Assessment, documentation and professional practice
What the examiner expects
Assessment, documentation and professional practice tests whether you can measure progress fairly, keep accurate records and behave within the boundaries of the facilitator role. Expect questions on formative and summative assessment, fitness testing, confidentiality, safeguarding and record quality.
Core rules
Use formative assessment during sessions (observation, questioning, peer feedback) to adjust teaching, and summative assessment at the end to judge achievement against criteria. Tests should be valid, reliable, fair and safe, with standard instructions, warm-up and appropriate equipment. Useful measures include the 20 m shuttle run, sit-up or push-up tests, sit-and-reach and BMI; interpret results against age and sex where appropriate, and never use them to shame or rank children publicly. Records must be accurate, objective, legible, signed and dated, and stored securely. Consent, medical information and incident reports are confidential. Professional behaviour includes punctuality, preparation, appropriate language, maintaining physical and emotional boundaries, following the child-protection policy, reporting concerns to the designated person and avoiding private contact with minors. Reflect on your sessions and act on feedback.
Worked example
A learner's attendance drops and they seem withdrawn. Reasoning: record the objective facts (dates, observed behaviour, any disclosure) without diagnosing. Do not question repeatedly or promise confidentiality. Inform the designated safeguarding lead promptly and follow the setting's policy. Continue to include the learner in activity and maintain normal, respectful contact. The record should be factual and time-bound, not opinion-based.
Traps that cost marks
Do not diagnose a health or safeguarding issue. Do not share records or photographs without consent. Do not alter a record after the event. Do not use fitness tests as punishment or public comparison. Do not ignore a disclosure because you are not sure.