Síolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education, was designed to define, assess and support the improvement of quality across all aspects of practice in early childhood care and education (ECCE) settings where children aged birth to six years are present.
Síolta comprises three distinct, but interrelated elements: Principles, Standards and Components of Quality. The 12 Principles provide the overall vision of the Framework, while the 16 Standards and 75 Components allow for the practical application of this vision across all aspects of practice in the Early Years Service.
The Components of Quality are further explained by a set of Signposts, for ‘Reflection’ and ‘Think-abouts’, which are intended to support practitioners in early education settings to become aware of, and critical of their practice. These core elements of Síolta are set out in detail in each of the Síolta user manuals.
For further information visit www.siolta.ie or contact
Childminding Ireland: Siolta Aistear Guide Childminding Ireland 2015
The Early Years Education Policy Unit,
Department of Education and Skills, Mespil House, 43-49 Mespil Road, Dublin 4.
Tel: +353 (0)1 647 3050 / 3250 Email: earlychildhood@education.gov.ie
More information on Síolta here