Measuring progress
Young children learn in different ways to adults or even older children, which cannot and should not be assessed by formal tests. Teachers assess children all the time, for example hearing a child counting during play. Assessment of young children covers all aspects of a child’s development and is concerned with attitudes, feelings, social and physical characteristics, and is as much about the teacher as it is about the child, e.g. What can the teacher do or provide to help this child move forward in their learning?
We follow an observation, assessment and planning cycle which is at the heart of effective early childhood practice. This is how we really get to know the children in our care.
How does the cycle work?
Our teachers observe children in everyday activities, play and during more structured activities. When they observe children, they look, listen and take note and assess how the child is learning. Children’s rates of development are so varied in early childhood, that, rather than highlight what the child can’t do, they look at what a child can do. This observation and assessment helps our teachers plan the next steps in the child’s learning and development. Effective planning takes into consideration that children develop holistically and randomly, and every child is unique.
Parents are sent a written end of semester report on the child’s progress that comments on their child’s class participation, class work, language skills and behaviour. There is an example report at the bottom of this page.
Feedback can be requested from the teacher during the term by emailing information@britishcouncil.hu with your child’s name and their class. Parents can also talk to the teacher at the end of class but please bear in mind the teacher’s time may be limited. If you would like to talk to the teacher, please tell the childcare team when you arrive to pick up your child.