Continuous assessment


Decide

Once you think you have made discoveries about a child’s learning and development, you need to reflect on these and make some decisions.

'Decide'

These are important questions to consider:

      • How is the child progressing compared to the learning statements? Is the child on track to achieve the learning statements by the end of the year?
      • Has the child fallen behind or are they in danger of falling behind? If so, then why?
      • What is this child interested in? Can I engage them better?
      • What is this child’s next step?

You may also need to decide:

      • Have I seen enough evidence to make a decision, or do I need to continue discovering?
      • How should I involve and communicate with the child’s parents or carers? 
      • Should I involve other people (e.g. health care)?

Child at a decision point in a maze

You should also reflect on what your discoveries tell you about your own practice. You might find it helpful to consider questions such as:

      • Are the children in my class on track to achieve the learning statements by the end of the year?
      • Are my expectations in line with the learning statements?
      • Am I providing suitable activities and opportunities for children to demonstrate their current learning and development?
      • Am I providing enough challenge for all children to achieve the learning statements?
      • Am I providing enough appropriate and targeted support?
      • How can I engage my children better?
      • What are my next steps?

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You can read more about involving and communicating with the child’s parents or carers, and about involving other professionals, in Inclusive Learning .