The role of self-assessment in the regulation and inspection of group day care

This paper considers the role of self-assessment in maintaining and improving standards of day care. A pilot study designed to investigate and develop the potential contribution of self-assessment procedures in the regulation of day nurseries is described. Self-assessment materials designed for day care providers to use in assessing the quality of their care were adapted for inspection purposes. Inspection staff in four local authorities used the materials in the inspection of ten day nurseries. Results suggest that self-assessment incorporated with inspection and development work offers a means by which providers and inspectors can work together to improve standards. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.