High/Scope UK Quality Assurance Scheme

High/Scope UK has consistently worked to support practitioners to deliver the highest quality service to children in their care. The Quality Assurance Scheme was developed to give High/Scope practitioners who have undertaken in depth training and have gained a high quality of practice recognition for their achievements.

In November 2003 the High/Scope UK Quality Assurance Scheme for early years settings achieved Investors in Children endorsement. The endorsement was achieved in the first tranche of schemes completing assessment by the Sure Start unit of the Department for Children, Schools and Families (formerly the DfES). Since 2003 High/Scope has extended its Quality Assurance Scheme and there are now:

• The Infant Toddler QA
• The Foundation Stage QA
• The Primary QA
• A QA for childminders will be developed in the near future

The High/Scope Quality Assurance Scheme may be undertaken in addition to Local Authority quality assurance schemes and provides those participating with a nationally accredited ‘Kite Mark’ of best practice.

Settings that successfully complete the QA may be registered on the High/Scope website and are identified as accredited settings for those wishing to see High/Scope best practice.

The High/Scope UK Quality Assurance Scheme has been developed in accordance with the many research based studies which demonstrate that only high quality early childhood services have a lasting effect on the lives of those children who attend.

The research on ‘Effective Pedagogy in the Early Years’, (2002 Siraj-Blatchford, Sylva et al) link good outcomes for children to:

•  Adult-child interactions that involve ‘sustained shared thinking’ and open ended questioning to extend children’s thinking 
• Practitioners having good curriculum knowledge as well as knowledge and understanding of child development 
• Shared educational aims with parents 
• Formative feedback to children during activities 
• Behaviour policies in which staff support children in being assertive, at the same time as rationalising and talking through their conflicts

The High/Scope Approach provides opportunities for children consistent with these principles, the Quality Assurance scheme providing practitioners with a practical approach to assessing their practice.

The seven elements assessed are:

• Learning Environment
• Daily Routine 
• Adult Child Interaction 
• Curriculum Planning and Assessment 
• Parent Involvement and Family Services 
• Staff Qualifications and Staff Development 
• Management

For further details of the High/Scope UK Quality Assurance Scheme please contact:

Michelle Dixon, High/Scope Development Officer, High/Scope UK on Tel 0870 777 7680 / 7681 or Fax 0870 777 7682 or email Michelle at highscope@btconnect.com