We knew that while QfA assessments remained suspended we needed to explore a different type of quality assessment as an interim measure and at Early Years Wales, we are thoroughly in awe of the way our members and the wider childcare and play sector have responded to changing circumstances and adapted to variations in guidance over the past year and we wanted to capture this.
The result of this work is the Childcare Quality Awareness Toolkit.
The Toolkit comprises of a checklist that will be completed by the provider, allowing time to reflect on the actions that have been taken to comply with legislation and guidance. The provider is asked to submit relevant and succinct evidence (things that are already in place). An experienced assessor will then hold a short, professional discussion with the provider, via video call.
The checklist and subsequent discussion heavily concentrate on the situation we are faced with today and offers confirmation and recognition of the provider’s hard work during these unprecedented times. Our assessors look for childcare settings to show an awareness of required measures, that are taken to support infection and prevention control and to keep staff, children, and families safe.
By completing the Toolkit, providers tell us they did not find the process overly burdensome and that instead, it was supportive of the challenges faced in current times and it provided a means of recognising the excellent work that continues to be carried out.
- involves an easy to complete Toolkit, accompanied by,
- a virtual, professional discussion with an experienced assessor,
- the whole process allows for reflection and recognition of the scope of work carried out by competent staff.
- after completion you will receive a written summary and certificate, both recognising your work.
Following a rigorous pilot stage the Toolkit has been reviewed and is now ready to be rolled out for delivery...
We are delighted to announce that we have limited availability of FREE Quality Awareness Toolkit Assessments to recognise your provisions' Covid-19 journey and aid recovery.
Childcare Quality Awareness Toolkit is the newest addition to the QfA family.
- based on infection prevention and control measures and developed because of the Covid-19 pandemic,
- capitalise on the positives from your current practice as Wales moves out of the restrictions,
- involves an easy to complete Toolkit, accompanied by,
- a virtual, Professional Discussion with an experienced assessor,
- the whole process allows for reflection and recognition of the scope of work being carried out by competent staff.
- after completion you will receive a written summary and Certificate, both recognising your work.
‘I found the whole experience very informative and easy. I would recommend people use this toolkit to support provision alongside their self-evaluation document and setting improvement plan.’ (provider quote)
Available to all Early Years Wales members on a first-come, first secured basis, for delivery in the Autumn term.
To apply for one of these FREE Toolkits, please email Claire Thomas [email protected]
This blog is an extract of an article that featured in the summer 2021 edition of smalltalk magazine.
To read the article in full you can download it below
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 child_quality_awareness_toolkit_smalltalk_summer21_eng.pdf | 1.26 MB |
In association with Welsh Government membership to Early Years Wales is FREE to all childcare providers and individuals during 2021/ 2022.
This offer means that by registering as a member you get access to all the member benefits free for a membership year (until March 2022).
Come on, join us! To find out more: www.earlyyears.wales/membership