The Heart of the Process: So What? The Assessment Stage

This chapter explores the assessment stage of the observation cycle, moving from noticing to interpretation. It positions assessment not as a separate paperwork task but as a reflective process of interpreting what observations reveal about children’s interests, strengths, understandings and misunderstandings. Drawing on the What, So What, Now What framework, it highlights formative assessment as a continuous act of professional judgement. Using a selection of observations of Maeve, I demonstrate how a simple tool called a “scribble sheet” becomes the foundation of a rich assessment, which is then aligned with curriculum areas and transferred to a clear proforma. Involvement and wellbeing scores are incorporated to provide a fuller picture of the child’s experience. The process culminates in identifying meaningful, individualised next steps for Maeve. The steps are realistic, achievable and rooted in the child’s strengths, interests and developmental priorities. This approach ensures that assessment leads to purposeful action, so that observations not only capture learning but also inform responsive provision and future planning.