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 1990

4.5% in 2007

Female labour force participation rate

1990: 456,500

2007: 922,700 (53.2%)

The CECDE www.cecde.ie 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

www.siolta.ie

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

SíoltaFour Pillars of Research

Thinking about Interactions

National Quality Framework

Principles

Standard Standard Standard

ComponentComponentComponent ComponentComponent

Signposts for Reflection

Signposts for Reflection

Signposts for Reflection

Signposts for Reflection

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 yearsCDRom

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

Go Raibh Maith Agaibhwww.siolta.iewww.cecde.ie