Quality audits
Our quality audits use the Environment Rating Scales to create a ‘profile’ of provision within a setting or school on a given day. Each scale is made up of a series of statements or ‘indicators’, which are completed systematically to assess the quality of the environment (in its broadest sense).
Information is gathered during a 3 to 4 hour observation, building up a profile of the quality of provision in each area. The definable statements and scoring system of the Environment Rating Scales provide:
· A rigorous data collection and monitoring framework at setting and authority level
A detailed profile of the provision in individual settings, highlighting strengths and areas for development
Transparent criteria which can be used to support settings in improving quality through a continuous quality improvement cycle
A profile of strengths and areas for development at the authority level, enabling effective targeting of resources, training and support based on quantitative evidence of quality
A means of measuring improvement in quality over time, both at the setting and the local authority level.
A+ Education also offers a data management, analysis and reporting software package which enables the full benefits of the quantitative data to be realised.
A+ Education has carried out authority-wide audits of provision for local authorities of varying sizes and characteristics across England. Our audit team is fully trained to use the Environment Rating Scales accurately and consistently (essential if the data is to be robust).