How an early years scheme has led to a surge in Ofsted ratings in Rochdale

Project High Five

Purpose To boost the quality of childcare and the skills of early years practitioners, and to improve outcomes for young children

Funding Rochdale’s early years and childcare grant funded the development of the High Five scheme, with additional funding from the Early Intervention Grant. It costs £362 for each setting
a year

Background Back in 2008, Rochdale performed poorly according to Ofsted ratings for childcare and Early Years Foundation Stage Profile results, relative to areas of a similar size and demographic. The authority was determined to improve. “We wanted to introduce a more consistent approach and to clearly show settings what quality looked like,” explains Gail Hague, early years and childcare advisory team manager. The solution was a new accreditation scheme, which includes a “self-evaluation” tool and official assessments, providing settings with meaningful goals.

Action High Five was developed jointly by professionals from early years, childcare, special educational needs, health and safeguarding, and launched in September 2008. It is open to the full range of providers including private day nurseries, playgroups, out-of-school clubs and childminders. The resource is linked directly to the Early Years Foundation Stage and the key areas that settings are expected to cover, and it is kept updated to reflect changes. “Often settings are doing some things really well, but there are other areas where they could improve,” says Hague. “The High Five tool­kit helps them cover all areas.”