A simple template designed for recording children’s ability to recognise their own name, whether they are right or left-handed, and the pencil grip they are currently using. Pictures of types of pencil grip are included to support practitioners’ recording. A PDF version is also included.

A Powerpoint presentation and separate PDF handout notes that explore how to take high quality observations in the Early Years. Useful for staff training or INSET sessions, particularly for teachers new to EYFS or Early Years Practitioners that could benefit from extra guidance. The presentation details what makes a good quality observation and how observations can reliably inform assessment and provision. Real examples of EYFS observations from Learning Journals are included with photographic evidence. These observations are then analysed - what makes them good observations? How could they be improved?

I got tired of rifling through Development Matters every time I needed to assess children! I created this Excel spreadsheet that features all 17 areas of learning from the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. You can click on an age band to view that age band’s characteristics immediately - it has saved us so much time during assessment periods. All age bands, from birth-11 months, through to Early Learning Goal and Exceeding statements are included.

A simple Powerpoint animation for use as a timer in the primary school classroom. Children must complete an activity before the jar fills up with marbles (5 minutes). Great for tidy up time in the Early Years, simple classroom activities or for building an understanding of time.

A simple Powerpoint animation for use as a timer in the primary school classroom. Children must complete an activity before the jar fills up with marbles (2 minutes). Great for tidy up time in the Early Years, simple classroom activities or for building an understanding of time.

A ‘cheat sheet’ grid for EYFS practitioners that provides examples of activities for each of the 17 areas of learning within Development Matters. Designed in line with the EYFS exemplification materials, this has proved invaluable within my Reception class. Useful to display on a classroom wall for easy referral for all adults looking to capture evidence for a specific area of learning. Also covers the Characteristics of Effective Learning.

A PDF document with over 20 ideas for outdoor activities, in line with the Forest School approach to education (I have received formal training in the Forest School approach). Detailed photographs are included to support the explanation of each activity. Can also be used for staff training or INSET sessions, or simply to gather ideas to improve outdoor practice and provision.

A set of 10 posters to display how many children can play in each area, from 1-10. Each poster has a photograph featuring the corresponding number of children, to support early number recognition development.

A set of A4 cover sheets for the Teaching Standards. Each standard comes on its own A4 sheet with an outline of the standard, as well as examples of how to evidence each standard. Useful for PGCE or BEd students on school placements who need to provide evidence for meeting each teaching standard. Good luck with your training!

A simple 1 page tidy-up checklist for children to complete independently. We laminated these for my Reception class and they took turns being the ‘Tidy Up Officer’ each day. Useful for encouraging early reading and mark making.