GLD, and physical disability

[emmajess]

Although we have done in the past, this is the first year since the new EYFS and the GLD that we have had a child in a wheelchair. He is never going to achieve some of the development matters statements for Physical Development, such as jumping and landing appropriately (40-60) mounting stairs (30-50) or running skilfully (30-50). The profile handbook says to record am emerging judgment and the end of the year for those children whose learning and development does not yet meet the description of the level expected at the end of the EYFS, implying a developmental delay and something they are working towards. For children in this situation, it is not that they don't yet meet it, rather that they are unable to meet it, ever, and that's fine. If a child is at the expected level in all other areas, and achieving the other aspects of physical development that are within their physical potential, it seems unfair on that child to have them not achieve a good level of development, not achieving the expected level for moving and handling, as their development in relation to their potential is in fact good.

What are people's thoughts about this? What have you done in this situation?

My only other thought was that it would be possible to look at the ELG separately to the development matters statements, as they are statements of 'typical' development rather than assessment criteria as the ELG is. In which case we could apply the 'good control and co-ordination in large and small movements' and the 'move confidently in a range of ways, safely negotiating space' within the context of their physical potential, not worrying about statements referring to jumping, running and stair climbing that come in the 30-50 and 40-60 age bands.

 

This is also the case as we track progress through the development matters bands through the year. What do you think? We want to make sure that his assessments accurately reflect his successes and achievements (as well as those areas where he is still working towards, but not yet achieving, the expected level of development).

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

[Guest]

Tricky one, and not one I've experienced personally but perhaps you could look at 'best fit' judgements using the dm's as guidelines in making a judgement about his overall physical development?

I think sticking to the ELG is perfectly fine as that is the statutory bit of the EYFS but it does make tracking progress through the year a bit obscure.

I'm sure others will have more informed ideas

[catma]

The elg is statutory so you have to use that for the EYFSP. The way he moves, taking account of safety etc can be looked at in the context of the use of a wheelchair I'd say.The dev matters is not at all statutory so if they don't really apply then look at the other skills he has and best fit.

Cx

Edited October 22, 2014 by catma

[Helen]

Hi Emma,

I think you've come to a really good conclusion there- as you say, 'they are statements of 'typical' development rather than assessment criteria'- this is one of the best arguments for not using the dev matters statements as a ticklist. I'd agree the 'best fit' approach to age-bands is the way to go.

[emmajess]

Thank you very much everyone, its reassuring to know I'm taking the right approach. We will continue to do a 'best-fit' with dev matters and look at the ELG skills in the context of use of a wheelchair.

[BevE]

Hi I had this last year with a boy in an electric wheelchair. I asked our Early Years advisory teacher and she said that if he had good control of his wheelchair and I felt the best fit was ELG at the end of the year, than I should give it to him. He got his GLD

Edited October 23, 2014 by broadlea