators understand children’s development, allowing them to create personalised learning experiences that meet each child’s unique needs and interests. This approach helps in planning an appropriate curriculum that supports every child’s unique journey.
Observations play a crucial role in developing strong parent partnerships. Educators share what they see in a child’s day or week to help parents understand their child’s needs, interests, and challenges. Working together helps meet the child’s needs. This support is important both at home and in the nursery. It creates a positive environment for their learning and growth.
But what types of observation methods are there? Let’s explore some of the different approaches used in early years settings.
5 different observation methods for early years
Educators can use various methods to observe children in early years settings and gain valuable insights about their development. Each approach offers a different perspective on a child’s development. This helps us better understand their needs and preferences. Here are some of the most commonly used observation methods:
1. Narrative observations:
Narrative observations involve writing a detailed, descriptive account of what a child is doing during a particular activity or over a set period. This method captures the sequence of events and provides a clear picture of the child’s behaviour, interactions, and learning processes. Narrative observations are useful for identifying a child’s interests, understanding their thinking, and documenting progress in a contextualised way. This method can be shared with parents to give them a deeper understanding of their child’s learning.
2. Photographs and video observations:
Using photographs and videos as part of your observations can be a powerful tool. Visual documentation allows you to capture moments that may be difficult to describe in words. A great way to share children’s achievements with parents is by bringing their learning experiences to life.
3. Group observations:
Group observations focus on observing multiple children as they interact together in a shared activity or setting. This method can be useful for understanding social dynamics, peer interactions, and how children collaborate and communicate with each other. By observing a group, you can identify patterns of behaviour and areas where certain children may need more support in group settings. Group observations can also help in planning activities that cater to the collective needs of the children while still addressing individual learning goals.
4. Snapshot observations:
Snapshot observations are brief, focused notes taken during a specific moment or activity. Unlike narrative observations, which provide a detailed account, snapshots capture a quick glimpse of a child’s behaviour, skill, or interaction at a particular time. This method is ideal for collecting information on specific skills or behaviours, such as how a child handles transitions or engages with a particular learning resource. Snapshots are quick and easy to record, making them a practical tool for capturing spontaneous or unexpected moments of learning.
5. Parent and carer observations:
Parents and carers can provide important information about a child’s behaviour, interests, and growth outside the nursery environment. Parents and carers share important information about their child’s abilities, daily routines, and experiences at home. This helps us understand the child’s growth and development better.
For example, using a parent app like ParentZone allows parents to easily share observations from home with educators. This is especially beneficial for quieter or shyer children who may not speak as much at nursery. Parents can easily share their child’s new interest in an activity or skill using the app. Educators can then incorporate similar activities into the nursery environment to support and extend the child’s interests.
Meaningful observations and why they matter
Beyond all else, observations in early years settings should carry meaning and purpose. Even with the reduced focus on professional judgement and the move towards fewer observations, it’s clear that they still play a significant role in the early years sector. They help in sharing learning with parents and carers and planning further learning experiences for children.
Observations help nursery managers and owners understand the effectiveness of the curriculum. They also show how well children are doing in the nursery. They help nursery managers make informed choices to improve the learning environment and better support each child’s unique needs.
If you use a different observation method, please tell us about it. You can contact us at marketing@connectchildcare.com. We would love to hear from you! You might even be featured in an upcoming blog post!
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About the Author
Content Marketing Executive at Connect Childcare