Quality Matters Because Quality Protects

This chapter considers the concept of quality improvement in the context of children and safeguarding. An initial overview considers the emergence of such themes as 'quality assurance' and 'quality improvement' in the field of child protection and safeguarding within the early years sector. The impact of neglect on the quality of life and outcomes for children, where this is a key safeguarding concern within many vulnerable families, is explored alongside the need to consider the appropriateness and necessity of the provision of effective supervision for staff within early years settings. Supervision is integral to many professional disciplines and roles, who work with families with complex needs. It is regarded as an important aspect of quality assurance in promoting positive outcomes for children. Therefore, it could be argued that there is a case for the introduction of a supervision model for early years staff, in managing and reviewing the intricate aspects of their role in supporting children and families.