Big Lottery Fund Research Issue 44 Building Quality Childcare evaluation summary
Building quality childcare: Evaluation summary Stock code BIG-NIBQCevalsum ISSN (Print): 1744-4756 ISSN (Online): 1744-4764 Photography Brian Morrison Further copies available from: Email enquiries@biglotteryfund.org.uk Phone 0845 4 10 20 30 Textphone 0845 6 02 16 59 Our website www.biglotteryfund.org.uk Written by Hilary Leavy Accessibility Please contact us to discuss any specific communication needs you may have. Our equality principles Promoting accessibility; valuing cultural diversity; promoting participation; promoting equality of opportunity; promoting inclusive communities; reducing disadvantage and exclusion. Please visit our website for more information. We care about the environment The Big Lottery Fund seeks to minimise its negative environmental impact and only uses proper sustainable resources. Our mission We are committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need. Our values We have identified seven values that underpin our work: fairness; accessibility; strategic focus; involving people; innovation; enabling; additional to government. The Big Lottery Fund is committed to valuing diversity and promoting equality of opportunity, both as a grantmaker and employer. The Big Lottery Fund will aim to adopt an inclusive approach to ensure grant applicants and recipients, stakeholders, job applicants and employees are treated fairly. Big Lottery Fund, September 2008 Executive summary The Building Quality Childcare programme has invested more than 5 million into transforming 89 innovative childcare projects across Northern Ireland ranging from state-of-the art family centres, outdoor play areas and facilities for children with disabilities. In March 2007 we appointed Horwath Consulting Ireland and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to evaluate our Building Quality Childcare programme in Northern Ireland. The evaluation was completed in December 2007. This summary is our interpretation of the full evaluation report, which is available on our website at: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk Key findings from the evaluation: XXThe evaluation found that choice and access to childcare has increased for parents in some areas. XXParents and carers reported a positive impact on the educational needs of children, readiness for school, speech development and interaction. XXWider benefits of the programme include a positive impact on sustaining employment, education and training opportunities for parents, opportunities for them to spend time with their other children and reduced stress at home. XXSome childcare providers have been provided with more suitable working environments, free of the difficulties associated with the previous accommodation. XXMany providers are now employing more staff, leading to increased professional development and interest in the appropriate National Vocational Qualifications. This is particularly the case with projects that have increased capacity and attracted additional funding, helping sustainability. XXThe new buildings have helped to provide a sense of pride for the community as a whole. The skills, knowledge and confidence that have derived from the success of the projects have enabled members of the community to contribute to new projects, seek funding for new services and contribute to consultation on government policy. 3
Introduction The evaluation Impact on children The Big Lottery Fund s Building Quality Childcare programme aimed to address the day care provision needs of young children (predominately pre-school) through funding new build, modernisation, refurbishment and mobile service childcare projects which would improve the capital infrastructure of childcare provision. The programme aimed to support projects primarily in disadvantaged areas; 89 projects were funded across Northern Ireland. Aims Parents reported that attending pre-school had made a positive impact on their children, helping them to prepare for primary school. Parents reported that the settling in period at primary school was less stressful for their children after attending a playgroup. We asked the evaluators Horwath Consulting Ireland and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to: explore the extent to which the programme has met the needs of parents and children in disadvantaged areas and how it has done this assess the impact of the childcare facilities on the community and on encouraging integrated service delivery assess whether the childcare provision or associated services are likely to be sustainable. Methodology The methodology for the evaluation included a literature review, case studies of 12 projects, stakeholder interviews and surveys, interviews and focus groups with staff and parents. Main findings This document sets out the main findings and highlights general themes and learning that has emerged. Further detail can be found in the full report, including details of the 12 case studies, available on our website www.biglotteryfund.org.uk 4 Parents also expressed the opinion that pre-school had a positive impact on their children s language development and behaviour. In many pre-school settings space is shared with other groups, meaning items need to be packed up at the end of each session, which can lead to a limited ownership by the children. New or refurbished facilities offer a more appropriate environment and in some instances this had meant children s artwork could be hung on the walls for the first time. The provision of outdoor play space has been a big asset. The building is bigger and brighter and the staff seem much happier now that they don t have to pack everything up each day. My child has benefited by being able to play outside and also having her artwork up on the walls Parent, Little Nippers Playgroup, Loughmacrory Services for children with special needs have also benefited from the programme. The ability of Sense to double capacity, through the Big Lottery Fund grant, has meant some children have been able to access appropriate childcare for the first time. 5
Improved buildings Impact on the childcare sector The evaluation concluded that the Building Quality Childcare programme had a significant impact through its investment in capital infrastructure. Projects that benefited from the programme no longer have to rely on unfit premises; instead, they now have buildings that are designed around children s needs. Examples of the refurbishment and building programme include a shift away from shared accommodation, provision of toilets and wash areas, improved kitchen areas, better security and office space. This in turn has created a sense of community by increasing a sense of ownership by the children, staff, parents and carers. Other areas of good practice include designs that free up other space, which allow for future flexibility of space or potential expansion. Some groups have been able to expand their services and provide after school services for older children Case study one: Little Nippers Playgroup and increased capacity for younger children to attend initiatives such as Sure Start. In some instances the improved facilities have meant that the venues can now be used for community events and adult training. This was identified as a model for future sustainability, whereby funding could be generated from a variety of different sources. A common theme to emerge from the evaluation was the improvement to the physical landscape that funded projects created within communities. The evaluators found extreme examples of childcare previously being provided in outmoded buildings, with inadequate facilities. One example cited was a preschool facility where running water for use by adults and children came from a cattle pipe. Other examples included a facility that was prone to flooding and had crumbling walls. Little Nippers Playgroup is located in the village of Loughmacrory, a small rural community, approximately eight miles from Omagh. The Building Quality Childcare grant funded the development of a new, building for the sole use of the nursery. This is a purpose-built, bright area permitting sectioning of various play areas, development of appropriate child accessible toilets and wash areas, a quiet area, kitchen for the preparation of snacks and a large playroom. Prior to receiving the grant Little Nippers used an existing community hall. The playgroup used the hall at a set time each week day morning during term time. As other groups used the hall, everything related to the nursery had to be packed away and stored each day. Toilets and washbasins were designed primarily for adults and drinking water was provided through a pipe designed for cattle. The new facilities have allowed staff to introduce a healthy eating regime, encouraging children to eat a wide range of fruit. A local dentist has come in and showed the children how to brush their teeth. The new build has been purpose-built to meet children s needs, for example all of the toilet facilities are designed for young children. Also because they are the sole users of the building, there is no need to pack up play materials and the children have been able to display their artwork Parent, Little Nippers Playgroup, Loughmacrory The joined-up approach to service delivery, especially where both pre-school facilities and wider services to the community were offered, was seen as good practice. A recurring theme identified by the evaluation was how the improvements to the facilities have provided a more appropriate environment for children to develop and in some instances allowed childcare providers to increase their capacity. This has enabled greater access to childcare for families and has also created more employment and training opportunities. Many providers were able to take on more student placements and this has been a positive contribution to the childcare sector. Case study two: Sense Sense is the UK s leading charity supporting and campaigning for children and adults who are deafblind. Sense Northern Ireland operates a family centre, which provides a pre-school nursery where children are given support depending on need. It also provides an after school service for children aged 3 to 12. The Building Quality Childcare grant funded the development of the existing site to enable increased provision. This has extended capacity from 15 to 30 children and enabled Sense to care for younger and older children at the same time. The funding has also paid for an increase in the breadth of specialist services that can be provided. This has included the addition of a light room, observation area and a new changing area that includes specialised lifting equipment, enhancing the organisation s ability to engage with children with profound physical disabilities than previously possible. The specialist nature of the care means there are no alternative providers. The ability to provide additional places has allowed some families to access places that were not available in the past. I am not sure what we would have done without Sense over the years, it has helped my daughter and she has loved coming Parent, Sense 6 7
Impact on parents Impact on communities The evaluators found that the availability of childcare had allowed about 10 per cent of parents to take up employment. For a further 40 per cent having a childcare place allowed them to remain in work. Parents reported a greater impact on employment when the childcare provider offered a greater range of services such as day care and after-school clubs. Over half the parents interviewed, 58 per cent, reported that having access to childcare facilities reduced stress at home, allowing parents to spend more time with younger children or free up time to do other activities, such as housework or training. Another positive impact noted by some parents, especially in rural areas, was having access to local Case study three: Altram facilities. This allowed the children to socialise with children from their area and meant less time travelling to childcare. For some parents it has allowed them to access pre-school education for the first time. My daughter has developed so well with the help of Sense and we have learned so much as parents to support my child in the future so we are now assured that we are doing the right thing Parent of child at Sense Altram was formed as an Irish-medium pre-school education development and training organisation. The Building Quality Childcare grant funded the purchasing and stocking of a community mobile toy and Irish language library. The mobile facility provides an important outreach facility to groups in the Western Education and Library Board area. This comprises provision of shared appropriate play equipment to 11 Naionraí (Irish language) pre-schools in the Western Education and Library Board area including isolated rural schools. The service also provides advice and support to the staff at the schools and to parents. A wide range of toys and resources are delivered to the pre-schools. The staff described how the ability to share limited resources optimizes usage of materials and play equipment, ensuring each pre-school group has an exciting and fresh range of materials available. The evaluators discovered that this unique and innovative service enhances the relationship between Altram and Naionraí. This includes an ability to offer face-to-face support, guidance, training and co-ordination. The children get very excited when they see a new toy or piece of equipment...they are very inquisitive and want to immediately play with the toy and connect with the staff Teacher of a Western Education and Library Board Naionraí pre-school using the Altram Toy and Book Library programme The increased number of childcare places has had an effect on community employment. Employing more staff who either begin or continue professional development provides opportunities in the local community. The evaluators found that for many of the projects the local playgroup has become the showpiece of the community and is a visible reminder of the potential within the community. This has provided inspiration and confidence to get involved in future projects. Other positive aspects of refurbishment include increased volunteering at playgroups and increased participation at other activities run by the centres. The evaluators also noted that the increase in confidence has encouraged some community groups to consider applying for other funding. The evaluators also found evidence of capacity building within communities, including creating new jobs, opportunities for training and professional development (National Vocational Qualifications). The refurbishment of the nursery has given the community a source of pride, as it was located in an area where local hoods would congregate. It has also empowered the community to seek to develop other facilities such as a youth club in some derelict properties to the rear of the nursery Parent, Larne Community Care Centre Building Quality Childcare funded North Antrim Community Transport to take children to and from pre-school playgroups. Families without cars were able to access childcare, which in turn helped the playgroups to remain viable. Staff reported that the children s confidence and independence grew as a result of the journey and the time was used to enhance learning experiences through songs and poems. As the pre-schools were often the only communal resource in isolated villages, they provided a focus for the community. The bus also collected prescriptions and other goods for villagers, helping overcome rural isolation, particularly among young families. 8 9
Impact on sustainability The wider policy context Conclusion The evaluators reported that all of the case study organisations were concerned about the future sustainability of their provision. Since the launch of the Building Quality Childcare programme there have been a number of developments in relation to childcare provision in Northern Ireland. These include the review of Children First, the Northern Ireland Childcare Strategy, the introduction of the Children and Young People s funding package and the transfer of responsibility for early years to the Department of Education. An early years strategy is expected to be published for consultation in 2008. Transfer of responsibility for childcare has led to uncertainty over future funding. Further detail of the wider policy context can be found in the full report on our website, which discusses issues over future funding. The evaluation has found that the legacy of the Building Quality Childcare programme is evident within communities benefiting from the facilities funded. The benefits include: An Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development study of 12 countries in 2001 identified policy trends in the expansion of early years provision, which are common to a number of countries and which are influenced by economic, demographic and social trends. Of the seven crossnational policy trends highlighted in the report, the evaluation of the Building Quality Childcare programme shows Big Lottery Fund has made significant investment across three of them: Overall the Building Quality Childcare programme has contributed to the enhancement of buildings, facilities and services for the enjoyment and development of young children. Groups that relied on statutory funding from the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme (PEAGS) were particularly vulnerable. This was particularly the case for those who offered pre-school places on a morning only basis. They felt that the level of funding from PEAGS was insufficient to meet all their costs and had to rely on fundraising for additional funds. Larger organisations that provide a wider range of services have greater scope to secure funding from different sources. This adds to stability; however, funding from the third sector is subject to change. The evaluators found there were gaps in provision across Northern Ireland, particularly among the many providers who were not part of the Building Quality Childcare programme. Many pre-school providers continue to offer services from inadequate buildings. Providing services for children with special needs is a challenge. This covers children of all ages and a wide spectrum of special needs. The evaluators found that this was a challenge across Northern Ireland. 10 raising the quality of provision improving staff training and work conditions engaging parents, families and communities. improved services for younger and older children access to education and learning for adults access to or staying in employment provision of student placements increase in community events improved or new meeting areas wider services to the community. 11