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I've been asked to suggest a few resources for some DCE students who are working on an assignment regarding planning to meet the care and learning needs of all children, so today's post is aimed specifically at this group, though hopefully other readers may find some useful materials too.

Before getting onto online resources, there are a couple of library books with available copies which look particularly relevant. Observing, Assessing and Planning for Children in the Early Years by Sandra Smidt and Planning for Children's Play and Learning by Jane Drake are both worth a look, although most books on child observation will also contain useful sections on the importance of planning.

In 2003, the government launched its Every Child Matters programme, with the aim of improving services for children in all areas of their lives, so the Every Child Matters website is worth exploring to find out about the various ways in which childcare professionals can support children and their families. For more practical tips, this page from the Teachernet website lists some ways in which professionals can plan and observe children's learning, as well as providing links to similar resources. Also available from Teachernet is a handy guide entitled Effective Practice: Observation, Assessment and Planning.

Click on the links below to see some case studies of how practitioners can plan learning for young children:
- Nursery Planning: Planning for 2 Year Olds
- Nursery Planning: Planning for 3-4 Year Olds
- Planning from Birth

Hopefully this will give you all some ideas; if you need any further support for this assignment then feel free to email me.