Learning Stories
Learning Stories AI Writing Assistant

Purpose and principles

The two‑year progress check summarises a child’s development across the Prime areas (Communication and Language, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development). It should be clear, parent‑friendly, and based on everyday observations—not a new round of testing.

Principles:

  • Focus on strengths first; keep targets specific and achievable.
  • Use plain UK English; avoid jargon and acronyms.
  • Link to evidence already in journals; no bulky folders required.
  • Share with parents and relevant professionals; agree a review date.

Family‑friendly template (repeatable)

  • Child’s strengths (by Prime area)
  • What helps (environment, routines, interests)
  • What we’re working on next (targets)
  • How families can help at home
  • Review date and person responsible

Example phrasing

  • Strength (CL): “A enjoys singing and joins in with actions; we’re celebrating their growing confidence.”
  • Working on (PSED): “We’re practising waiting for a turn using a sand timer in small groups.”
  • Home link: “At home, try short turn‑taking games like ‘roll and pass’ with a favourite toy.”

Process (simple and low‑burden)

  1. Gather representative journal entries over the last 6–8 weeks.
  2. Draft strengths and ‘what helps’ using real examples and quotes.
  3. Write 1–2 specific next steps per relevant Prime area.
  4. Add home links that are realistic for families.
  5. Share with parents; capture their voice and agree the review date.

SEND and inclusion

  • Work with SENCO/health visitors where appropriate.
  • Emphasise what the child can do; frame support as enabling and specific.
  • Offer translated summaries or visuals if needed.

Common pitfalls (and fixes)

  • Pitfall: Long lists of deficits → Fix: lead with strengths and progress.
  • Pitfall: Vague targets → Fix: “This week we will … so that … we’ll review on …”.
  • Pitfall: Heavy paperwork → Fix: reference existing journals; include 2–3 links only.

Moderation and sharing

  • Use a short checklist to ensure consistent tone and specificity.
  • Store the check securely; share only with consented professionals.

Examples should link back to relevant journal entries. Invite family voice and agree a review date.

Related: Observations/Next Steps · Areas of Learning · See also: Learning Journal & Journey

Purpose and principles

The two‑year progress check summarises a child’s development across the Prime areas (Communication and Language, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development). It should be clear, parent‑friendly, and based on everyday observations—not a new round of testing.

Principles:

  • Focus on strengths first; keep targets specific and achievable.
  • Use plain UK English; avoid jargon and acronyms.
  • Link to evidence already in journals; no bulky folders required.
  • Share with parents and relevant professionals; agree a review date.

Family‑friendly template (repeatable)

  • Child’s strengths (by Prime area)
  • What helps (environment, routines, interests)
  • What we’re working on next (targets)
  • How families can help at home
  • Review date and person responsible

Example phrasing

  • Strength (CL): “A enjoys singing and joins in with actions; we’re celebrating their growing confidence.”
  • Working on (PSED): “We’re practising waiting for a turn using a sand timer in small groups.”
  • Home link: “At home, try short turn‑taking games like ‘roll and pass’ with a favourite toy.”

Process (simple and low‑burden)

  1. Gather representative journal entries over the last 6–8 weeks.
  2. Draft strengths and ‘what helps’ using real examples and quotes.
  3. Write 1–2 specific next steps per relevant Prime area.
  4. Add home links that are realistic for families.
  5. Share with parents; capture their voice and agree the review date.

SEND and inclusion

  • Work with SENCO/health visitors where appropriate.
  • Emphasise what the child can do; frame support as enabling and specific.
  • Offer translated summaries or visuals if needed.

Common pitfalls (and fixes)

  • Pitfall: Long lists of deficits → Fix: lead with strengths and progress.
  • Pitfall: Vague targets → Fix: “This week we will … so that … we’ll review on …”.
  • Pitfall: Heavy paperwork → Fix: reference existing journals; include 2–3 links only.

Moderation and sharing

  • Use a short checklist to ensure consistent tone and specificity.
  • Store the check securely; share only with consented professionals.

Examples should link back to relevant journal entries. Invite family voice and agree a review date.

Related: Observations/Next Steps · Areas of Learning · See also: Learning Journal & Journey