Early-Years Education-Focused

InspectionsAn update

EARLY CHILDHOOD IRELAND WORKSHOP & SEMINAR – DUBLIN – 15 NOVEMBER 2015

HAROLD HISLOP, CHIEF INSPECTOR &

YVONNE KEATING, ASSISTANT CHIEF INSPECTOR

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND SKILLS

EARLY CHILDHOOD IRELAND : 14 NOVEMBER 2015

Appointment of DES Early Years InspectorsAn fhoireann nua!

Team of newly-appointed DES Early Years Inspectors took up positions on 2 November 2015

Extensive qualifications and experience in the early years sector – highly regarded professionals in the EY sector

EARLY CHILDHOOD IRELAND : 14 NOVEMBER 2015

EARLY YEARS EDUCATION ADVISORY GROUP: 30 OCTOBER 2015

Early Years Inspectors Martina Carter Monica Cassidy Edel Condon Marie Doherty Imelda Duffy Ulrike Falcini Antoinette Gibbs Caitriona Ryan Evelyn Reilly

1 additional inspector joining the team in December

EARLY YEARS EDUCATION ADVISORY GROUP: 30 OCTOBER 2015

Induction and CPD programme for early years and primary inspectors underway

Programme includes: Purpose, goals of EY education and care and how inspection must respect the

distinctive yet vital role of EY Protocols for inspection Draft quality framework & quality continuum (incorporating Aistear and Síolta) Practice of evaluation Procedures and tools – promoting validity & reliability Arriving at evidence-based evaluative judgements Providing feedback Reporting – drafting and editing

EARLY YEARS EDUCATION ADVISORY GROUP: 30 OCTOBER 2015

Induction and CPD programme for early years and primary inspectors underway

The programme includes: WorkshopsWork-shadowingObservation visits to settingsPreparing for pilot inspectionsTeam-building – early-years and regionalReflection and mentoring … Drawing on many experts in early years sector in Ireland and Northern Ireland

Role of DES Early Years Inspectors

Within settings: To support development of educational provision in early-years settings participating in ECCE Scheme by:Focusing on the experience of the childIdentifying and affirming good practiceProviding advice and support about how provision can be improvedEmpowering service leaders to make changeSupporting self-evaluation and review processes

EARLY CHILDHOOD IRELAND : 14 NOVEMBER 2015

EARLY YEARS EDUCATION ADVISORY GROUP: 30 OCTOBER 2015

Role of DES Early Years InspectorsTo complement other initiatives to support qualityTo provide information to parents and the public through

published inspection reportsTo provide information on trends and needs in the early-

years sectorImprovement and AccountabilityTo support the improvement of the quality of provision

and to contribute to robust quality assurance in EY

EYEI inspection focus

EARLY CHILDHOOD IRELAND 14 NOVEMBER 2015

DES early-years inspectors observe…

The quality of staff interaction and engagement with childrenOpportunities for children to communicate and express their own ideasOpportunities for children to learn through play Extent to which children are enabled to engage in freely-chosen playExtent to which the environment and resources support learningQuality of planning for learning experiences and for progression in learning – use of information to meet children’s learning needsValue placed on children’s own creative ideasThe effective use of all time for learning

EARLY CHILDHOOD IRELAND : 14 NOVEMBER 2015

A strengths-based approach…Engaging with practitioners in a spirit of trust and respect

Acknowledgement of the range and diversity of effective practice

Fostering of professional conversations that promote change and progression in learning

Keeping the child at the centre

EARLY CHILDHOOD IRELAND : 14 NOVEMBER 2015

We are committed to:

11

DES Inspectorate

Fairness

Consistency

Positive professional relationships

& partnership

Co-professional

dialogue

Clear and sensitive

communication

Transparency

The Pilot

Selection of 50 settings across 5 regions according to the following criteria:number of children in ECCE scheme geographical locationpedagogical approaches language used in setting – Irish or Englishmanagement type e.g. community, private

Expressions of interest invited –submission date: 18 November 2015 Settings chosen will be contacted and briefed on process Notification will issue one week in advance of visit Pilot in December 2015 and January 2016 Reports not for publicationParticipants invited to present reflections on their experience at regional meetings

EARLY CHILDHOOD IRELAND : 14 NOVEMBER 2015

Consultation/Providing feedback on EYEIs

To date… Information session for key stakeholders – May 2015 Draft quality framework and proposed procedures published in Briefing PaperOpportunities provided for clarification – in writingFirst phase of feedback on EYEI Briefing Paper - 34 submissionsPresentations at Early Years events

EARLY CHILDHOOD IRELAND : 14 NOVEMBER 2015

Next steps for EYEIs

Select settings for pilot

Conduct visits to about 50 settings

Hold regional briefing & consultation meetings – early 2016Invite participants in pilot to present reflections at regional meetings Invite feedback from stakeholders in Early Years Sector

Finalise EYEI model; seek Ministerial approval & sign off

Commence EYEIs for publication

Review after one year

EARLY CHILDHOOD IRELAND : 14 NOVEMBER 2015

Questions

EARLY CHILDHOOD IRELAND : 14 NOVEMBER 2015