Jack and Jill Pre-school
EyLog
At Jack and Jill, all families are subscribed into the Early Years Log (eyLog). This is a tablet, PC and web-based programme that enables our staff to record observations, assess children’s progress and plan activities through individual ‘learning journeys.’
The learning journey is a collection of photos, videos, notes of comments made by the child during his/her play and observations made by our pre-school teachers that provide a picture of a child’s development under the seven areas of learning in the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage). The aim is to build a unique picture of what each child knows, feels and can do as well as his/her interests and learning style. This picture is then used to identify next steps and to plan relevant activities.
eyLog enables parents to understand their child's development on a more regular and real-time basis and will hopefully increase your knowledge of and involvement in the activities at the pre-school. Parents receive a unique login on the system and are notified automatically by e-mail as soon as a new observation is published to your child’s learning journey or when any reports are shared with you by the pre-school.
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eyLog makes it possible for you to contribute observations from home too: be it something your child does for the first time, exciting family news, or photos of a great day out or holiday. You can also add comments to observations made at pre-school; developing your partnership with teachers in the learning and development of your child.
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Progress and assessment information on the EyLog:
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We feel it is important to regularly share information about your child’s progress and development so that you know:
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how well your child is progressing against standard age expectations.
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what their ‘next steps’ are.
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ways to support their development at home so we can work in partnership.
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The EYFS Framework (Early Years Foundation Stage Framework) and areas of learning
The ‘EYFS’ is the time in your child’s life between birth and age 5. The EYFS Framework supports all professionals working with young children.
It sets out seven areas of learning and development which are split into three prime areas and four specific areas. Firstly, children mostly develop the three prime areas first. These are:
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Communication and language
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Physical development
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Personal, social and emotional development
Secondly, as children grow, the prime areas will help them to develop skills in four specific areas. These are:
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Literacy
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Mathematics
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Understanding the world
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Expressive arts and design
Staff plan activities based on these areas of learning and development, choosing activities and topics that interest and engage the children. They then observe them whilst offering support to extend their learning.
You will receive a notification of this via the eyLog App and have an opportunity to comment on the observation.
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Will we use parents’ observations to inform assessments?
It is very helpful for us to gain an insight into the types of activities, experiences and conversations that you have at home with your child, so please add your comments and photos to the Learning Journey. Occasionally Staff will be able to use your observations as further evidence towards an early learning goal, but on other occasions they might decide it is necessary to follow up your observation with an activity at pre-school.
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Please be assured that whilst assessing development and tracking progress is a necessity at preschool and a useful tool for our planning and development, our primary concern and interest will always be ensuring that your child feels welcomed, nurtured, happy and safe and to develop skills, attitudes and experiences which will enrich their future learning. We value all of our children and celebrate their individual thoughts and achievements.
If you have any questions about your child’s progress, please contact staff via the eyLog or talk to your childs keyworker. We can put you in touch with your child’s key worker, who can then contact you to arrange a phone-call or meeting.
