take time to gather as much information as possible about the child and family. Use this alongside your own observations to ensure that provision and teaching is matched carefully to the stage of the child's development. In the case of independence, this will require careful thought about how the child demonstrates this across all areas of learning, and also through the characteristics of effective learning. For example, the child may be able to put on their own coat, but may struggle to separate from a parent or carer, giving a clear indication that it is their independence associated with self-confidence and self-awareness that needs development. With this in mind, it may help to refer to the VSEND prompts relating to other areas of need as required
consider routines. Are there opportunities for children to develop their skills throughout the day? Planning their own experiences or serving themselves at snack and lunch time? Is enough time allowed for children to complete things for themselves rather than an adult having to help? How as a setting you enable children to make their own choices
are all adults in the setting aware of the importance of children doing things for themselves? Is this part of staff development, training and induction processes?
does the environment and provision allow children to self – select?
is there consideration given to the explicit teaching of independence skills during small group times?
are there then opportunities available for children to practice these "taught" skills as part of daily provision?
how do you ensure that parents are also supporting the child's journey to independence at home?
consider the support offered to parents or carers, and how you involve them in their child's learning
for advice and guidance around independence skills in relation to toileting. Eric is a very useful website
ask the parent or carer whether the child has attended their health check as part of the Healthy Child Programme
the Ofsted early years inspection handbook has a good definition of teaching in the footnote at the bottom of P.33 early years and childcare support have a learning and development audit tool that might support you to consider ways for children to further develop their independence skills whilst they are in the setting. If you feel this would be useful please complete a self- referral form
pay particular attention to the quality and availability of visual support, to enable children to access their environment with growing independence and the opportunity to make choices
termly planned reviews including the parent should take place to include the child’s voice. Referral to portage services via the portage website
