Aiming High

Through assessments, Aiming High requires clubs to meet standards of quality across 16 different areas, ranging from positive play opportunities and the care environment, to management, staffing, and premises. Within each area, there are three levels of quality: 

Level 1 

• Appropriate management structures and documentation 
• Meets legal responsibilities 
• Budget and audited annual accounts 
• Business or year plan 
• Managers are aware of scheme operation 
• Records on all children and young people 
• Staff informed verbally of management decisions 
• Equal opportunities policy 
• Consultation with children, young people and parents on operational issues 

Level 2 

• Development strategy or action plan 
• Monthly financial statements 
• Regular consultation with staff on relevant issues 
• Recent survey of community need and ongoing assessment of need 
• Extensive records of all children and young people 
• Equal opportunities strategy 
• Staff regularly informed of management decisions in writing 

Level 3 

• Staff handbook on structure, policies and procedures 
• Annual report 
• Comprehensive records for all children and young people 
• Longer term financial strategy including fundraising targets where applicable 
• Reviews of policies and procedures 
• Development plan referring to long term sustainability 

N.B. The Aiming High scheme will shortly be undergoing some changes - check the 4Children website at www.4children.org.uk for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long has the Aiming High scheme been running? 

The Aiming High Quality Assurance Scheme was launched in 1995. Since then the manual has been amended twice, to reflect new regulations and standards and to improve 'usability'. 

2. How much does the Aiming High manual cost? 

The manual costs £50 (inclusive of VAT and P&P). 

3. How can I get a copy of the manual? 

Orders for the manual should be sent to the 4Children address:

Publications Sales
4Children 
Bellerive House 
3 Muirfield Crescent 
London E14 9SZ 

If you do not have a publications order form, a simple letter or note will suffice. The order should include a delivery address. Payment by cheque should be included with the order, payable to 4Children Ltd. All orders for the Aiming High manual must be made in writing (email orders are acceptable and should be directed to: AimingHigh@4Children.org.uk). 
Alternatively, credit card orders can be made with the 4Children Information Line on: 020 7512 2100

To see an information leaflet from 4Children about Aiming High, click here.

4. I have received my pack. What is the first step? 

When you receive your manual you will find a Commitment to Quality form inside. You must complete this form and return it to 4Children as soon as possible. Using the information on these forms to map levels of activity across the country, we are able to predict future assessment 'hot spots'. This helps to ensure that there will always be an assessor available in any given area, at any given time. 

5. I need some help with the Aiming High process. Can anyone help me? 

Yes. 4Children has a database of Quality Development Mentors which covers the entire UK. A Quality Development Mentor will be able to introduce a club to Aiming High, talk them through the scheme and offer advice and practical support throughout the process of accreditation. Every accredited Quality Development Mentor has attended a two day training programme in the process of completing Aiming High. Please contact the Aiming High administrator if you require details of Quality Development Mentors in your area. 

6. Where can I find a Quality Development Mentor? 

Many Early Years Development & Childcare Partnerships are having their Development staff trained to act as Quality Development Mentors. One option, therefore, is to contact them and see if they have any trained staff. Alternatively, 4Children will happily supply you with a list of Quality Development Mentors in your area - taking details directly from the database. These Mentors may charge you a fee for their services. 

7. How many Assessors does 4Children use? 

We have in excess of 20 assessors across the country and the number is growing. 

8. How much does the Aiming High assessment cost? 

Each Aiming High assessment costs £300.00 + VAT. 

9. I've completed my portfolio and am ready for assessment. How do I apply? 

Appendix 6 of your Aiming High Appendices book is a 'Request for Assessment form'. Simply complete this form and return it to 4Children. The Aiming High administrator will allocate an Assessor to complete your assessment. If this form is not available, a formal letter of request will suffice. Alternatively you may request your application online by completing the assessment request form available on this site. 

10. What does it involve? 

The assessment is made of two parts. Firstly, your assessor will contact you and arrange for your portfolio to be sent to their home address. They will then examine your portfolio and begin to assess the level of your achievement. The second part of the assessment is the club visit. A usual assessment visit will start at approximately 1:00pm and finish at about 5:00pm, during which time the assessor will speak to staff, children and parents to form a better picture of the club and its practises. After these two elements have taken place the assessor will complete a 36-page report which, after being verified and then copied into the Aiming High library of reports, will be forwarded to you. 

11. How do you maintain a consistently high standard of reporting? 

A 4Children Lead Assessor internally verifies every report produced. The two Lead Assessors are members of 4Children staff who, in addition to possessing a wealth of Childcare and Quality Assurance knowledge, know the Aiming High programme inside out. 

12. We have received our report and it says that we need to provide additional evidence before we can be accredited. How do we do this? 

If there are areas of your portfolio that do not immediately meet the Aiming High accreditation standard you will be given an additional three months to provide further evidence to support your application. If you DO provide the assessor with the required evidence within this time frame, they will amend your report to reflect your extra work and accreditation will subsequently be made. 

13. How long does Aiming High accreditation last? 

Aiming High accreditation is valid for a period of two years. The expiry date of your accreditation will appear on the club's Aiming High certificate. 

14. So if the accreditation expires, how does re-assessment work? 

4Children will send you a reminder letter 6 months before your certificate expires. If you wish to be re-assessed you should apply as before, either using Appendix 6 of your Aiming High Appendices book or by submitting a formal request. 

15. How much does re-assessment cost? 

Re-assessment carries the same cost as a first-time assessment - £300 + VAT. 

16. Who can we contact if we have further questions? 

The Aiming High Co-ordinator is Holly Shankland. You can contact Holly on: 020 7522 6931 or by email: AimingHigh@4children.org.uk.  

All early years and childcare settings can apply for funding to assist them to undertake the above scheme. The EYDCP is currently reviewing its application criteria and funding.  Enquiries should be directed to Kay Watling 023 8083 2148 kay.watling@southampton.gov.uk