Quality and Regulatory Framework And Question & Answer Documents

Quality and Regulatory Framework (QRF)

The Early Years Inspectorate developed a Quality and Regulatory Framework (QRF), to support registered Early Years Services to comply with the Regulations. The QRF does this by setting out the core regulatory requirements in a transparent way, bringing together evidence-based, national and international research and best practice in Early Years. The QRF aims to support registered providers in achieving compliance with the regulations and enhance the safety and care of children who attend these services. The QRF is child-centred, with a specific focus on the quality and safety of the care provided directly to children using the services.

The QRF was first launched in September 2018. It is currently being updated, and new versions will soon be published on this page

Question & Answer Documents (Q&A)

Pre-School - Frequently asked Questions 

The Pre-School Q&A document has been updated to reflect changes in policy and practice and to ensure it is aligned with the Quality & Regulatory Framework  

The key purpose of both the Q&A and the QRF is to support understanding of the principles and requirements of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early years services) Regulations (2016), the Child Care Act 1991 (Early years services) (Amendment) Regulations (2016) and the Child Care Act 1991, Section 58 as amended by Part 12 of the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013. 

The Q&A document will continue to be updated periodically when questions and clarification requests are received from the sector or when there is a change or an addition to an answer.  The questions received will be collated, and the sector will be informed when an updated version has been published on the website.

School Age - Frequently asked Questions 

The School age Q&A document is designed to improve quality in the sector by supporting understanding of regulatory requirements in relation to, the registration of a new service, the inspection process, proposed changes to registration status, notification of incidents, fee payments, management of concerns & feedback and the publication of inspection reports.