Book excerpt: Observation is an essential skill for all who work as carers and educators of children. It is the key way to assess a child's stage of development, to asses their progress, alert you to their needs, to plan for their teaching and to enjoy each child's unique qualities. Now thoroughly updated to cover new policies, trends and regulations in line with EYFS Statutory Framework (2021), this book offers a focused guide to observational techniques that will enable you to become a skilled practitioner. This new edition includes main development checkpoints in the first six years of life under the headings of the three prime areas and four Specific areas of the EYFS. The second section of this chapter describes theoretical perspectives of children's development and encourages students to research and analyze theories in order to complete a series of challenging activities. Pedagogical features include chapter objectives, key questions, chapter summaries, case studies and a set of activities to assist planning which includes considering sustainability and conservation within the early childhood environment. It offers focused guidance for the early years sector. Written primarily for trainee and practicing teachers, and those studying for foundation and undergraduate degrees in Childhood Studies, this book is key reading for a range of childcare practitioners who work in a variety of settings, including nurseries, hospitals and home.