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We all need to know that
out of school clubs and holiday playschemes are of good quality,
so that they meet the needs of all the children attending them and
so that parents can have confidence in them. While all childcare
providers registered with Ofsted are required to meet the minimum
legal requirements, those clubs that are quality assured as well
show that they are achieving excellence in various aspects of the
services that they provide.
New clubs will all be taking part in a quality assurance scheme
and we would like to encourage established clubs to do the same,
as providers who undertake quality assurance are demonstrating their
commitment to quality. A quality assurance scheme enables
practitioners to take part in a process of self-evaluation to achieve
higher standards and recognition. It also helps staff to value
the work that they are doing and to develop confidence in their
own abilities.
If you would like to undertake a quality assurance scheme, there
will probably be help available with funding it. There will
also be mentors in North Somerset to give you any help and support
that you need.
'The key purpose of quality
assurance is to improve the quality of the play experience and play
opportunities that are made available to children. The whole area
of quality in children's play has been the subject of considerable
attention recently - particularly with regard to legislation and
health and safety - but very little regard has been paid either
to children's play itself, or to the most appropriate environmental
or psychological conditions under which it might be facilitated.
'
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