Network of early years leads and policy .
The network includes representatives from Local Authorities and selected national early years organisations.The National Quality Improvement Network (NQIN) is a network of Early Years Leads and policy makers working in early years, hosted by NCB.
Background
In 2000, the Department for Education and Skills set a target that 40% of settings should be accredited with a Quality Assurance (QA) scheme.
The project to develop a national quality improvement network arose from NCB's Early Childhood Unit's involvement in the Government's Investors in Children benchmarking scheme.
The network continued to meet, even after the funding had come to an end, and remains committed to quality improvement and the sharing of good practice.
NQIN
NQIN consists of one or two representatives from the regional networks which cover most of the nine government regions. Members meet two or three times a year to discuss updates from their regions, current early years issues and to hear presentations on relevant topics such as nutrition, SEND, etc.
Regional networks
The NQIN representatives also feedback information from their regional networks who meet regularly to:
- Reflect on national and local initiatives and best practice, identifying what works so that other local authorities and organisations can use these ideas and tools;
- Share resources and to work through local concerns and challenges; and
- Provide input to national policy through their NQIN representative.
In some areas, the regional networks are very well supported and meet regularly, whereas in some areas there is scope to create or develop a regional network. In 2021 and beyond, our aim is to use our contacts in the sector to encourage representation from all regions, as we feel this is more important than ever. If you would like to find out further information please email ecuadmin@ncb.org.uk