04 December 2019
A revised set of standards to enhance young children’s experiences in schools and with childcare providers is being launched this week.
The Statutory Requirements, previously known as the Requirements for Registration (2002), have been revised by the Childcare and Early Years Service, part of the Children, Young People, Education and Skills department. The revisions are the result of working in partnership with local childcare practitioners and schools including nurseries, reception classes, holiday, activity, breakfast and after-school clubs.
The Statutory Requirements in their revised format provide a clearer, more concise and accessible document, creating a point of reference for schools Early Years settings and childcare providers to understand their statutory duties under the law, such as the ratios of staff to children, staff qualifications and safer, secure, stimulating environments.
The Quality Frameworks, ‘Early Years Matters’ and ‘Childhood Matters’, now provide a shared understanding of what high-quality practice looks like, including the effectiveness of safeguarding practices and supporting children in reaching their full potential. They encourage staff to self-evaluate and implement a continuous cycle of improvement for childhood settings and build on existing Early Years practice.
The Head of Early Years, Nicola Mulliner, said: “Practitioners work hard to create high-quality provision and this framework gives them an aspirational approach to their deliveries. Launching the Statutory Requirements and Quality Frameworks recognises the commitment and partnership between the Government of Jersey, our Island’s registered settings and schools in giving each child the best start in life.”
The Early Years and Childhood sectors are invited to a launch event, Every Moment Matters, at the Radisson Blu Hotel tomorrow when the new suite of documents will be shared.
The Minister for Education, Senator Tracey Vallois, who will be a guest speaker at the event, said: “Every Moment Matters is an exciting opportunity for the Early Years and Childhood sectors to come together to launch the Statutory Requirements and Quality Frameworks and to recognise the hard work and commitment of practitioners. It is important that we ensure our provision, from birth upwards, is high quality so that all our children get the best start in their education.”
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