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.

All printables

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

Written by a practising, registered childminder who runs The Kids Hub — Childcare of Kings Langley.

Independent review: this sheet has not yet been checked by an early years adviser. It was written by a practising, registered childminder and fact-checked against the sources named on it. If you spot an error, tell us — we would rather know.

Last checked: August 2026.

Rule changes

We’ll tell you when the rules change

Two statutory frameworks changed on 1 September 2026 — the EYFS and the Ofsted inspection framework. Most childminders found out from a Facebook post weeks later. Leave your email and we’ll tell you the next time something changes, in plain English, with what you actually need to do.

Only when something genuinely changes. Not a newsletter. Stop any time.