Frequently Asked Questions about Administering the Schedule of Growing Skills
- Where should the administration take place?
- Does the assessment have to be carried out in the childcare setting?
- What additional materials do I need to administer SGS?
- How long does a SGS assessment take?
- Does a parent / carer need to be present during a SGS assessment?
- What happens if the parent/carer is unable to attend the Flying Start setting to carry out the second assessment? Can this assessment be carried out in the home?
- Can I give parents any information about the results of the SGS assessment?
- What should I do if a child I assess with SGS is identified as having a potential delay?
- How should I score a child who hasn’t performed as expected during an assessment, when I know they are capable of doing better? Should I score as the child actually performs; should I record what I know the child is capable of; or should I do the assessment again at another time?
- How can I order Profile or Record Forms? Will I be charged for these?
- Is there a number I can call if I have any problems or queries relating to SGS and its administration?
- Is there anybody I can email if I have any problems
or queries relating to SGS and its administration?
Answers to Frequently asked Questions about Administering the Schedule of Growing Skills
1. Where should the administration take place?
It is generally intended that
• The first assessment (2 years) will be completed in a home
setting by a Flying Start health visitor
• The second assessment (3 years) will be complete by Flying
Start child care workers in a Flying Start setting
2. Does the assessment have to be carried out in the childcare setting?
It is preferable. However, certain circumstances may dictate that this is not possible. In these cases, the most important thing is that the child is assessed in a comfortable, familiar environment (i.e. a suitable parent / carers / extended families home).
3. What additional materials do I need to administer
SGS?
In addition to the stimulus materials contained in the kit, you will need the following items to administer SGS:
• Pencils or crayons for the child to draw with
• Paper for the child to draw on
• A small book with paper pages (a Ladybird book would be ideal)
• A watch or a clock with a second hand so that you can time
some items
• A sheet with a pre-drawn circle, square & cross
You should also try and obtain a small table and chair for the child to sit at, as well as a chair for yourself and the parent / carer.
4. How long does a SGS assessment take?
At the ages of 2 and 3, an assessment should typically take between 20-30 minutes. It may take longer for your first few assessments; however this will reduce as you get used to the kit and the forms.
5. Does a parent / carer need to be present
during a SGS assessment?
Yes. It is essential that at least one parent or carer is present during an assessment. A number of the items are based on information provided by the parent / carer regarding their child’s development and habits at home. The assessment will be incomplete and inaccurate without this information.
6.What happens if the parent/carer is unable to attend the Flying Start setting to carry out the second assessment? Can this assessment be carried out in the home?
In this instance, the most important thing is that the assessment
is carried out. It is preferable that the assessment is carried out
by the person who carried out the initial assessment. However, where
this is not possible, the Flying Start Health Visitor should carry
out the assessment in the home.
7. Can I give parents any information about
the results of the SGS assessment?
Yes. The Profile Form is an excellent tool for sharing with parents the results of the assessment and comes in triplicate so that they can take a copy away. It is important to explain how the Profile Form is structured however to avoid any unnecessary concern.
8. What should I do if a child I assess with
SGS is identified as having a potential delay?
If the results of a child’s Profile Form indicate a potential delay in one or more areas, then referral to the necessary agency should be considered. As each area within Wales has a different way of managing referrals, you should consult with your Flying Start health visitor to determine local policy and the best way to proceed.
9. How should I score a child who hasn’t performed as expected during an assessment, when I know they are capable of doing better? Should I score as the child actually performs; should I record what I know the child is capable of; or should I do the assessment again at another time?
A. Evidence of achieving items should always be obtained during the
assessment where possible. However, if you have been working with
a child for some time and are intimately aware of what they are capable
of, then you can use this knowledge to score a child who hasn’t
perform as expected during an assessment. If you do not know the child
intimately, then you should only score what the child actually achieves;
or if possible, reschedule the assessment for another time.
10. How can I order Profile or Record Forms?
Will I be charged for these?
All Record & Profile Forms will be distributed by your Flying Start co-ordinator. You will not be charged for any forms. Please contact your local co-ordinator should you require additional forms.
11. Is there a number I can call if I have
any problems or queries relating to SGS and its administration?
Yes. You can call our bilingual customer service number on 01793-516-311 about any problems or queries relating to SGS and its administration.
12. Is there anybody I can email if I have
any problems or queries relating to SGS and its administration?
Yes. You can use email us at flyingstart@gl-assessment.co.uk with any problems or queries relating to SGS and its administration.
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