Gender is also an aspect that needs to be looked at. Observations made about children’s play habits may raise concerns that play areas are not being accessed by male or females. For example the kitchen role play area may only be used by girls or the climbing equipment predominantly be used by the males. This type of observation would show the practitioner the opposite sexes need to be encouraged to use each area. A Rota could be drawn up to ensure the equipment is used by all. Without this observation the setting could be seen to be discriminating against gender. One observation I have realized to be true in my setting is stereotyping children. I have made this mistake myself. A few years ago I worked with a boy with severe behavioral problems. This year his younger brother is in the class I work in. I wrongly assumed the brother would have the same behavioral issues that his older brother had. In this case I was very wrong as the younger brother had no behavioral problems. This has helped me to stop making assumptions about children and generalizing about behavior. This is a form of stereotyping to think about when making observations. Another form of stereotyping is for example thinking of a two year old as in the terrible twos, all children are individual and should not be labeled with stereotypical ideas. Practitioners have a duty to make observations accurately and clearly, whether or not such observations agree with our previous assumptions. It is vital not to jump to conclusions or guess why children respond in a certain way.

To conclude always use observations for the benefit of the children, and to develop good practice in the workplace. Keep observations up to date and regular. Ensure confidentiality is respected and files are kept secure. Ensure observations are carried out without assumptions and allow for cultural differences. Never let racial or sexist attitudes affect the observations made.