Developmental Stages
The Developmental Stages in Learning are non-statutory and support Foundation Stage teachers when assessing the Cross-Curricular Skills. The Developmental Stages in Learning can help teachers:
- gauge each pupil’s stage of development when they start Year 1, taking into account information from pre-school providers, other professionals and parents or carers;
- find a starting point for assessment, acknowledging that pupils will progress at different rates;
- have a focus for regular observations of pupils’ skills and identify their needs;
- track the progress of an individual pupil or a group of pupils;
- make formative and summative judgements about pupils;
- ensure a smooth transition from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 1; and
- report effectively to parents on their child’s progress in the Cross-Curricular Skills.
The Developmental Stages create an assessment continuum that leads into the Levels of Progression. They provide a framework for discussion during internal standardisation meetings. Teachers can use the language of the Developmental Stages to discuss their observational assessments of pupils, photographic or video evidence, or samples of pupils’ work.
See the non-statutory guidance booklet and the Developmental Stages in Learning grids below for more information:
Useful links
For Irish-medium non-statutory guidance booklet and the Developmental Stages in Learning grids and more information, see: