Tusla Launches Quality and Regulatory Framework for the Early Years Sector

Tusla – Child and Family Agency today launched a Quality and Regulatory Framework for the Early Years Sector which aims to support registered providers in achieving compliance with the early years regulations 2016.

Opening today’s launch, Brian Lee, Tusla’s Director of Quality Assurance said:

“Today is a really positive day for Tusla and the early years sector. The Quality and Regulatory Framework brings clarity to the regulations and promotes standardisation of practice and consistency in inspection.”

The Framework sets out Tusla’s interpretation of the regulations and defines the parameters against which services are inspected. The Framework is an important resource for registered providers and especially for parents. It promotes the continuous improvement of the quality and safety of services provided to children. The Quality and Regulatory Framework was developed in consultation with key stakeholders, national  early years organisations, registered providers and parents.

Speaking about the launch, Fiona McDonnell, National Service Director, Children’s Services Regulation, Tusla said:

“Today’s launch is the culmination of a long journey. In developing a Quality and Regulatory Framework the Early Years Inspectorate has adopted an innovative and collaborative approach which has been hailed by the EU Directorate-General with responsibility for Early Childhood, Education and Care, as clearly denoting Ireland as leader in this area amongst our European peers.”

The launch of the framework is supported by a suite of documents which have been produced and published by Tusla. These documents, which are available to download on the Tusla website, include:

• Quality and Regulatory Framework for Full and Part time Day Care Services;
• Quality and Regulatory Framework  for Sessional Pre-School Services;
• Quality and Regulatory Framework for Child minding Services;
• Quality and Regulatory Framework for Drop – In Centres
• Quality and Regulatory Framework for Overnight Services
• Quality and Regulatory Framework Consultations Report;
• Quality and Regulatory Framework Bibliography;
• A practical guide to Developing Policies, Procedures and Statements in Early Childhood Education and Care Services;
• Template and sample policies, procedures and statements

To download a copy of the QRF documents please visit: https://www.tusla.ie/services/preschool-services/early-years-quality-and-regulatory-framework/

Further information about the early years inspectorate is available at: https://www.tusla.ie/services/preschool-services/