I could not believe that Nancy Stewart (To the point, 12-25 November 2012) was implying that practitioners should question whether they need an 'individual file filled with photos and observations' for each child, and that they 'need to trust the evidence they hold in their minds' in order to reduce paperwork. I have worked on the topic of observation and assessment with thousands of practitioners over many years and am confident that the vast majority are fully aware that they cannot possibly hold in their minds all they know about each child. They enjoy putting together unique learning journals, and sharing these with each child and family. What they have found onerous is trying to match each observation to points on the non-statutory grids in Development Matters, and reducing each child to a 'best fit' rather than writing a progress review that celebrates their unique characteristics.
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