THE SIX-POINT EVALUATION SCALE
Excellent
An evaluation of excellent applies to provision which is a model of its type. The experiences
and achievements of children and young people are of a very high
quality. An evaluation of excellent represents an outstanding
standard of provision which exemplifies very best practice and is
worth disseminating beyond the service/partnership. It implies
these very high levels of performance are sustainable and will be
maintained.
Very good
An evaluation of very good applies to provision characterised by major strengths. There are
very few areas for improvement and any that do exist do not
significantly diminish the experiences of children and young
people. Whilst an evaluation of very good represents a high
standard of provision, it is a standard that should be achievable
by all. It implies that it is fully appropriate to continue to make
provision without significant adjustment. However, there is an
expectation that the service/establishment will take opportunities
to improve and strive to raise performance to excellent.
Good
An evaluation of good applies
to provision characterised by important strengths which, taken
together, clearly outweigh any areas for improvement. An evaluation
of good represents a standard of provision in which the strengths
have a significant positive impact. However, the quality of
outcomes and experiences of children and young people are
diminished in some way by aspects in which improvement is required.
It implies that the service/establishment should seek to improve
further the areas of important strength, but take action to address
the areas for improvement.
Satisfactory
An evaluation of satisfactory applies to provision characterised by strengths which just outweigh
weaknesses. An evaluation of adequate indicates that children and
young people have access to a basic level of provision. It
represents a standard where the strengths have a positive impact on
children and young people’s experiences. However, while the
weaknesses are not important enough to have a substantially adverse
impact, they do constrain the overall quality of experiences. It
implies that the service/establishment should take action to
address areas of weakness while building on its
strengths.
Weak
An evaluation of weak applies
to provision which has some strengths, but where there are
important weaknesses. In general, an evaluation of weak may be
arrived at in a number of circumstances. While there may be some
strengths, important weaknesses will, either individually or
collectively, be sufficient to diminish the experiences of children
and young people in substantial ways. It implies the need for
structured and planned action on the part of the
service/establishment.
Unsatisfactory
An evaluation of unsatisfactory applies when there are major weaknesses in provision requiring
immediate remedial action. The outcomes and experiences of children
and young people are at risk in significant respects. In almost all
cases, staff responsible for provision evaluated as unsatisfactory
will require support from senior managers in planning and carrying
out the necessary actions to effect improvement. This may involve
working alongside staff from other departments or
agencies.