New inspection cycle set out

One of the inspections within the cycle, which kicked off in April, will be a joint Care Commission/HMIE inspection, which could take place in year one, two or three. The other inspections will be carried out by Care Commission staff acting on their own.

The joint Care Commission/ HMIE inspection will look at standard two, a safe environment; four, engaging with children; five, quality of experience; six, support and development; and 14, well-managed service.

Engaging with children includes staff assessment and planning for children's development and learning.

The quality of experience standard covers children being able to experience and choose from activities that take account of national and local guidelines, while support and development requires staff to put into practice individualised educational programmes to support children, where appropriate, and to be aware of relevant legislation about children and young people, including those with special needs. The well-managed service standard requires the manager to demonstrate a high level of professional competence and for the setting to have plans and policies on matters such as confidentiality, complaints, the aims and objectives of the service, child protection, whistle-blowing and emergency procedures.