Awards recognise ECD centres

A NUMBER of practitioners, principals and early childhood development (ECD) centres in Noupoort in the Northern Cape have been recognised and awarded by the Education Quality Forum (EQF).

EQF forms part of the Inclusive Neighbourhood Spaces team and is a body of ECD practitioners who hold the local Noupoort early childhood development centres accountable to norms and standards as set out by the Department of Social Development.

This is according to Sandisiwe Mntonintshi, the economic development manager of Noupoort Wind Farm, which funds the project as part of its socio-economic development programme.

“The input of this project includes monthly site visits to ECD centres, where the EQC forum members observe the practitioners’ daily programmes and provide feedback as well as recommendations for improvements. The evaluation includes six broad categories: management of education programme; nutritional programme; adherence to child protection policies; active participation and support of school governing body, best practitioner and best principal,” Mntonintshi said.

The award for Adherence to the Child Protection Act and Childhood Protection Policies was awarded to Zingce ECD centre.

“It is very encouraging to see the marked improvement in the local ECD centre and we are proud to note that since January 2019 it has been reported that 75% of the ECD centres have shown a noticeable improvement in adhering to child protection policies, which is of utmost importance in our society,” said Mntonintshi.

The Best Practitioner of the Year award went to Jessica Alfred, for her dedication, consistency and passion for teaching.

The Best Early Childhood Development Principal of the Year was awarded to Vuyelwa Fuba earlier this year. “The dedication, passion, and consistency from the principal is exceptional. Her love for what she does and the way that she serves her community deserves every acknowledgement and encouragement,” said the EQF panellist.

The Overall Nutritional Programme was awarded to Zingce ECD Centre. “This ECD centre not only cooked healthy food but the space where they prepare food was always clean and safe. They serve balanced meals to children.”

Management of Outcomes Based Education Programmes was awarded to Vrolike Vinkies Crèche.

The EQF performed monthly inspections during 2018 and the winners were selected based on their reports.