Care and support

Hertfordshire Quality Standards

Herts Quality Standards – the revised scheme

Roadshows to launch the 'new look' process took place during May with over 350 settings attending.

Herts Quality Standards (HQS) is now “Live”. Over 90 settings have registered interest to date and 56 settings are working on their SEFS. 3 Gateway Panels have taken place and now 11 settings have completed the first part of the process and will go onto a leadership day In September. The initial process involves completing a self evaluation form which prepares for the statutory requirements of the new EYFS.  The next step in the process is to attend a leadership training session and complete the leadership module.

• Hertfordshire Quality Standards (HQS) is a quality improvement  scheme for providers of early education and childcare in Hertfordshire.

• These providers include after school clubs, childminders, day nurseries, pre-schools, nursery and reception classes

• There is an  award at the end of the process, which  reflects that the setting or childminder meets the HQS criteria and provides a high quality service and environment that exceeds the requirements of the Ofsted framework. Each stage of the process is celebrated

How does it work?

• HQS is about  self evaluation and showing continuous improvement to parents and to Ofsted.

• It encourages reflective development and action planning, supported through each level by a mentor, via phone and email contact.

• Before commencing on the HQS journey all settings will be required to complete a self evaluation of the statutory requirements of the EYFS.

• All providers will attend a leadership training session as the next step in the process.

• The HQS scheme consists of 7 modules – relating to the ECM agenda. Providers will work through one module at a time. Once completing a module this will be presented to the panel to be verified.

• The 7 modules include Leadership, Partnership, Economic Wellbeing, Staying Safe, Enjoy and Achieve, Positive Contribution, Being Healthy.

• All settings will have an assessment at the beginning and end of the HQS process, using the  Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales. These scales are a set of international tools designed to assess the quality of early years settings. For further information visit: www.fpg.unc.edu/~ecers

How long does it take?

• Each module can be completed at a pace to suit the participant. The panel meets every month, and a module could be completed each month and presented to the panel. It is expected that most participants will complete the whole process within 12 months.

• Assistance and advice is available at any time from the mentor and from  colleagues in NCMA and the Early Years Team as applicable.

• The whole process is electronic – with Providers sending completed modules and action plans by email. Mentors will also use this as the main method of contact. This will help support our efforts to be environmentally friendly.

Is there a cost?

• There is a time commitment - making time to talk to colleagues, making time to reflect on what is already happening, making time to plan for future development.

• There will be a small cost at the end of the process, which is a sliding scale and discussed with your mentor. Materials and support are free.

• The final award is dated and lasts for 3 years.

Who do I contact?
For information please contact Quality Coordinator by email: hertsqualitystandards@hertscc.gov.uk
or telephone: 01438 844796

The attachement below is a useful flowchart to show you the route through the HQS scheme.