When you’re thinking about how children will progress while they’re in your care, you’ll need to think about what you want them to learn, and how you’ll go about helping them to do so. Sometimes, you’ll need to tell or show them what to do if it’s a new experience for them. Then, you’ll give them a chance to try it themselves.

At other times, you might let them play first and then step in to suggest things they might like to try as they continue the activity. It all depends on the child – and judging what will work best is up to you, as you know them as individuals.

Have a look at Ofsted’s new early years research review 'Best Start in Life' which has just been published to find out more.