Síolta Update September 2011

Síolta Update Sept 2011 (, 355 kbs)  to include information on:-

• The Síolta Quality Assurance Programme
• Implementation of the Síolta Quality Assurance Programme (QAP)
• Development of the Síolta Coordinator's Role
• Siolta and Qualification requirements for the Free Pre-school Year

Introduction to Síolta

Síolta The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education.

This framework is intended to provide guidance and support for all those concerened with the well-being, learning and development of our youngest children.  Síolta is concerned with improving the quality of early childhood experiences for all children aged birth to six years.  It is relevant for a wide range of settings including creches and nurseries, pre-schools and playgroups, childminders and the infant classes in primary schools.

The introduction of the Free Preschool Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme augurs a new era and the continuation of the professionalisation of the childcare sector.  This is to be greatly welcomed and in the best interests of children, families and childcare practitioners involved.  However it is not without challenge for all involved! 

The general terms and conditions governing participation in the Free Pre-School Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme requires services to provide an appropriate educational programme for children in their pre-school year, which adheres to the principles of Síolta, the National Framework for Early Childhood Education.  Services will be supported in meeting this requirement through the assistance of a  Síolta  Co-ordinator, funded for this purpose, and by their local County/City Childcare Committee.   Services must agree to accept assistive visits and advice from the Síolta Co-ordinator and staff of the local CCC.

In the coming years Waterford County Childcare Committee (WCCC) will work collaboratively with the National Children’s Nursery Association (NCNA) to support the implementation of Síolta in both full day and sessional childcare services in County Waterford.  www.síolta.ie

Síolta todate in County Waterford

Following the  launch of Síolta, pre-planning for the work commenced in 2008 and more detailed planning took place in 2009 following the appointment of the Síolta Coordinators by the Early Years Education Policy Unit.  An information meeting and expression of interest and recruitment process took place in the fourth quarter of 2009.  The role out of Síolta commenced early in 2010 with eight services committed to participating formally and a further twenty five services committed to participating informally.  A “whole service” approach was adopted as it was believed that the best outcomes could be achieved where the full staff team were actively involved and participating in the process.  Six standards were presented by the NCNA Síolta Coordinator and five related workshops by independent facilitators (including two NVCO Síolta Coordinators) on the first and third Wednesday of the month during the academic year. The Standards included Environments, Parents and Families, Consultation, Interactions, Play Curriculum, Health & Welfare, Professional Practice, Transitions and Identify and Belonging.

Standards 8: Planning and Evaluation is to take place on 5th October, 2011.