Observation & Assessment Made Simple

A Practical Guide for Early Years and Primary Educators

This practical text provides a clear step-by-step guide to observation, assessment, planning and documentation in the early years. Using a universally accessible "what, so what, now what" approach, it enables practitioners to fully support children’s learning and development through meaningful and enjoyable observations and assessment.

This practical guide presents a clear step-by-step approach to observation, assessment and planning in early years and primary education with one powerful aim: to ensure that no child goes unseen. It transforms observation from a paperwork task into a meaningful way of understanding children's learning through a simple "What? So What? Now What?" framework.

Drawing on classroom experience and years of mentoring educators, the book combines clear explanations with real-life examples and reflective prompts. It guides readers through noticing and recording children's learning, making sense of observations, and planning responsive next steps.

Chapters cover:

• The “What, So What, Now What” observation process and what this looks like in practice
• Observing learning outdoors
• Embedding observation in daily practice
• Linking involvement, wellbeing and learning
• Making assessment work in practice including effective use of AI
• Planning and creating the conditions for responsive practice

Offering a fresh approach to observation that moves beyond tick-boxes and encourages authentic engagement with children's thinking and development, this is an essential resource for students on Early Childhood and Primary Education courses and practicing educators.

UK Delivery:

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• International estimated delivery times:
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• USA: 7 to 15 working days
• Rest of the World: 9 to 21 working days

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