How are nursery children assessed?
Nursery children are assessed mainly by observation: watching and noting what they say and do during everyday play and activities, collecting samples of work and photos, and checking progress against broad developmental goals. NCF-FS 2022 recommends observation and portfolios rather than tests or exams at the foundational stage.
What this means in practice
Assessment helps teachers plan the next steps for each child and share progress with parents. It should never label or rank young children.
Observation methods
- Anecdotal notes: short descriptions of what happened
- Checklists against goals
- Photos and work samples in a portfolio
- Learning stories shared with parents
Using what you observe
Note what the child can do, what interests them and the next step. Plan an activity that builds on it.
Writing a useful observation
Keep it factual and short: date, child, setting and what they did or said. For example: "14 March. A. built a tower of eight blocks and counted them correctly. Next step: compare towers using 'taller' and 'shorter'."
Practical next steps
- Observe two or three children daily.
- Keep short dated notes.
- Review portfolios monthly.
- Share progress with parents.
What to keep in mind
Observation is not diagnosis. Share concerns with parents and specialists rather than drawing conclusions yourself.
Common follow-up questions
Should nursery children have exams?
NCF-FS advises against tests and exams at this stage.
What is a portfolio in nursery?
A collection of a child's work, photos and observations over time.
Sources
- National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage 2022, NCERT
- Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework, UK Department for Education
Course facts come from APTTI's published course pages. Examples use made-up names. How these answers are prepared.