Since launching its e-Quality Counts quality assurance scheme in 2008, the NDNA reports steady take-up and is now offering an extra incentive to members with a specially priced package. Participating members testify that the programme helps them to improve their inspection rating. One of the advantages of the online scheme is that it enables settings to work at their own pace and all staff to get involved. There is ongoing support and feedback from an online mentor, along with tips, advice and motivational e-mails to keep the momentum going.
Claire Heslop, manager of Daisy Chain Nursery in Bradford, thinks that the online programme has taken the original paper scheme, Quality Counts, up to the next level. She originally achieved accreditation in 2005 and was part of the pilot for its successor.
'When we took it on, the technology was worrying for some of our team but they quickly got to grips with basic aspects such as scanning and uploading, and from there it was relatively easy.
'We initially used the online training element with our supervisors and then involved other staff members in gathering evidence for areas of practice and looking at the quality improvement principles.'
Ms Heslop believes it has been an effective tool for getting all staff fired up about improvement. 'Everyone has embraced it and been inspired. It has helped us to become reflective both as a team and individuals,' she says.
The NDNA hopes that many more nurseries will dip a toe in the water by purchasing the new package, which enables them to access the full management section of e-Quality Counts. This provides step-by-step support and diagnostic tools to help users review their sustainability and automatically create an action plan to develop their nursery business. It also includes a costing tool to analyse costs and income, and plan for the future.
Purnima Tanuku, NDNA chief executive, says, 'The management support package is one unit within e-Quality Counts and settings will be able to sample the technology of the scheme. Nurseries who complete this and then choose to register for the full e-Quality Counts programme will receive a substantial discount on the full cost of the programme, if they wish to register within six months of taking it up.'
E-Quality Counts is updated regularly to take in the latest Government and childcare regulations. It is mapped against the EYFS, the Common Core and Every Child Matters. The scheme has been certified by the Intellectual Property Office, meaning that nurseries can display the logo to show they meet the standards of the scheme.
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