Focused Observations
What is it?
Focused observations differ from the daily observations you make about children’s significant learning. Instead, they concentrate specifically on the practices occurring within the setting or on the particular needs of individual children. These observations are valuable tools for self-evaluation, helping to identify areas for improvement. They also provide factual insights about your service or a child’s experience within the environment. The Care Inspectorate recommends using this type of observation to support ongoing development.
Key messages:
- In a focused observation we are fact finding. During the observation, do not try to evaluate or plan for next steps. Simply observe and record the facts.
- After the observation you’ll be able to use your factual notes to reflect on practice and the child’s experience and at that point you can plan for any changes which may need to be made.
- Consider the child’s sensory experience as well as their learning experience.
Ways we can do this:
Consider what the purpose of your observation is first, and plan sufficient time so that you are uninterrupted – unless there’s an emergency.
Give yourself around 30 minutes if possible, record time stamps and write down what you see in the spaces, experiences and interactions.
Avoid making assumptions about anything you observe at this time, simply note down the facts. Consider using time stamps for more accurate observations.
If observing a child to find out what their behaviour is communicating, record what’s happening around the child. Think about their sensory experience as well as their learning experience.
Record the child’s reactions but don’t make assumptions about how they are feeling – stick to the facts.
Once you have worked out the need that the child is communicating through their behaviours, it’s time to put in place some next steps. This may involve making changes to practitioner practice, the universal provision or more specific support strategies. Keep in mind that all children are different and what works for one child may not benefit another.
Give sufficient time to embed a new strategy, it may not have an impact straight away. Use a Care Plan + to ensure that all practitioners are on the same page and are using the same approaches. Involve families so that similar strategies might be adopted at home.
