Domestic violence, any forms of abuse, any difficult life experiences that could impact on the child’s presentation.

Happy, quiet, clingy, confident, social, avoidant.

Would they point, bring you items, take you something by the hand.

With siblings, close family, family friends and new people.

Responses to games such as peek-a-boo, nursey rhymes, chase games.

Drop off and pick up times, any comments made by the staff.

Does the conversation feel comfortable and flow. Does the child dominate the conversation or does it feel equal. Will they ask you questions and/or build on what you’ve said to add something new to the conversation. Does the child rely on you asking lots of questions to keep the conversation going.

Commenting on the weather, noticing interest in the environment, talking about their day, asking about your day, sharing thoughts and ideas.

Are they able to describe how they are feeling. Can they predict how different situations might make them feel. Do they know what helps to calm them after being angry, sad, over excited.

For example will they come and get you when their friend/younger sibling is hurt, or will they walk away when someone is hurt/upset. If you are poorly or upset or tired, will they come and check how you are feeling or not notice.

Does this feel comfortable, is this the same with everybody. If they are not looking, what are they doing instead.

Is this like other children the same age, what is different about it. Will they use their hands to demonstrate, will they nod/shake their head.

Is your child able to monitor whether the listener is interested in the conversation. If you crossed your arms, would they understand what you meant.

Can you tell how your child is feeling from their face alone. Do they direct their expressions to you and does this match the conversation.

Will they go up at the end of the sentence when asking a question, will they speak so others can hear, will they show excitement or anger in their voice and adjust their volume.

How easy is it for them to make and keep friends. Would they make friends in the park or on holiday. Are their friends a similar age. Do they talk about their friend and show interest in what their friend does or is interested in.

Consider how easily your child played with children at nursery compared to now and note any changes.

For example do they prefer to play on their own. Do they take control in games or follow others’ lead. Can they take turns and share.

Please explain if/how this is different now.

Do they spontaneously come up with imaginative ideas during play or are they led by others. Are they able to take on a role during play such as being Spider-Man or a vet or a princess. Are they able to bring to life objects in play such as two people figures talking to each other.

Do they copy words or phrases from the TV or use phrases they have heard an adult use.

For example, rocking, hand flapping, pacing, jumping on the spot when excited, any odd movements with hands. Also note any other repetitive behaviours your child might have.

Do they enjoy going to birthday parties. Do they like going on holiday. Do parties/gatherings make them anxious.

For example, there has been a change in school drop off arrangements, you have moved things in the house or in their room, you have changed the route you take to school.

For example, sitting in the same chair at dinner table, fixed morning routines and not coping if this is changed, insisting on taking specific routes to school each day.

These may be similar interests to other children their age or different to other children their age. . For example, having in depth information on topics of interest such as space, fossils, makes of cars, music bands, celebrities, a particular friend, animal.

Reaction to loud noise, sensitive to smell, dislikes certain materials of clothing, dislikes showering or nail/hair cutting, dislikes brushing teeth, dislikes being touched or hugged.