Recognition that is easy to give
A certificate takes a minute to make here, so it can mark small wins as well as the end of the year: a first chapter book, a week of kindness, a tricky times table.Curriculum links in England
- Managing selfThe Reception goal includes being confident to try new activities and showing resilience and perseverance when something is hard.
- Setting goalsThe Self-Regulation goal includes setting and working towards simple goals.
No part of the curriculum asks for certificates, but many English primary schools hand them out in a weekly celebration assembly, and the summer term brings end-of-year prizes and Year 6 leavers’ awards.
An award that names the effort fits the early years goals better than one for finishing first: the child who kept practising the 7 times table before the Year 4 check, or the Reception child who wrote their whole name for the first time. A short, specific reason on each certificate also gives parents something to talk about at home.
Summarised in our own words from the EYFS statutory framework (early learning goals for Personal, Social and Emotional Development).
