26 May 2010
A leaflet is being launched today (26 May 2010) to help parents understand what they should be looking for when deciding which nursery to choose for their child.
The Early Years Childcare Partnership has produced the leaflet to explain the pre-school quality framework – a toolkit which allows States and private sector nurseries to assess the quality of the service and learning experience which they provide to pre-school children. The framework focuses on 4 areas of learning - relationships, organisation, learning and achievement. These are used across the Island’s education system.
The leaflet was produced after talking to parents to find out what information they would find useful when choosing their child’s pre-school education. The EYCP’s independent chair, Nicky Road, said “The working group that has produced this leaflet was made up of practitioners from both the States and private sector. They are fully behind this new approach, the assessment framework and working in partnership with parents.
“I am delighted with the collaborative work undertaken by the group and the consultation they have carried out with parents. The level of participation at meetings is an indication of the commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by people who work in pre-school education. Setting clear, agreed standards will ensure that every child has access to high quality learning and development regardless of what type of nursery they are in.”
From September 2010, the framework will be used by private pre-schools and nurseries offering free places supported by the States of Jersey Nursery Education Fund (NEF).
EYCP has also just published its first annual review which outlines the partnership’s key achievements in its first year. This includes bringing together all the key players in pre-school education under the umbrella of EYCP to work together and gain support around what's best for the Island's children; and the introduction of the NEF and finding out from parents if it has opened up choices and opportunities for them and their children. EYCP have also placed a strong focus on play, the needs of under 3s and the importance of having a qualified workforce.
In the next 12 months, EYCP hope to focus on issues surrounding social inclusion. They will also be sending out a survey to parents, carers and practitioners to find out what they think about pre-school staff qualifications.
Download pre-school quality framework leaflet (size 1.15mb)
gov.je