Self-reflection is a very important tool to be used in order to keep the nursery up to date with current legislation and to raise service standards. By regularly looking at where we are as a setting we can ensure that we continue to offer high quality education to our children. “Research has proven that self-reflection and evaluation both support good practice within a setting as a part of continual development. Importantly this self-reflection supports good outcomes for children.” (Barber and Paul-Smith 2009, pg.8)
We have been using Ofsted SEF to evaluate where we are doing well and assess where we need to improve. “The self-evaluation form is designed to help early years providers to review and improve their practice, so that it is of the highest standard and offers the best experience for young children. Importantly it is a useful tool for you and any assistants or staff to evaluate the impact of what you do on children’s welfare, learning and development.” (Ofsted 2009, pg.13)
PEST ANALYSIS
POLITICAL
Politically unsettled
Arab spring
Benevolent dictatorship
No pressure groups
Frequent change of legislation but no clear guidelines
No official body or organization to refer to
Government policies are not consistent and not properly disseminated
ECONOMICAL
Unsecure financial world markets
The Essay on Engage In Personal Development In Health, Social Care Or Children’s And Young People’s Settings
... highest standards of quality service are maintained. Reflection is a must as children, environments, behaviour within society and teaching methods ... effectively. In addition to this, reflection has helped me to better understand those children and young adults that are ... for rules regarding: Child protection Safeguarding Although these have been talked over in many other reflection topics, it is ...
Fluctuating exchange rates
Expensive living
Uncertainties in the economy
No direct income taxes or VAT
Several indirect taxes
Increasing running costs
Rapid expansion of Early Years industry
Increasing competition
SOCIAL
Increasing number of working mothers
Wider range of people
Image of good standard of living and overall safety
People moving and settling in the area
Increased focus on Early Years Education
Attractive area for different nationalities
Broad spectrum of curriculum covered in the country
TECHNOLOGICAL
Easier information access (internet)
Wider audience
Better ability to reach out to the Community
Blogging (positive and/or negative)
Personal Technology
CCTV cameras
(name of city) is a safe place, its economy is considered ever flourishing but due to the ongoing global economical crisis it has its financial restraints. This analysis has also outlined how a business can be easily set up but also how difficult it is for it to thrive due to frequent changes in the legislation and the lack of consistent guidelines. Nevertheless, the increased interest in Early Years Education will soon allow practitioners to offer to all children high standards of learning.
SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Well trained, qualified and experienced staff
Impressive facilities
Outstanding outdoor area
Central location
Extra-curricular activities
Early years themed workshops and professional advisors
WEAKNESSES
Turnover of staff due to economic situation
Policies and Procedures (only few in place)
Being tenant of the facilities
Old building badly maintained
Lack of training opportunities
Limited parental involvement
Managerial limited decision making ability
OPPORTUNITIES
Several marketing options
The Essay on Drug Policy President Increase Organizations
The President's Drug Policy Iris Ramirez Criminal Justice Policy Analysis April 17, 2005 Introduction The following is a summary of the President's policy emphasizing on the President's stated objectives. Stopping drug use before it starts, providing drug treatment, and attacking the economic basis of the drug trade are the main positions the President stressed. The President's policy was analyzed ...
Exponential growth of market
Partnership with professionals in childcare
Diversified skills of staff with different backgrounds
Wide professional network
THREATS
Extremely high price of rent
Frequent new regulations with high implement costs
New nurseries poaching staff and rising salary expectations Loss of key staff
Frequent families’ relocations
(name of nursery) is a newly established nursery in (name of city) that was initially planned with a greater focus on business rather than learning. Policies and Procedures were compiled and printed out hastily, without team brainstorming or subsequent effective compliance. The absence of specific legal requirements in the country makes it possible for nursery and day cares to operate, though in the best interest of children, without proper policies and procedures in place.
Going through the process of self-evaluation has been the most valuable eye opener possible for me. I now know where we are and where we want to be. PEST and SWOT analysis have allowed me to celebrate our strengths and pinpoint our weaknesses.
Generally all policies will need to be rewritten, implemented and properly disseminated, but priority will be given to Child Protection and Behaviour Management Policies. A Staff training plan also needs to be put in place in order to ensure high standards in care and education of all children. Last but not least, it will be paramount to monitor progress and ensure that our procedures reflect our policies and that good practice is consistent throughout the academic year by gathering evidence regularly.
