Planning formats

[AnonyMouse_37203]

Hi guys

I went on some training recently and the topic of planning came up. My adult led plans cite a challenge, learning intention and key questions / vocab. The trainer (who has been an inspector) said that OFSTED would probably be happy with that but it didn't say much about progress. She felt that the planning should be centred on the children rather than an activity or learning intention. She also talked about Reflections nursery in Worthing, an outstanding setting who use a paperless planning approach.

I've been trying to get my head around this, but as the thought of going paperless terrifies me, I am trialling planning that is based upon the three COEL and particular skills that we want to teach eg threading. I'm finding it quite difficult.

I would appreciate people's views comments on how they do things.

Help!! :blink:

[AnonyMouse_2846]

paperless planning!! Im ! Will watch with interest!

[AnonyMouse_5970]

Me too - how would you ever remember it all. Reflections Nursery have open days where they share their practice, but it is too far for us to travel unfortunately.

I'd love to hear more about paperless planning!

[AnonyMouse_73]

Does paperless planning just mean capturing it electronically?

 

I try to be a paperless as possible, but if you want everyone to look at and possibly add to planning, surely you need somewhere for people to write?

Do we have members who have successfully gone down the paperless route who would like to come and share?

[AnonyMouse_8282]

Or does it simply mean don't 'over write' the info?

For example if you have established that child B needs to learn xyz, then you just get on with it - rather than write up a plan about how/why ect? This is the bit I find totally pointless, and to be honest never do :rolleyes:

Edited October 24, 2014 by louby loo

[AnonyMouse_2157]

Reflections is a stunning setting but unfortunately I found their willingness to share practice to any degree other than being able to look around their setting (and not take photos) was very disappointing.

[Guest]

We plan Objective Led Plans, where we have statements of where the children are currently at within an area of learning and in the Next steps column we note down what the adult can do to support the children to get to the next step. We list the children's names in the statements that we feel that they are currently achieving in and then we have a colour code to evaluate. So highlight children's names in green if they have achieved that level, Pink if they are in wrong group and yellow if they have nearly achieved / are working towards. This is how we evaluate. We also make notes in a column next to these statements to say what we observed the child do to get to this evaluation. We then know whether we have to concentrate on next in the children's personal learning.

We provide different resources in different areas so that the children can access these themselves.

If you would like to find out more about Objective Led Plans please research Alistair Bryce Clegg. He has several books published which may be useful. I have read Continuous Provision. And he can be followed on Twitter and Facebook if this is of any help?

[AnonyMouse_2268]

I second this - Objective led planning is also my planning of choice and planning for skills rather than for activities...allows you to be much more flexible and creative in how you deliver your support.

I also found Objective led planning did cut down dramatically on the paper work and yet it was easier to see exactly where all children were and what they were working towards.

[Guest]

Each setting near who has retained its 2nd outstanding has paperless paperwork. ( not electronic either)

 

Their thought process is that children head of in different directions and interest changes so planning written even a week ago is pointless. She Sid she had to really convince ofsted but it worked

 

I only have written plans for ofsted

I don't need continuous weekly plans, I know what we are bringing out and why,, children have chosen what they want out.

My staff know what and why they planning for individual children

We know this because our observations are robust

It's having that confidence to stop

[AnonyMouse_665]

The only thing on our plans is circle time which is normally based on whats going on at the time e.g. last week diwali. other time focus on listening or number games etc.

We have an adult led activity each day which member of staff chooses and is usually crafty type activity.

Thats it.

[Guest]

Note to self to re read as the auto word on my I pad has filled in words for meand doesn't make sense !!!!!

[AnonyMouse_37203]

Thanks guys. It's the whole OFSTED paper trail thing that gets me tied in knots. Will definitely check out Bryce Clegg.

Edited October 30, 2014 by MarshaD

[Guest]

its the way forward

Hi everyone.

just to say we are a pre-school setting we do our planning on a white board when its full we take a photograph and put it in our planning file on the lap top. We do have a large white piece of card with the 7 areas as a heading and write in next steps for individual children when they have been achieved we highlight them off. I will definitely be standing my ground firmly with oftsed. as long as your children learning journeys reflect they are moving on I don't see the problem.

[Guest]

please i need help in weekly planning easy way to adapt 2/3 year olds

[Guest]

Can anyone help? I am at my wits end with planning and the process. I plan activities for the group for activities to offer the children throughout free play. The my team plan for their own small group time where their activities will meet their groups next steps. This is extremely time consuming and I have a lot of paperwork floating around> does anyone have any fabulous ideas pls ?