These sessions aim to deepen early years practitioners’ understanding of formative assessment as an ongoing process embedded in daily interactions. They will highlight the importance of child development knowledge, moving beyond simple observation to meaningful action, and using professional dialogue to strengthen assessment consistency, refine provision, and shape curriculum decisions.

Delegates will engage in collaborative, discussion-based activities designed to build practical capacity and support sustainable practice without adding unnecessary workload:

• Using Assessment to Inform Curriculum Decisions: Analysing classroom scenarios to determine a child’s learning stage and adapt teaching strategies
• Reflecting on Current Practice: Auditing existing assessment methods in small groups to identify strengths and areas for growth
• Sharing Formative Assessment Practice: Showcasing and discussing setting-specific assessment routines to share practical ideas
• Shaping the Learning Environment: Evaluating physical provision to ensure environments effectively respond to children’s emerging needs
• Informing Next Steps: Reflecting on known children to translate observations into lived teaching strategies through peer dialogue.

Audience: Reception teachers, Nursery staff, EYFS leads, Childminders etc.

We are running this session in three locations and online, please click here to see all sessions.

These sessions are funded by the DfE in support of the Best Start Family Hubs and delivered by VNET Education CIC on behalf of Norfolk County Council.