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THE Families First Quality Improvement Commitment

Celebrating out of school activities and childcare for school age children

The Families First Quality Improvement Commitment is a new, sector‑led programme designed to recognise and strengthen the quality of provision in the out of school sector – from breakfast clubs and afterschool clubs to holiday schemes, HAF providers, childminders and community groups.

Our aim is simple: to create an accessible, supportive framework that helps settings showcase what they do well and continue to continually improve.

A Clear, Supportive Journey
Settings progress through a series of practical steps, choosing the level right for them. Each step is designed to be achievable, proportionate and genuinely helpful:

  • Foundation Step – your starting point, based on government guidance
  • Development Step – celebrating and encouraging ongoing quality
  • HAF Step – tailored for Holiday Activities Funded providers
  • Future Steps (2027) – will be shaped by sector in the future
The Families First Quality Improvement Commitment.

How It Works

All activity takes place through the Families First Learning Platform, where settings complete a simple self‑assessment, meet with a mentor, upload evidence and create a Quality Improvement Plan.

Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with settings reporting increased confidence, reassurance and pride in their work, as well as readiness for inspections.

Why It Matters

Quality out of school activities and childcare change lives. By joining the Families First Quality Improvement Commitment, you’re helping build a stronger, more confident sector — and shaping a framework that truly reflects the realities of practice.

Next steps

If you would like to know more about accessing our existing steps, or are keen to partner us so providers in your area can help develop future steps please contact us at info@familiesfirst.org.uk

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