Explain How Observations of Babies, Children and Young People Contribute to Planning.

Explain how observations of babies, children and young people contribute to planning.

“What are observations? An observation is a piece of work in which the child’s words and actions are recorded in great detail. This child’s actions are then analyzed by the practitioner. It is about looking and listening to children. A bit like being a scientist we collect information or data process it and draw up conclusions from it.” (Class Hand out)

An important part of a practitioner’s role is recording a Childs development and behaviour.
Their are several reasons why early years practitioners keep records and assessments of babies and children. • To check a Childs overall development: Routine checks are important for detecting and diagnosing any problems earl on. This could be done but the help and support of a health visitor etc. • To see if the child is progressing: Assessments are regularly made to ensure that the children are progressing, not only in overall areas but specifically personal things as each child may not be as strong at a certain subject like the other but they are both none the less improving. • To help planning: Observations and assessments should be used when planning activities for example if a practitioner observes a lack of physical development then they could decide on doing some throwing and catching exercises.
Practitioners need to keep track of every pupil and their particular needs. Children have different strengths and weaknesses. So the practitioner must locate these and help the child; for example after a couple of assessments a child may show that their language skills aren’t as great as they could be so a practitioner may refer hem to a speech therapist or plan some activities that would encourage the child to talk and interact a bit more with others.
The practitioner needs to report back to the parents and other fellow practitioners. This is simply because the parents need to know how their child is progressing and whether or not they need extra help. They tell fellow practitioners so they can also observe the child and work towards helping them.
Their are many different professionals who can observe a child these are: • Educational physiologist • Child psychiatrist • Family doctor • Speech therapist • Play therapist • Health visitor

1998 Data Protection Act
The data protection act came into force in March 2000. It states anyone processing personal information needs to register with the data protection commission. Anyone who registers must comply with the 8 enforceable principles or a good practice. Confidentiality

This is an important issue on keeping records on children. The records and any information can only be used for the best interest of the child. The records should be stored safely and only appropriate staff and other professionals have access to them. This means parents can never be given information about other people’s children.

Observing the child is so you can find their stage of development, their likes and dislikes and their strengths and weaknesses.

Assessing a child is when you carry out specific activity to see whether they have improved on a certain area or if they are doing well overall.