Journey timeline template (plan–do–review)

• Theme/strand (e.g., Early Writing)
• Starting points (baseline notes)
• Milestones (dated observations linked from journal)
• Enabling environment adjustments
• Next steps over time (plan–do–review)
• Family contributions

Example timeline (Early Writing)

• Sept: Mark-making with paint; enjoys big movements (PD, EAD)
• Oct: Chooses chunky crayons; starts circular shapes (PD)
• Nov: Begins letter-like forms when naming; adds labels to drawings (Lit)
• Next steps: Vertical surface; name card tracing; role-play post office with writing prompts

Alternate journey views

• Strand map: grid of Areas/ELGs with brief dated notes per half-term.
• Photo narrative: sequence of annotated images with captions and next steps.
• Child voice timeline: quotes over time paired with practitioner reflections.

Tips for strong journeys

• Favour clarity over volume; pick representative moments that show progression.
• Link each milestone to a concrete provision tweak or opportunity.
• Revisit earlier entries to show consolidation or generalisation.

Micro‑workflow (10 minutes weekly)

1. Pick one strand (e.g., composition of number, early writing).
2. Add 1–2 milestones from the week with dates and brief analysis.
3. Note one provision change for next week and who will set it up.
4. Add a ‘to notice next’ cue for staff.

Calls to action

• Build your journey using the Learning Journal Templates.
• Deepen your evidence quality with the EYFS Observations Guide.

See also: Learning Journal & Journey

FAQs

• What’s the difference between a journal and a journey? Journals capture moments; journeys connect them into a progress story with planned next steps.
• How many strands should we track? 1–3 per child at a time keeps workload reasonable and focus clear.
• Do families see journeys? Yes—share selected views and invite comments or home links.