Reception One Page Baseline Assessment | EYFS

A clear, practical one-page baseline assessment tool designed to support EYFS teachers in assessing children’s initial entry point to Reception through play-based observation. Created by an experienced Early Years teacher and aligned with the EYFS framework, this resource gives you a simple, manageable starting point for understanding what children know, can do and how they learn — without creating unnecessary workload.

Because effective baseline assessment is not about testing children. It is about getting to know them.

What’s Included?

• A one-page baseline assessment document designed for play-based observation
• Coverage of key areas to support a clear picture of children’s starting points on entry to Reception
• A simple, accessible format that can be completed through observation and professional judgement

Why Teachers Love It

• Provides a clear and manageable approach to baseline assessment in Reception
• Rooted in play-based observation rather than formal testing
• Saves time with a concise, one-page format that captures what matters
• Supports professional judgement rather than replacing it
• Easy to use from the very first weeks of the Reception year

How Can I Use This Resource?

• Use in the first weeks of term to establish children’s starting points through observation and play
• Use to inform initial planning, provision and adult interactions based on what children already know and can do
• Share with your team to build a consistent approach to baseline assessment across the setting
• Use alongside ongoing observation and assessment to track children’s progress across the year
• Refer back to at key points in the year to reflect on the distance children have travelled

💡 This resource is also available inside the Is it Time to Play? Membership, giving members access to hundreds of planning tools, resources and professional development materials for no additional cost.