Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 793: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to the recent evaluation report carried out by Goodbody research consultants on the Síolta quality programme, the reported success rate of the pilot roll out and the percentage of participants who reached validation stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1038/12]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 794: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the cost of the recent evaluation report carried out by Goodbody research consultants on the Síolta quality programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1039/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 793 and 794 together.

The evaluation of Síolta was designed to test the methodology used for its implementation and also designed to field test the materials developed for its implementation. Specifically, the evaluator was asked to:

Assess the extent to which engagement with the Síolta Quality Assurance programme (QAP) has supported participating early years settings to develop the quality of their practice

Test the reliability and validity of the Síolta assessment processes and instruments across the range of early years settings. In assessing reliability, the Evaluator will be expected to conduct analyses to establish inter-rater reliability and internal consistency

Evaluate the role of the Síolta Co-ordinator in supporting Síolta. A key role of the Síolta Co-ordinator is to mentor, guide and enable staff in early years settings to achieve autonomy in relation to quality improvement. The evaluator was asked to identify and consider the following:

a) The profile, recruitment, induction, on-going support and management of Síolta Co-ordinators.

b) The salient characteristics of the Síolta Co-ordinator - this includes the frequency and pattern of contacts, the intensity/depth of the mentoring relationship (including the types of activities and discussions in which they engage) and the duration of the relationship.

c) Contextual factors that impact on the effectiveness of the Síolta Co-ordinator - early years setting relationship.

Identify the critical factors that facilitate or inhibit the effective implementation of Síolta.

As part of the evaluation, Síolta Co-ordinators were surveyed before July 2011 and asked to specify where their settings stood in relation to the Síolta QAP. This information was provided by the Co-ordinators in relation to 104 settings. According to the data provided at the time, one in ten (10 per cent) settings are completing baseline assessments. 38% of settings are completing their baseline assessments and have commenced development work. 45% of settings have completed their baseline assessments in full and have commenced development work. Two per cent of settings had submitted a portfolio for validation.

The Síolta QAP is about creating a culture of continual improvement. The early years settings who took part in the process were questioned about the extent to which participation in the Síolta QAP has contributed to the improvement of quality within their setting. 82% of settings either agreed or strongly agreed that participation in the QAP had contributed to quality improvement and I would consider, by any standards, that this represents a good outcome.

Following an open tender procedure, Goodbody Economic Consultants were appointed on 7th April 2011 by the Department of Education and Skills to undertake an Evaluation of the Initial Implementation of Síolta. The agreed contract was for a total maximum fixed fee of €38,778 plus a further amount in respect of additional vouched expenses, estimated to total €690, on production of invoices submitted and certified by Goodbody Economic Consultants as having been directly incurred in the provision of the services under the agreement. The said sums are expressed exclusive of VAT.

To date, Goodbody Economic Consultants have submitted invoices (inclusive of VAT) totalling €31,280.92 and have been paid said amount.