Observation record
One page, one observation. The prompts are there to stop it drifting into “had a lovely time at the water tray” — see the guide for what separates a useful observation from a diary entry.
There is no required format for observations, including this one. Ofsted has said inspectors will not ask to see internal tracking or assessment records. Use this if it helps you, and ignore it if it does not.
The basics
| Child | |
| Age (years and months) | |
| Date | |
| Where / what was happening |
What I actually saw
Enough detail that someone else could picture it. Include how long they stayed with it.
Their words, exactly
Verbatim. Always worth capturing.
What I noticed
Your interpretation, kept separate from what you saw. Has anything changed since last time? Which characteristics of effective learning were showing — having a go, keeping going, having their own ideas?
Next step — in my setting
Specific, and doable this week with what you already have.
Next step — at home
Optional. This is the bit parents value.
Shared with parent
| Date shared | |
| How (in person / written) | |
| What they said |