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

By Clare Devlin

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1138087637
• ISBN13: 9781138087637
• Release Date: March 2026
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 148 Pages