Each child is allocated a key person who will assess children’s learning and development against the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and work closely with parents and carers, starting with a home visit before the child starts attending nursery.

 Children who are under 2 benefit from our 'nurturing beginnings' assessments where we will work together with you to look at children's holistic development, their well-being, involvement and how adult interactions can help them to thrive. These are regularly shared with parents as part of our responsive and individual approach.

When a child is two years-old, your key person uses their observations and knowledge of the child to complete a “two-year-old progress check”.  This covers the “prime areas of learning”, Personal, Social, Emotional Development, Language and Communication and  Physical Development.  This assessment is shared with parents and carers, who are invited to contribute their knowledge of their child, and is used to plan future learning opportunities, including any additional needs. Parents are encouraged to share their Health Visitor 2-year-old check at the same time.

If a child is three years-old, during the first half-term key workers use their observations and knowledge of the children to make baseline assessments across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage.  This assessment is shared with parents and carers, who are invited to contribute their knowledge of their child, and is used to plan future learning opportunities, including any additional needs.

Children’s progress is reviewed regularly against key milestones. We use something called OPAL (observation of play and learning) to help us to celebrate each child's achievements. Your key person will ask you how your child is developing at home too so that we get a rounded picture of each child.  They will hold a mini parent meetings with you each time your child's progress is reviewed and share what we call a 'spotlight' assessment with guidance on children’s next steps at home and nursery.

The key person puts together a “Learning Story” which celebrate examples of significant learning. These are available for you to see at any time and become a wonderful keepsake when children leave Childhaven.  We also have an online app where you can see photographs of your child at nursery and share photos from home too.

In the last term before children move to Primary schools, assessments are shared with receiving schools, and we encourage staff to come and visit your child at nursery during the Summer term.