Transforming Early Childhood Observation with AI
Traditional child assessment methods are time-consuming and subjective, making it difficult for educators to capture consistent, data-driven insights into each child’s learning progress.
Task
Developing an AI-powered assessment platform that analyses classroom images and videos to generate insightful, EYFS-aligned observations, helping teachers evaluate children’s learning faster and more accurately.
Early childhood educators spend a significant portion of their time recording and analysing children’s developmental progress. Within the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework, teachers must continuously observe, document, and assess each child’s learning journey — a process that can be time-consuming, repetitive, and prone to human bias.
The leadership team at Discover Early Years, an innovative early education centre, recognised this challenge. They sought an AI-powered assistant capable of supporting teachers by transforming raw classroom footage — images and videos of children at play and learning — into structured, insightful observations.
The goal was not to replace the teacher’s judgement, but to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and insight, allowing educators to spend less time on paperwork and more time engaging with children.
Our team developed a comprehensive AI web application that automates the process of analysing children’s activities through image and video recognition. The system identifies key learning indicators aligned with EYFS developmental goals and provides structured insights for teachers to review.
How It Works
- Data Input: Image and Video Uploads
Teachers or centre staff upload photos or short video clips of classroom activities. The system automatically categorises each submission by class, child, and learning domain. - AI-Powered Analysis
Using advanced computer vision models built on TensorFlow and OpenAI, the system detects objects, gestures, and interactions — such as stacking blocks, drawing, reading, or cooperative play.
Each observation is then mapped against the EYFS learning outcomes, such as:- Communication and language
- Physical development
- Personal, social, and emotional growth
- Cognitive and creative skills
- Observation Generation
The AI assistant generates a descriptive observation in natural language, explaining what the child is doing, what skill is being demonstrated, and potential next steps for educators to build upon.
Example:
“Amelia is stacking blocks with both hands, showing improved coordination and balance. She is exploring spatial awareness and problem-solving. The next step could involve encouraging her to describe her structure or count the blocks to support early numeracy.” - Teacher Review and Adjustment
The teacher can edit or approve the AI-generated observation before it’s added to the child’s learning profile, ensuring human oversight remains at the core of the process. - Analytics Dashboard
A real-time dashboard visualises progress across children, highlighting strengths, developmental gaps, and emerging patterns in classroom learning.
This project showcases how artificial intelligence can be responsibly applied in education — not to replace teachers, but to empower them with data-driven insights.
- Speed and Efficiency: Routine observations that used to take hours are now summarised in minutes.
- Consistency and Objectivity: AI ensures uniform observation standards across multiple educators.
- Pedagogical Insight: The system encourages reflective teaching, helping educators recognise subtle learning progressions they might otherwise overlook.
- Data Privacy: All images and videos are securely processed through a private inference pipeline, ensuring full compliance with child data protection standards.
- Computer Vision Pipeline: Proprietary TensorFlow models trained on real classroom data from Discover Early Years, fine-tuned to recognise learning-related activities, gestures, and interactions within authentic early education settings.
- Language Generation: Natural language synthesis powered by OpenAI’s large language models, adapted using Discover Early Years’ observation data to produce EYFS-aligned insights in a pedagogical and empathetic tone.
- GraphQL API Layer: Provides efficient, structured data access and seamless integration with Discover Early Years’ existing record and reporting systems.
- Scalable Cloud Infrastructure: Built on Firebase and NodeJS to manage high volumes of image and video uploads with asynchronous AI processing for real-time analysis.
- Human-in-the-Loop Design: Teachers maintain full control, with AI assisting — not automating — critical decisions.
- 50% Reduction in Manual Assessment Time: Teachers can focus more on interactive teaching rather than documentation.
- Enhanced Observation Quality: AI-generated insights provide richer and more consistent developmental analysis.
- Data-Driven Learning Journeys: Discover Early Years now maintains structured, measurable records of each child’s progress over time.
- Innovation in Education: The platform positions Discover Early Years as a pioneer in integrating AI with early childhood pedagogy.
We partnered with Discover Early Years from concept to deployment, designing and implementing a full-stack AI system tailored to the EYFS curriculum.
- AI Model Design: Custom-trained computer vision and natural language models to interpret educational contexts.
- Backend Architecture: Engineered scalable infrastructure for secure media processing and AI inference.
- User Interface: Designed a simple, intuitive dashboard for teachers, balancing functionality with emotional warmth suitable for an early education environment.
- Deployment and Optimisation: Continuous model improvement through teacher feedback and real-world classroom data.
Discover Early Years redefines how educators approach observation and assessment. By combining AI intelligence with human empathy, the platform bridges the gap between technology and early learning, transforming repetitive administrative tasks into meaningful educational insights.
This project underscores our capability to develop complex, AI-powered applications that integrate computer vision, language processing, and human-centred design — all within a responsible, real-world framework.
We’re a team of innovators passionate about turning bold ideas into powerful digital solutions, helping businesses build impactful systems that deliver results.