The Dynamic Early Learner Insight (DELI)

Nurturing Foundational Skills & Strengths in Early Years

Section 1: Introduction & Purpose

Welcome to The Dynamic Early Learner Insight (DELI). This tool is designed for Early Years practitioners and parents to gain insights into a child's foundational literacy development (ages 4-5, Reception Year).

Who is this Insight Tool For?

This tool is specifically for Early Years Teachers, Nursery Practitioners, Childminders, Parents, and Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCos) in EYFS settings.

What Will This Tool Do?

The DELI will help to:

• Identify early indicators of potential difficulties in foundational literacy.
• Celebrate and highlight the child's emerging strengths in various developmental areas.
• Guide proactive, play-based strategies to support the child's future literacy success.
• Inform discussions and planning for individualised nurturing.

Important Information:

It is vital to understand that the DELI is an insight and observation tool, not a diagnostic assessment for dyslexia or any other learning difficulty. It is designed to inform early intervention and support, not to label.

Our Strengths-Based Approach:

We believe every child has unique strengths and a developmental pathway. The DELI focuses on identifying these strengths (e.g., creativity, verbal reasoning, social skills, practical abilities) and leveraging them to support areas where a child may need additional nurturing. This aligns with and is a foundational component of The Dynamic Development Plan.

Let us begin to explore the child's unique potential!

Section 2: Child's Background & Early Development Profile

This section helps us understand the child's early experiences and current developmental context. Please complete all relevant fields or mark 'N/A' (Not Applicable).

Child's Details & Setting Information

1. Child's Full Name:

2. Child's Date of Birth:

3. Current EYFS Setting/Year Group:

4. Name of Practitioner/Parent Completing Tool:

5. Date of Insight Tool Completion:

Family History & Early Development

6. Is there any family history of reading, writing, or learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia, speech and language delays)?

Yes No Not sure

7. Briefly describe the child's early developmental milestones (e.g. first words, walking, fine motor skills like drawing/cutting).

8. Describe the child's interest in books, stories, drawing, and early attempts at writing/mark-making.

General Observations (Practitioner/Parent)

9. Describe the child's general disposition, attention span in play, and social interactions.

Section 3: Foundational Literacy Skill Observations

Observe the child during play and structured activities. Note their emerging skills and any areas where they need more support. Use the guidance provided for each area.

FOR PRACTITIONER/PARENT USE ONLY: Observe and record observations/notes below.

1. Phonological Awareness (Sounds in Language)

Observe if the child can: identify rhyming words, recognise words starting with the same sound (alliteration), clap out syllables, or identify the first sound in a word.

Level of Skill:

Emerging Developing Secure

2. Pre-reading Skills (Print & Letters)

Observe if the child can: recognise common letters, know some letter sounds, understand that print has meaning, or retell a simple story.

Level of Skill:

Emerging Developing Secure

3. Early Language & Communication Development

Observe if the child can: understand a range of words, use varied vocabulary, form sentences, or follow multi-step verbal instructions.

Level of Skill:

Emerging Developing Secure

4. Fine Motor & Visual-Motor Skills (Pre-writing)

Observe if the child can: hold a pencil appropriately, make controlled marks/draw shapes, or use scissors/thread beads.

Level of Skill:

Emerging Developing Secure

Section 4: Child's Strengths & Learning Preferences

Every child has unique talents! This section helps us celebrate what the child excels at and how they learn best.

1. Describe the child's cognitive strengths:

(e.g. creativity, imagination, strong verbal reasoning, good with puzzles/building, unique problem-solving)

2. Describe the child's social-emotional strengths:

(e.g. empathy, kindness, good at sharing, persistent, curious, enthusiastic)

3. How does the child prefer to learn new things?

(Tick all that apply)

By doing hands-on activities By seeing pictures, diagrams, or videos By listening to someone explain Through active movement By exploring and discovering

4. Does the child show particular interest or talent in any specific areas?

Section 5: Phonics Screening Check & DELI's Role

The Phonics Screening Check is a statutory assessment in Year 1 (ages 5-6) in England. It confirms whether children have met expected phonic decoding standards by the end of Year 1.

Practitioner/Parent notes on DELI's relevance to future PSC:

Complete Insight & View Report