Assessment

In our Early Years settings at Oasis Academy Shirley Park, we believe that all children are entitled to the best possible start to their school life, this includes, intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and morally in order to enable them to develop their full potential. As practitioners we recognise that all children are unique, special and learn through activities that captivate their interests.

We believe it is our duty to develop a joy of learning within our pupils, enabling them to feel motivated and excited. We strive to provide opportunities for every child to develop their communication, independence and confidence. We provide a safe, secure and caring environment where children feel happy and know that they are valued by the practitioners working with them.

While the children learn through both child-initiated and adult led activities we assess their development through observations using a variety different methods.  We continuously engage them in meaningful discussions which allows them to verbalise their thinking to inform us of what they have learnt and to facilitate new learning.

There is no formal assessment for the end of Nursery, but we will use the Development Matters statements from 0-3 years and 3-4 years to continuously assess where each child is in their development. 

Some observations that are considered “Wow Moments” – new learning, a new skill, something the child is really proud of – are shared via the child’s online learning journey, which parents can engage and interact with. If we ever have any concerns, we will of course arrange a meeting with parents or carers at the first instance, as transparency is key to a great partnership. 

Reception Baselines

During the children’s first half-term in Reception class, the teacher must conduct the DfE Reception Baseline. This is a short, interactive and practical assessment of your child’s early literacy, communication, language and mathematics skills when they begin school, using materials that most children of your child’s age will be familiar with. For more information, please read this leaflet - Information for parents: reception baseline assessment (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Teachers will then use this assessment, alongside a three week transition period of getting to know the children and conducting observations, to inform their learning priorities and know how best to support the every individual child.

At the end of the Reception year we formally report to the Local Authority by completing a Child Profile for each child which shows their overall progress against the Early Learning Goals which are the National expected standards.  The profile also provides valuable information about the child’s overall development and along with the end of year report, written by the class teacher forms the basis of transition discussions with the Year 1 teachers.