A two-year progress check is an essential aspect of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. It helps to assess a child’s development and ensures that parents, health professionals, and educators are informed about the child’s progress.
For childminders, writing this report can seem daunting, but with a structured approach, it becomes a straightforward and valuable process. This blog will outline the steps, guidelines, and best practices for writing a two-year progress check that is both insightful and professional.
Understanding the Purpose of the Two-Year Progress Check
The two-year progress check is a statutory requirement under the EYFS. Its main objective is to summarise a child’s development across the three prime areas of learning:
- Personal, Social, and Emotional Development
- Physical Development
- Communication and Language
This check is important not only for assessing a child’s strengths but also for identifying any areas where additional support might be needed. For example, if a child is showing signs of developmental delays or special educational needs, this report can initiate early interventions.
When to Complete the Progress Check
The progress check should be completed when a child is between 24 and 36 months old, ideally before their health visitor’s two-year check. This allows parents to discuss any concerns raised in your report during their health review. As a childminder, you should aim to complete the check around the child’s second birthday, but the timing can be flexible depending on the child’s individual circumstances.
Structure of the Progress Check
The report doesn’t need to be lengthy, but it should be clear, concise, and structured. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write the progress check:
1. Start with a Brief Introduction
Introduce the child by name and age, providing a brief overview of their time in your care. Mention how long the child has been attending your setting and any key relationships they have formed with peers or adults. This helps set the context for the progress check.
2. Focus on the Prime Areas of Learning
Each section should cover one of the prime areas of learning, summarising the child’s development.
- Personal, Social, and Emotional Development: Here, you can describe the child’s interactions with others, their ability to express feelings.
- Physical Development: This section should address both fine and gross motor skills (those which require whole-body movement and involve the large muscles of the body to perform everyday functions), and how they manage personal tasks like feeding or dressing themselves. For instance, you can note if the child is adept at walking, running, or using tools like crayons.
- Communication and Language: Discuss how the child communicates with others, both verbally and non-verbally. Do they enjoy stories, ask questions, or engage in conversations with peers?
For each area, highlight the child’s strengths, and if there are concerns, mention them gently. Be specific but avoid overloading with detail. For example, instead of writing “Tommy is good at climbing,” write, “Tommy shows confidence when using the climbing frame and can balance well on the beams.”
3. Identify Areas for Improvement or Concern
If there are any developmental concerns or delays, it’s important to include these in the report. Be mindful of the tone you use, focusing on how to support the child rather than listing deficits. For example, if a child has limited vocabulary, mention strategies you plan to use, such as “We will incorporate more interactive story sessions to enhance Sarah’s vocabulary development.”
4. Next Steps and Strategies
For areas where a child may need additional support, outline your proposed actions. This could involve adjusting activities, working on specific skills, or referring to specialists if necessary. For example, if a child has difficulty with speech, you could mention strategies like introducing speech-enhancing games or working closely with speech and language therapists.
Involve the parents in this section by suggesting activities they can do at home to support their child’s development. These could include simple tasks like reading books, singing songs, or encouraging physical play.
5. Collaborate with Parents and Health Visitors
The progress check is a collaborative effort. You should arrange a meeting with the parents to discuss the report and give them a copy. Encourage them to bring the check to their child’s health visitor appointment. This ensures that all parties involved in the child’s development are informed and can work together to provide the best support.
Best Practices for Writing the Report
1. Be Objective and Factual
Avoid subjective comments or comparisons with other children. Stick to observable behaviours and actions, such as “Maya can build a tower with six blocks” instead of “Maya is good with her hands.”
2. Keep It Clear and Concise
While it’s important to be thorough, avoid jargon or overly technical language. The report should be accessible to parents and health professionals alike. Ensure each section flows logically, and use bullet points where appropriate to enhance readability.
3. Balance Strengths with Concerns
It’s crucial to maintain a balanced tone throughout the report. While developmental concerns must be addressed, always balance this with the child’s strengths. For instance, “While Jake is still working on his pronunciation of certain sounds, he shows enthusiasm for learning new words and enjoys storytime.”
4. Use Examples
Back up your observations with examples of the child’s behaviour. For instance, instead of simply stating “Amelia is developing good social skills,” provide a specific example: “Amelia regularly initiates play with other children and shares toys without prompting.”
5. Follow the EYFS Guidelines
Make sure the progress check aligns with the EYFS guidelines, focusing on the prime areas of learning. Refer to the Development Matters document to ensure your observations are age-appropriate.
Conclusion: Making the Progress Check a Positive Experience
Writing a two-year progress check is an invaluable opportunity to assess a child’s growth and development while engaging parents in their child’s learning journey. By following a structured approach, you can ensure the check is both comprehensive and supportive, helping to identify areas for improvement early on. Remember to approach the process as a collaborative effort, valuing the input of both parents and health professionals.
By focusing on the child’s individual strengths and addressing areas for development with care, the progress check can be a positive milestone in every child’s early years journey.
