THE ENVIRONMENT RATING SCALES

The Environment Rating Scales are a set of standardised tools for measuring and improving the quality of Early Years Provision. They offer a structured approach to quality assurance and assessment.

The ECERS-R - one of the Quality Improvement tools acknowledged in the EYFS - is one of a family of five scales, which are appropriate for maintained and non-maintained Early Years settings, out-of-school provision and home-based childminding provision.

The Environment Rating Scales were developed with assistance and feedback from hundreds of researchers and practitioners around the world, and are now used in many countries for research, self-assessment and quality improvement.

In the UK, they are being used by many authorities at both setting and LA level to improve the quality of Early Years Provision, guided by the findings of the EPPSE research which indicates a strong correlation between quality Early Years Provision and long lasting positive outcomes for children.

The Environment Rating Scales fit well with current Early Years Guidance and Standards. We can offer a clear ‘map’ showing the relationships between the Environment Rating Scales and the four themes of the EYFS, the five Every Child Matters (ECM) outcomes and the Ofsted National Standards. .. For further detail of the four US scales (the ECERS-R, ITERS-R, FCCERS-R and SACERS), visit the authors' website at: http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~ecers/