Child/children’s
name(s)
Date:
Duration:
TRAINEE PROFORMA FOR OBSERVING
CHILDREN DURING CHILD-INITIATED
ACTIVITIES
Playing and
exploring –
engagement*
Short description of what is happening and where the activity is
taking place
Personal, social &
emotional
development*
- Finding out and
- Making relationships
exploring
- Playing with what
they know
- Being willing to
‘have a go’
- Self-confidence & selfawareness
- Managing feelings &
behaviour
Physical
development*
- Moving & handling
- Health & self-care
Active learning –
motivation*
- Being involved and
concentrating
- Enjoying achieving
what they set out to
do
- Keeping trying
Commentary: Cross reference to characteristics of learning and areas of
learning. Is there evidence of new learning? Consolidation of learning? Does
the activity offer appropriate challenge? Note significant interactions both
verbal and non-verbal.
Communication &
language*
- Listening & attention
- Understanding
- Speaking
Literacy*
- Reading
- Writing
Mathematics*
- Numbers
- Shape, space &
measure
Creating and
thinking critically
– thinking*
Understanding the
world*
- Having their own
ideas
- Making links
- Choosing ways to
do things
- The world
- Technology
- People & communities
Expressive arts &
design*
- Exploring & using
media & materials
- Being imaginative
Further evidence collected (photo, child’s mark making)
What are the next steps for learning?