Your assessment tool contains rich data about child progress in language and literacy but no details to explain the differences between children. you decide to

As part of the ongoing recording and monitoring system within early years settings, the usefulness and power of observation and assessment are sometimes overlooked as they may be deemed time-consuming when there is already a shortage of time to complete the other tasks required by agencies such as the government, parents, governors or committee and local educational authorities. However, observation can enable: • informed planning • informed understanding of a child’s current competence levels • reflection on the appropriateness of provision • sharing of information with other parties • assessment of specific children, groups, interactions, the learning environment and staff. The Foundation Stage guidance (QCA, 2000) and Code of Practice (DfES, 2001d) acknowledge the value of observation and assessment, and place requirements on all early years practitioners to ensure these are part of the ongoing teaching and learning process. Thus practitioners need to have a clear understanding of the purposes and benefits, combined with practical examples, both of which are offered in this chapter. In order to identify a child’s current competence levels, we rely on observation of skills mastered which then informs our future planning. For children experiencing difficulties we should strive towards early identification, diagnosis of specific difficulties and the introduction of appropriate intervention strategies. None of these can take place without prior observation and assessment of the current situation. Observation and assessment processes can also be used to identify the effectiveness of the setting, specific areas of the setting, specific activities and the practitioner. Arguably, to see the children progress and be happy is every practitioner’s ultimate aim and one that gives us tremendous satisfaction and reward. We therefore need to be prepared to examine our own practices closely to ensure