Evaluation Of The Early Year s Foundation Stage - 2126 Words

This written document will discuss assessments within the early year’s foundation stage which I believe to have the potential of creating positive outcomes for children and families in a mainstream primary school where I am currently a teaching assistant. Throughout, I will make reference to â€Å"reception children† which covers ages four and five of the EYFS. I aim to justify this element of practice using a combination of literature and reflective experiences to evaluate how this practice contributes to quality outcomes. I aim to develop an action plan (appendix 1) that supports the improvement of assessment at Foundation stage level and critically and reflectively discuss the role and style of leadership that may be required to overcome any†¦show more content†¦The literal meaning of Whariki is the woven mat , on which everyone can stand on, it interweaves principles and goals into different ways which each setting can develop their own particular learning methods (Carr May, 2000, cited in Soler Miller, 2003, p63). Te Whariki assesses children in a very different way to the EYFS in the United Kingdom. They assess children through learning stories; and have no set goals that they must attain by the end of the curriculum. In comparison, both assessment processes are ongoing throughout the curriculum. After researching, I am aware that the Te Whariki curriculum and the Early Years Foundation stage are similar. They both stress the importance of inclusion and working with families. The Te Whariki assessment process learning stories seems more enjoyable, however the EYFS use a checklist, this can also be seen as a positive aspect because practitioners are able to monitor the child’s holistic developmental progress. Monitoring is also done through homework sheets (appendix 2 and 3) which gives parents a chance to communicate with school staff by leaving notes about how the child got on with the task(s). A homework policy is alre ady in place 9appenddix 4)which allows every parent to understand homework rules, and the roles of all staff, parents and children in relation to completing homework tasks in time. It could in fact be argued that the EYFS has been influenced by the Te