We have recently completed a Siolta Quality Assurance Programme, for which we are awaiting accreditation from Early Childhood Ireland. Síolta is the National Quality Framework for Early Years Children’s Services. Síolta sets out 16 national standards, all of which are vital areas of importance for children’s services Visit siolta.ie for further information.
Many practitioners are developing a deeper understanding of Síolta and its role in improving and developing consistent high quality in all childcare services. We do this through exploring each of the standards, by attending workshops, and we are participating in the pilot phase of the Síolta Quality Assurance Process in order to make our crèche and Montessori the best it can be for the children in our care. As part of the Síolta programme we allow children the freedom to choose toys and activities of interest to them, you will notice that the majority of equipment in the room is available and accessible to the children at all times, as we have found that children learn through play as well as they do in a more structured environment.