Tusla – Child and Family Agency publishes Early Years Inspectorate Annual Report 2016
- 2,008 inspections carried out in 2016 resulted in improvements for children -
Thursday, 14th December 2017: Tusla - Child and Family Agency today publishes the Annual Report 2016 of its Early Years Inspectorate. The report outlines the activities of the Inspectorate which is tasked with inspecting pre-schools, play groups, nurseries, crèches, day-care and similar services which cater for children aged up to six years.
The Inspectorate carried out 2,008 inspections of Early Years Services in 2016, of which 36 were new services seeking to register under the 2016 Regulations. An analysis of 288 inspection reports shows that 78% of regulations were found to be compliant while 22% were deemed non-compliant, showing a clear improvement from 2015 compliance levels (6%).
Key achievements in 2016 included:
- The establishment of a central registrations office;
- The commencement of ‘Fit for Purpose’ inspections of all new services;
- A survey of the experiences of service providers of the inspection process;
- Nationwide seminars on regulatory changes which were attended by 3,800 early years providers;
Speaking about the launch of the Annual Report, Brian Lee, Director of Quality Assurance, Tusla said: “I’m delighted to see that Tusla’s early years Inspectorate carried out over 2,008 inspections in 2016, which resulted in positive changes and improvements in key areas such as the health, welfare and development of children, safety of services, governance and facilities.
The voices of early years providers are essential in helping us to continuously enhance the inspection process and a survey of early years services showed positive views overall of the current process.”
Throughout 2016, the Early Years Inspectorate worked with early years providers to provide information and guidance in relation to the new requirements under the regulations. Tusla proactively organised 14 briefing sessions on the regulatory changes, which were delivered nationwide to over 3,800 early years providers.
Additionally, a national survey of early years providers, on their views and experiences of inspection, was carried out to enhance the inspection process. The findings of the survey show that the vast majority of respondents (70-85%) either agreed or strongly agreed that the inspection process is:
- Rigorous and robust;
- Focuses on the correct areas;
- Fair and appropriate.
The Early Years Inspectorate is the independent statutory regulator of Early Years Services in Ireland and has overall responsibility for regulation in this area. The overall purpose of the service is to promote the quality, safety and appropriate care of children by robust inspection of the sector.
-ENDS-
To view the report please click HERE.
About Tusla – Child and Family Agency
Tusla – Child and Family Agency was established on 1st January 2014 and is now the dedicated State agency responsible for improving wellbeing and outcomes for children. It represents the most comprehensive reform of child protection, early intervention and family support services ever undertaken in Ireland. It is an ambitious move which brings together the former HSE Children and Family Services, Family Support Agency and National Educational Welfare Board as well as incorporating some psychological services and a range of services responding to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. There are over 4,000 staff working in the Agency, which has an operational budget of over €750 million.