Sheet 1: Observation task

In this task you need to carry out two observations on a child in your workplace. Use
this handout to help you.
1 Choosing a child
You will first need to choose a child. Discuss this with the supervisor or manager
of your setting.
Record the first name only of the child you have chosen here:
J.H
2 Obtain permission
Next, you will need to obtain permission to carry out your observations.
You should get this from your supervisor or manager and then also from the
parents of the child.
Explain how you have done this here:
Our school is linked with the nursery and our teacher’s got permission from the nursery
and the nursery got permission from the children’s parents for us to observe the child.
3 Maintain confidentiality
You must make sure that you keep your observations confidential. Tick the
boxes below when you have done each one.
 Only use the first name of the child or use a code
 Record the age of the child in years and months and do not give their date of
birth.
 Store all information in a secure place.
 Follow all policies and procedures of your setting.
4 Methods of observation
You now need to decide which method of observation to use for which area of
learning you are going to observe.
Record your decision here:
The observation method I have chosen is narrative to observe creative and manipulative
(cognitive) learning for the initial observation. For the activities I have chosen time
sample and checklist for creative and manipulative (cognitive) learning.
5 Carry out your observations
You now need to observe your chosen child. Make sure you complete the front
sheet for both observations and obtain a signature from your setting.