changes to the children’s centre inspection framework from april 2013 rachael flesher hmi 28 june...
TRANSCRIPT
Changes to the children’s centre inspection framework from April
2013
Rachael Flesher HMI
28 June 2013
The case for change (1):
access to good quality early childhood services helps children get the start they deserve
every family using children’s centres deserves services that are at least good
a shared commitment to give local areas greater autonomy and flexibility
significant changes in how local authorities organise children’s centres, including centres that share services
revised statutory guidance; payment by results trials.
The case for change (2):
Children's centres perform best when they:have a detailed understanding of their local communityreach a high proportion of their target populationinvolve centre users in shaping and delivering serviceshave strong accountability and performance management systemshave high quality evidence - compelling information about the impact of the centre’s actions on children and families.
reduced set of judgements (from 20 to four)
introduction of a ‘requires improvement’ grade
mixed remit teams on every inspection to ensure coverage of centre provision
larger inspection teams and longer inspections for some types of inspection events
retention of an optional self-evaluation form
retention of up to three days notice of inspection
re-inspection of centres judged to ‘require improvement’.
Overview of key changes:
a single inspection and report for a group of centres where they share leadership and management and integrated services
inspection of single centres
wherever possible and appropriate inspections will take place simultaneously across a locality where local authorities or partner organisations deliver integrated services collaboratively.
For the purposes of inspection :
Key term: simultaneous inspection events
A simultaneous inspection event may consist of:
one or more children’s centre groups
up to six or seven single centres ( may be a collaborative arrangement)
any combination of these depending on local authority arrangements.
Increased emphasis on:
the role of the local authority as the responsible body for children's centres and increased local authority engagement during inspections
centre leader’s role and inclusion throughout the inspection process
on-site preparation and planning for the inspection
joint observations
case tracking
performance management - including staff supervision.
Four grades for judgements
Outstanding Good Requires Improvement Inadequate
The four judgements
Access to services by young children and their families.
The quality and impact of practice and services.
The effectiveness of leadership, governance and management.
Overall effectiveness.
Inspectors will consider:
whether the centre is meeting its legal requirements to make sufficient early childhood services available
the difference the centre makes to the young children and families in the local area
arrangements for targeted families to access services
the quality of universal and targeted services and the impact they have on outcomes for targeted young children and their families
Overall Effectiveness
the effectiveness of governance, leadership and management in monitoring performance and making sufficient resources available to meet the needs of young children and families in the area.
Overall Effectiveness
Planning for inspection
importance of accurate information from local authorities
SureStart_On end of ‘inspection amnesty’ fewer deferrals.
ContactsInspection queries
Children’s centres delivery model
SureStart_on queries
Check your information on ECHarris Surestart_on
http://www.surestart-echarris.com/welcome.aspx
Further information on inspection
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/early-years-and-childcare/for-early-years-and-childcare-providers/childrens-centres/childrens-centres