Five organisations providing early years care for children will receive the first Manx Step into Quality Awards from Education Minister Anne Craine MHK.
The Isle of Man College and the Department of Education’s Education Improvement Service has joined with Lancashire County Council’s early years team and the Island’s Department of Health and Social Security to support a pilot group that has worked towards the accreditation, which will be a stepping stone to a new Manx Quality Award.
Tina Moore, co-ordinator for the award, said, "The Manx Step into Quality Award is an access route to the Manx Quality Award, which is also just being established.
"It provides an opportunity for practitioners to spend focused time looking at what they do every day and considering which parts work well and which could be improved upon.
"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."
Jayne Adamson, the Department of Education’s School Improvement Adviser for Early Years, said, "Some settings may feel satisfied once the Step into Quality Award has been achieved. For others, it will be an easy transition to begin the new Manx Quality Award."
The Manx Step into Quality Award takes approximately one year to complete and a new group of practitioners has this month started work on attaining it.
The Manx Quality Award, which will be piloted from March 2010, supports childminders, playgroups, day care nurseries and reception classes to develop their practice and provision to the highest level. It has eight modules and takes between 18 months to two years to complete.
All applicants must have already completed the Manx Step into Quality or another recognised quality assurance award prior to their application.
Jayne said, "The establishment of these awards reflects the work that both the Department of Education and Department of Health and Social Security are undertaking to ensure organisations caring for young children attain the highest standards."
Minister Craine commented, "We all need to reflect on and review our work practices and it is never more important than when it involves the care of young children. It is vital that we give them the very best care we can and this programme raises the standard for those who provide that care.
"My congratulations go to those who have taken part in the first step of the scheme and hope that they will feel encouraged to progress further. They deserve to be praised for the commitment they are making toward the care of our young children in the Island."
