Some assessment terms explained

Vicky Hutchin
Wednesday, February 5, 2003

Formative assessment means assessment to inform planning. To plan effectively, formative assessment needs to be based on observations of the children in action, both in self-chosen play and planned activities. This is at the heart of good quality early years provision. Sometimes this is called assessment for learning. Summative assessment provides a summary of the child's learning and development at a point in time. This is assessment of, rather than for, learning. It should also be based on observation, as it is only through observation that practitioners can establish a genuine picture of the child's capabilities.