TEY_10_1_2020

A number of tools and packages are available to support reflection and discussion of quality practice and provision. However, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) itself is often overlooked as an effective quality audit tool. By understanding and adhering to the EYFS requirements conscientiously, a high quality of learning and development and safeguarding and welfare can be achieved. As well as complying in those areas denoted as ‘must’ according to the framework, also complying where it specifies ‘should’ means ensuring best practice wherever possible. This article is an edited extract from Operating a Viable Early Years Provision (Early Years Alliance, 2019), which is available to Alliance members at £13.65 and to non- members at £19.50. Visit eyalliance.org.uk/shop market research is a valuable tool for businesses in any sector; it will provide you with an insight into the market, trends and customers. For instance, while a good working relationship should be developed with other settings in your area, there will always be an element of competition. A unique selling point (USP) is a factor that differentiates your services or products from your competitors. A USP should be used as a promotional tool to highlight what makes your service more attractive than that of other providers in the area. It offers something that competitors cannot, do not or will not offer, and is attractive enough to attract potential and new customers. High quality provision and practice Traditionally, the quality of provision and practice has been seen as distinct from business functions. However, viewing the quality of practice alongside these activities is vital for sustainability. Quality improvement is a continuous process embedded in everyday practice, only limited by your capacity to improve and, most importantly, by the ability of your staff and management team to reflect upon their own thoughts and actions. In doing so, you can evaluate your provision, recognise areas for improvement and take full ownership of strategies implemented to bring about change. 69 Teachearlyyears.com MAKING CONNECTIONS The diversity of provision and the current financial climate means there is no single recipe for success. In a time when local authority resources are restrained, accessing support from peers and from organisations is more important than ever. Meeting up with colleagues from other settings, whether as a formal or informal network, has many benefits, and can… l Increase awareness of local and national issues, such as funding developments, training opportunities and changes to legislation; l Be a forum to respond to local policy consultations and link to other organisations such as the local Schools Forum; l Create opportunities to gain strategies from others in supporting sustainability of settings; l Help build solidarity in a local area and build a collective voice to support the wider early years community; l Enable sharing of and learning from best practice.