Nursery World - At a stroke

Observations of children who are new to the setting can guide practitioners in making each area of provision more accessible for the settling-in period, says Jane Drake Observation in setting

Observation in setting

Joe (aged three years one month) entered nursery two weeks ago and attends three mornings a week. This is his first experience of nursery, having previously been at home with his mother and other family carers. Once he has separated from his mother with support from his keyworker, Joe is keen to explore the environment and 'have a go' in areas of provision. He is beginning to show 'favourite' areas and goes every morning to the home corner to give the teddy a cuddle.

Today Joe chose to access the paint area briefly. He delighted in applying paint to paper, randomly selecting brushes to try, mixing colours on the sheet in large swirling movements and holding up the result to show the adult in that area. Joe then removed the sheet of paper and made marks on the easel and table. He was soon ready to move on and left his paper on top of his brushes and palette on the table.

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