Observing babies and young children
Learning Objectives
After considering this resource, you should have a deeper appreciation of the skills and frame of mind needed to observe well.
This quick guide is designed for you as a student on placement, or preparing for placement, as a quick point of reference on assessing the complex needs of young children.
Andrea Collins discusses the importance of observation in the social work process, how to make space for it, and what skills it needs, particularly in the context of babies and young children.
She also considers the power dynamics of observations, an important point that needs to be managed so that observation and interaction are both constructively handled.
Reflective Questions
- How have your experiences of observation been? What have you gained from observation? How has observation helped you in your practice?
- How involved should parents or carers be during your observation of a child? How could their presence enable or constrain you from conducting an effective observation?
- How might your own personal views and experiences colour your subjective observations of a child? How can this be managed effectively?
- If you were working with other service user groups, how might the challenges of observation differ?