Síolta

The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education







Síolta Archive


Síolta Handbook
The Síolta Handbook provides a useful background to the development of Síolta. It considers the national and international context for Síolta and provides an overview of the process by which Síolta was developed. The Handbook also summarises evidence gathered through literature review and consultation exercises in relation to mechanisms and best practice for supporting quality in early education provision.

Click here to view the Síolta Introductory Handbook.

Click here to download the Síolta Introductory Handbook. (1.72MB)


Pillars of Research
A significant body of research and development work preceded the production of Síolta. In particular, four specific pieces of research were produced that were instrumental in underpinning the development of Síolta. The main focus of these four pillars of research was on quality in the Irish context, while an international perspective was also included. An outline of the four pillars is provided below.

1. Insights on Quality
A National Review of Policy, Practice and Research Relating to Quality in Early Childhood Care and Education in Ireland 1990-2004.

Click here to download (542 Kb)

2. Making Connections
A Review of International Policies, Practices and Research Relating to Quality in Early Childhood Care and Education

Click here to download (514 Kb)

3. Early Childhood in Ireland
Evidence and Perspectives

Click here to download (1.04 MB)

4. Talking About Quality
Report of a Consultation Process on Quality in Early Childhood Care and Education

Click here to download the Full Report (972 Kb)

Click here to download the Executive Summary (998 Kb)

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