Síolta, The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education: Defining Quality Experiences for Young Children in Ireland Jacqueline Fallon Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education

The Big Picture Republic of Ireland Population: 4.25 million Number of children birth to 6 incl: 418,612 Unemployment: 13.2% in % in 2007 Female labour force participation rate 1990: 456, : 922,700 ( 53.2%)

The CECDE Established by Department of Education and Science in 2002 Aim: To coordinate and develop early childhood education provision Main Objectives Development of Síolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education in Ireland Research Policy advice to Minister for Education and Science and Office of the Minister for Children

Síolta Irish (Gaeilge) word for ‘seeds’ Reflects the abundant possibilities of childhood Ideas of growth and nurture

What is Síolta? National Quality Assurance Scheme for Early Childhood Education Centred on children from birth – 6 years Makes a difference in children’s lives – vision, consistency, continuity, quality of experiences Mediated for ages/settings Developmental process for ECCE practitioners 3 Strands: Defining, Supporting and Assessing Quality

Where did Síolta come from? Consultation Consultative Committee 50 stakeholder groups Build on existing provision Partnership relationships Openness and transparency Child at the centre Additional consultation with parents Research evidence (4 Pillars of research) National Review International Review Thematic Review of Learning & Development Consultation Process

Síolta Four Pillars of Research

Principles 12 Principle Statements plus Explanatory Notes Vision for quality in practice in ECCE Established through consensus with sector Applicable to all settings Interrelated and interdependent CDRom

Standards 16 Standards Translates vision into practice Interrelated and interdependent Common set of Standards for all settings CDRom

Components 75 Components in total Further breakdown of Standards Guidelines for practice Applicable to all settings CDRom

Signposts for Reflection/ ‘Think Abouts’ Developmental tool for practitioners Mediated for settings and age-groups 4 Settings : Sessional services Infant classes Full and part- time daycare Childminding 3 Age-ranges: Birth–18 months 12–36 months 2.5–6 years CDRom

Síolta’s Vision for Children The Value of Early Childhood Every child needs and has the right to positive experiences in early childhood Children First The child is an active agent in her/his own development … Relationships Positive relationships, which are secure, responsive and respectful and … provide consistency and continuity over time, are the cornerstone of the child’s well-being. Welfare; Play; Role of the Adult

Síolta Quality Standards: Key Ideas 1 – Rights of the Child to exercise choice, use initiative, be an active participant, a partner 4 – Consultation children’s views to be sought out, listened to and acted upon 5 – Interactions based on mutual respect and equal partnership 6 – Play opportunities for exploration, creativity, and ‘meaning making’

More Key Ideas! 9 – Health and Welfare protection from harm, provision of nutritious food, appropriate opportunities for rest, secure relationships characterised by trust and respect 13 – Transitions continuity of experiences, consistency in key relationships, close involvement of parents 14 – Identity and Belonging promoting positive identities, strong sense of belonging, empower every child… to develop a confident self- and group- identity, to have positive understanding and regard for the identity and rights of others

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