Developing Policies, Procedures and Statements in Early Childhood Education and Care Services: A Practical Guide

Abstract

In June 2018, Tusla’s Early Years Inspectorate (EYI) published its Quality and Regulatory Framework (QRF). This framework was developed in consultation with the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, and informed by national and international best practice. It sets out the EYI’s interpretation of the Early Years Regulations 2016 and the conditions under which the EYI will assess services to see that they comply with these regulations. The QRF promotes greater consistency in how we carry out inspections. It also serves as a valuable resource to show service providers what they need to do to comply with the Early Years Regulations 2016. A significant challenge under the Early Years Regulations 2016 is that all service providers must develop and put in place a broad range of policies, procedures and statements specific to their service. Against this backdrop, we are committed to providing specific and targeted help and training to make sure services are able to comply with the Regulations. To accomplish this, EYI has the support of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. We will also work and collaborate with our ECEC stakeholders in this area. Mindful of this, the EYI, in partnership with Barnardos, has developed this document as a practical guide to help services to develop and write the various policies required.