Nine organisations providing early years care for children received Manx Step into Quality Awards at a presentation in the Isle of Man College. The College and the DEC’s Education Improvement Service worked with professionals from Lancashire County Council’s Early Years Team, supporting the group that has worked towards the accreditation, which is a stepping stone to a fully-fledged Manx Quality Award. The nine organisations – Ashley Hill Primary School Year One team, Auldyn Infants School Reception team, Ballaquayle Infants Reception team, Braddan Primary School Reception team, Marown Primary School Reception team, Onchan Primary School Reception team, St John’s Primary School Nursery team, Sulby Primary School Reception team and Victoria House Nursery - were presented with framed certificates that identify them as working towards quality in all aspects of their day-to-day practice. Tina Moore, co-ordinator for the award, said: ‘This is the second group to achieve the Manx Step into Quality Award and we are delighted that they had the opportunity to celebrate their hard work. ‘The Manx Step into Quality Award enables the teams to evaluate their practice and identify areas that could be further developed. The award also provides the opportunity for settings to celebrate quality within their day-to-day work, which has a positive impact on the children in their care. ‘The six steps practitioners need to take to gain the Manx Step into Quality Award focus on environment, interactions, routines, key personnel, parents and leadership and management. Reflection on practice within these areas will support staff development and also have a positive impact on practice and provision in any early years and childcare setting.’ The Manx Step into Quality Award takes, on average, a year to complete and a new group of practitioners has already started work on attaining it. Jayne Adamson, the DEC’s School Improvement Adviser for Early Years, said: ‘Some of the nine organisations are consolidating a year’s hard work and embedding new practice into their settings. Some settings are continuing their work in preparation for the full Manx Quality Award.’ The Manx Quality Award, which is being piloted and began in March 2010, supports childminders, playgroups, day care nurseries and reception classes to develop their practice and provision to the highest level and builds on the work achieved during the Manx Step into Quality Award. This award has eight modules – opportunities and experiences; relationships with children, parents and the wider community; working together as a team; routines; the great outdoors; interactions; meeting everyone’s needs and management and business – and takes on average two years to complete. All applicants must have completed the Manx Step into Quality or another recognised pre-quality assurance award prior to their application. Jayne said: ‘The establishment of these awards reflects the work that both the Department of Education and Children and Isle of Man College are undertaking to ensure organisations caring for young children attain the highest standards.’ Ends