To monitor developmental progress, inform future planning, and communicate learning clearly with parents, all key workers are required to provide one detailed learning journey per month for each of your key children.
For preschool practitioners, you should provide one detailed learning journey every two months.
When writing a learning journey our aim is to create a well rounded picture of a child’s recent experiences, achievements and progress using clear observations and linkning them to the early years foundation frameowkr.
Highlight any key events the child has taken part in throughout the month. These might include seasonal celebrations, themed days or special activities. These events help to show the child in a wider social and emotional context and they also offer natural opportunities for developmental learning.
Capture and WOW moments. Those spontaneous memorable breakthroughs in learning. These might be taking their fist steps, writing their name clearly or speaking confidently in front of a group. Don’t forget to include quotes if the child said something meaningful.
Reflect on the child’s progress in the seven areas of learning set out in the EYFS. Are they forming positive relationships, showing increased confidence, are they listening well, using more complex sentences, have their fine motor skills improved, can they now balance or run with control, are they recognising letters, attempting to read or write independently, can they count beyond 10, are they curious about nature, people and places, can they talk about past and present events, do they explore different materials, make up songs, stories or role play scenarios?
Include a personal reflection that captures who the child is as a person, their character, temperament and how they contribute to the setting overall. This helps paint a fuller picture for parents and other practitioners.
Suggest one or more next steps to support their continued learning. These next steps not only help inform future planning, they also guide parents on how they can support learning at home.
This month, our theme has been “Summer Explorers”, focusing on the outdoors, seasonal changes, and journeys. Amara has been fully immersed in the theme, taking part in nature walks, mini-beast hunts, and discussions about holidays and travel.
A highlight was our Teddy Bear’s Picnic Day, where children brought in their favourite soft toys and enjoyed storytelling and songs outside. Amara proudly introduced her teddy, “Coco,” to her friends and shared how Coco “loves sunshine and biscuits.” This activity provided a rich opportunity for language development and social interaction.
Amara read her first CVC words during story time, blending sounds to say, “Cuh-a-t… cat!” She also made up a song during group music time: “Buzz buzz, we fly free, buzz buzz 1-2-3!”
Communication and Language
Amara is using more detailed sentences and enjoys sharing stories and experiences confidently with her peers.
Literacy
She’s beginning to blend phonemes and has started writing her name clearly on her work.
Physical Development
She shows better control in both fine and gross motor activities, confidently balancing outdoors and forming letters more accurately.
Amara is imaginative, kind, and full of energy. She brings others into her play and contributes creatively to group activities, especially through songs and storytelling.
Support Amara to use phonics to write short words or captions during play.
Encourage her to use climbing and balancing equipment to build strength and coordination further.