EYFS definition
Professional knowledge of the child is the understanding a practitioner develops of an individual child’s learning, interests, communication, relationships and support needs. In EYFS practice, it grows through everyday interaction, observation, assessment information and conversations with the child, family and other relevant adults.
How does this knowledge develop?
Repeated experiences help adults notice what a child does in different situations, what interests them and which support helps. Information from home may reveal abilities or preferences that are less visible in the setting. Relevant records and specialist advice can add further understanding.
What might it look like in practice?
A practitioner notices that a child talks readily with a familiar friend but says little in a large group. Conversations with the family and further observation help them consider the child’s communication across contexts and offer suitable opportunities to participate.
How is it used?
This developing picture informs care, teaching, planning and assessment. The EYFS recognises the importance of practitioners’ knowledge and professional judgement.
Interpretations remain open to review as new information emerges. Comparing perspectives and noticing when a child responds differently can help adults distinguish what they have observed from assumptions about what the child understands or can do.
Further Guidance | Related Documents
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Using Observation to Respond to Babies’ Needs | Babies (birth-18 months)
Explore how patterns in a baby’s communication and everyday experiences can inform a sensitive adult response.
Babies (0–18 months) · observation guidance
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Parent Communication Templates | Childminder (Mixed-Age)
Support purposeful information sharing with families alongside everyday conversation.
Childminders · mixed-age communication templates
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Toddler Narrative Observation & Analysis Template (18–36 Months)
Separate what was seen and heard from possible interpretations of a toddler’s learning.
Toddlers (18–36 months) · narrative observation template
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Strength-Based Reports & Transition Templates | Preschool (3–4 Years)
Share a preschool child’s strengths, interests and useful support with families and a receiving team.
Preschool (3–4 years) · reports and transition templates
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Reception Parent Partnership Pack | Reception (4-5 Years)
Build shared understanding with families about Reception learning, wellbeing and assessment.
Reception (4–5 years) · parent partnership guidance
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- Observation & assessment
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- EYFS planning
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