What is meant by a “learning journey” in early years practice?

A “learning journey” in early years practice refers specifically to a collection of a child's work and assessments. This concept encapsulates the holistic approach to tracking a child's development and learning over time. Learning journeys are used to document progress and achievements in various areas, such as social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.

By compiling a child's work, including observations, assessments, and reflections, practitioners can illustrate individual learning pathways. This collection not only showcases the child's skills and understanding but also helps educators identify future learning needs and interests. Such documentation serves as a valuable tool for communication with parents and other professionals to support ongoing development and learning strategies.

The other choices represent less comprehensive approaches to documenting learning and do not encompass the range of activities or achievements captured in a true learning journey. Rather than being a singular event or a brief overview, a learning journey provides a rich, longitudinal view of a child’s learning experiences.