About the Tool
“Childrens’ brains are adaptable, but there are finite windows in development, and many of these end before age of 5 or 6.The Early Action Compass identifies delays or differences during these critical windows, while the brain is still malleable, so proactive support can be put in place, and the child can make the most of the opportunities at school.”
Dr Penelope Hannant
The Development Profiling Tool (DPT) was designed by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Hannant from the University of Birmingham’s School of Education as a way to identify developmental delays or differences early, while the brain is still highly adaptable.
It is grounded in developmental theory, and validation against standardised assessments has shown it is robust and reliable. It has been trialled for real world usability, with over 500 children in 39 schools. Educators reported the tool supported more reflective, informed, and responsive practice, particularly in the early identification and support of children with developmental differences, and many considered the tool to be the most informative and purposeful to learning over the speech and language assessment, Government baseline and other tools.
The DPT compiles results based on developmental observations by early years teachers from activities that are already in the early years curriculum. Its design is minimally reliant on language, so it has the potential to support culturally inclusive assessment.
About Dr Penelope Hannant
Developmental Psychologist Dr Penny Hannant was formerly a specialist teacher working in autism outreach and learning difficulties assessor. Dr Hannant now works with professors of autism, educational psychologists, and associate professors specialising in early childhood education, and trains Specialist Teacher Assessors and other professionals in special educational needs.
Register your interest
Once the tool is publicly available we will contact you with more details about Early Action Compass and how it’s tool can support your SEND strategy.
