ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the development of an observational tool, 'consultancy observations', for use when practitioners in Early Years settings have concerns about particular children in their care. The methodology facilitates the development of a shared reflective capacity, allowing staff teams to think together about a child's whole experience in their setting. The Pen Green Centre in Corby, Northamptonshire, is a fully integrated provision for children and families, combining early education, health and social care, which opened in 1983. Historically, the authors have drawn on psychodynamic theory to support their work in groups with parents and children and their understanding of relational development. In 2012, "The Emotional Roots of Learning – A Young Child Observation Course" was set up in conjunction with Janet Shaw, a child psychotherapist from the Northern School of Psychotherapy, to take place at Pen Green. The Young Child Observation must be made in a setting that is not participant's own of a child they do not know.
