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Parents 🧸: Make an Observation About Your Child

Josie avatar
Written by Josie
Updated over a week ago

Adding Your Own Observations of Your Child

You can share experiences and achievements that happen outside of your child’s setting by adding an observation. It is a great way to show what they get up to at home and helps their carers build a fuller picture of their learning.

Hints and Tips for Writing Observations

It can feel a little strange writing observations of your own child at first, but there is no need to worry. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

  • There is no right thing to observe, and it doesn't need to be a big milestone. If your child is involved, engaged, having fun, or trying something new, simply write it down or take a photo. Your child’s setting will enjoy seeing these moments and can use them to support your child

  • You know your child best. Sharing what they enjoy and achieve at home gives carers valuable extra insight

  • Try to describe exactly what is happening rather than interpreting it. For example, "Mohammed was smiling as he poured the water" is clearer than "Mohammed enjoyed pouring the water"

  • When writing what your child says, try to capture their words as closely as possible. For example, write "Layla said Tat go down stairs" rather than "Layla said The cat went downstairs"

  • You can look at past observations in your child’s Journey tab if you want a bit of inspiration

  • You are always welcome to chat to your child’s key worker for more support with observing


Creating an Observation for Your Child

Adding an observation for your child is simple and can be done whenever you want to share something they have been doing at home. To create an observation for your child:

  • Head to your child’s profile and open the Journey tab

  • Click New and select Observation

  • A text box will appear where you can write your observation

  • Use the Upload button to add photos or videos, or simply describe what your child is doing

  • If you are interrupted while writing, your observation will be saved as a draft. You can find it again by clicking the left icon in the top right corner

  • When you are happy with what you have written, click Send for review to share it with your child’s setting

Your child’s primary key person will be notified and can view your observation in the app, linking it to the relevant areas of learning.

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