Observation & Assessment Made Simple: A Practical Guide for Early Years and Primary Educators

by Clare Devlin

Overview

This practical guide presents a clear step-by-step approach to observation, assessment and planning in early years and primary education with one powerful aim: to ensure that no child goes unseen. It transforms observation from a paperwork task into a meaningful way of understanding children's learning through a simple "What? So What? Now What?" framework.

Drawing on classroom experience and years of mentoring educators, the book combines clear explanations with real-life examples and reflective prompts. It guides readers through noticing and recording children's learning, making sense of observations, and planning responsive next steps.

Chapters cover:

·      The “What, So What, Now What” observation process and what this looks like in practice

·      Observing learning outdoors

·       Embedding observation in daily practice

·       Linking involvement, wellbeing and learning

·       Making assessment work in practice including effective use of AI

·       Planning and creating the conditions for responsive practice

Offering a fresh approach to observation that moves beyond tick-boxes and encourages authentic engagement with children's thinking and development, this is an essential resource for students on Early Childhood and Primary Education courses and practicing educators.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138087637
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/25/2026
Pages:	148
Product dimensions:	6.88(w) x 9.69(h) x (d)

About the Author

Clare Devlin is a freelance education consultant based in Northern Ireland. She specialises in Play, Creativity, Observation and Outdoor learning, offering bespoke in-person and online training and mentoring for educators working with children up to age 11. Clare played a key role in developing the Sure Start Two Year Old Programme in Northern Ireland

Table of Contents

Contents

 

Acknowledgements

About Me

Introduction

1.     Observation as a Pedagogical Tool: Adopting the What, So What, Now What process    

as an observation tool

 

2.     Why Observation Matters: Why this Approach Matters

 

3.     Beginning the Process: What? The Observation Stage

 

4.     Choosing the Right Tools: Getting the Balance Right

 

5.     Observing Learning Outdoors

 

6.     Embedding Observation in Daily Practice: Who, When, Where and How

 

7.     Managing the Process of Observation within a Large Group

 

8.     Linking Involvement, Wellbeing and Learning

 

9.     The Heart of the Process: So What? The Assessment Stage

 

10.  Making Assessment Work in Practice: When, How Often, Who and How to Write Well

 

11.  AI in Assessment: A Support for Practice, Not a Substitute for Thinking

 

12.  NOW WHAT? The Planning and Development Stage

 

13.  What is Planning? Creating the Conditions for Responsive Practice

 

14.  Bringing It All Together: Translating Observation into Whole-Class Planning

 

15.  Observation and Evaluation: Two Lenses, One Purpose

 

16.  Conclusion

 

Appendix 1          Note-lets for Collecting Observations

Appendix 2          Blank Assessment Proformas

Appendix 3          Completed Assessment Proformas

Appendix 4          Blank Group Plan

Appendix 5          Completed Group Plan

References

Editorial Reviews

Clare Devlin has taken a potentially dry topic of assessment and observation and turned it into a conversational sharing of practical strategies. She weaves research and best practice in and out of examples and case studies and guides the reader away from overwhelm to calm application of easy-to-follow steps and informed teaching. - Dr. Kathryn Murray

Using her extensive practical knowledge, Clare gets to the heart of the process, making the transition from ‘tick-box’ observations to understanding and implementing developmentally appropriate strategies for analysis and assessment. This is a universal and invaluable guide for every Early Years professional. - Kathy Brodie

From the Publisher