PART B

Family Support Funding Category Guidelines2016 - 2018

2. Contents

Contents...............................................................................................................................2

1. Family Support Funding Category...................................................................................3

2. Reporting on Outcomes..................................................................................................3

2.1 Quantitative reporting......................................................................................................4

2.2 Qualitative Reporting.......................................................................................................8

2.2.1 Story behind the data............................................................................................8

2.2.2 Case studies...........................................................................................................8

3. Grants Management System – QGrants..........................................................................8

3.1. How to use QGrants.........................................................................................................8

3.2. Submitting claims through QGrants.................................................................................9

Appendix 1 – EYS Provider Feedback Form..........................................................................10

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1. Family Support Funding CategoryThe Family Support Funding Category refers to the range of family-centred services that support parents/carers to achieve better developmental outcomes for their child/children aged from birth to eight years. It aims to promote and protect the health, wellbeing and rights of all children and their families in their homes and communities, with a particular focus on those who may be vulnerable and/or at risk.

The Family Support Funding Category outcomes may include but are not limited to: Strengthened resilience and protective factors such as parenting capabilities and problem

solving; Improvements in child development; and Increased access to other services that families may require.

Delivery of family support activities under this category would include: evidence based family support activities, including:

o parenting programs (e.g. Triple P Program, Abecedarian Approach, 123 Magic, Circle of Security);

o information, practical and or therapeutic support and resources;o personal and individual practical and or therapeutic support for children and

families; Home visiting / outreach services targeted to specific client groups and with a focus on

improving child learning, development and wellbeing; Case management; Screening and assessment (dependent upon the families individual context and needs) using

tools such as: o Parents Evaluation of Development Status;o Ages and Stages Questionnaire;o Brigance Screening;o Paediatric Symptom Checklist; ando NCAST Parent Child Interaction Assessment Scales (Feeding and Teaching) Strengths

and Difficulties Questionnaire. Referrals to existing programs/service networks and linking families with early childhood

education and health services.

Family support services can be delivered through a variety of models seeking to assist families to develop strengths through practical support, focusing on communication, relationships, attachment, child development and play interactions.

2. Reporting on OutcomesStandard performance measures for this category were developed using Results Based Accountability (RBA) and are outlined below. The RBA approach uses a simple framework to help the Department and Early Years Service (EYS) providers focus on positive outcomes for children and families.

Monitoring is undertaken through data collection requirements as listed here and financial accountability requirements as specified in the service agreement. The data is also supported by a qualitative report including the story behind the data and case studies which impact the achievement of expected outcomes.

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2.1 Quantitative reportingType of measure Measures Counting RulesQuantityHow much?

Number of children:

Total number of all children Total number of children from culturally

diverse backgrounds (CALD) Total number of children who identified as

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Total number of children with disability

Count each child who participated in activities during the reporting period once only.

Do not count attendee at an ‘event’ eg fun day in the park (this information should be included in the Narrative Report).

For example: a child participated in an activity (such as a playgroup) twice a week during the reporting period. Count = 1

Count each child in the following demographics who participated in activities during the reporting period once only:

Count each child who identified as CALD and participated in activities during the reporting period once only.

Count each child who identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and participated in activities during the reporting period once only.

Count each child who participated in activities during the reporting period who identified with a disability once only.

For example: a child participated in an activity (such as a playgroup) twice a week during the reporting period. Count = 1

Number of parents/carers:

Total number of parents/carers. Total number that are from culturally

diverse backgrounds (CALD). Total number that identified as Aboriginal

and/or Torres Strait Islander. Total number with a disability.

Count each parent/carer who participated in activities during the reporting period once only.

Do not count attendee at an ‘event’ eg fun day in the park (this information should be included in the Narrative Report).

For example: a parent participated in an activity (such as a playgroup) twice a week during the reporting period. Count = 1

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Type of measure Measures Counting RulesCount each individual parent/carer in the following demographics who participated in activities during the reporting period once only.

Count each parent/carer who identified as CALD and participated in activities during the reporting period once only.

Count each parent/carer who identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and participated in activities during the reporting period once only.

Count each parent/carer with a disability who participated in activities during the reporting period once only.

For example: a parent/carer participated in an activity once a week (such as a parenting group) during the reporting period. Count = 1 parent/carer

Total number of children for past 12 month period.

Total number of individual children for the past 12 months.

Count each child who participated in activities during the past 12 months.

Total number of parents/carers for past 12 month period.

Total number of individual parents/carers for the past 12 months.

Count each parent/carer only once who participated in activities during the past 12 months.

QualityHow well?

Total number of parents/carers surveyed. Count the total number of parents/carers surveyed during the reporting period only once.

Number of parents/carers who would recommend the funded service.

Count the total number of parents/carers surveyed who would recommend the funded service.

Note: Percentage will be automatically calculated in QGrants.

Number of individual parents/carers who have completed the relevant/agreed activity.

Count the total number of individual parents/carers who have completed the relevant/agreed activity during the reporting period.

Note: Percentage will be automatically calculated in QGrants.

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Type of measure Measures Counting RulesNote: the key issue is that parent/carer agreed to undertake and complete an activity.

Children may be included in the family groups but are not included in the count above.

Number of individual parents/carers who received intensive support.

Count the total number of individual parents/carers who receive intensive support.

Note: Percentage will be automatically calculated in QGrants.

Children may be included in the family groups but are not included in the count above.

EffectivenessIs anyone better off?

Total number of parents/carers surveyed. Count the total number of parents/carers surveyed during the reporting period only once.

Number of parents/carers surveyed that report an improvement in their parenting practice.

Count the total number of parents/carers who report an improvement in their parenting practice.

Note: Percentage will be automatically calculated in QGrants.

Number of parents/carers surveyed that report the funded service assists them in accessing the support services they require.

Count the total number of parents/carers who report the funded service assists them in accessing the support services they require.

Note: Percentage will be automatically calculated in QGrants.

Number of parents/carers surveyed that report their child/children made progress towards achieving their agreed goals.

Count the total number of parents/carers who report that their child/children made progress towards achieving their agreed goals.

Note: Percentage will be automatically calculated in QGrants.

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2.2 Qualitative Reporting2.2.1 Story behind the data

The Department values the narrative information from EYS providers as well as the performance data and will collect this information through the story behind the data and two case studies.

To continuously improve the service delivery and achievement of outcomes through early years funding it is important to analyse the data and identify issues that impact or influence client outcomes.

EYS providers should focus on the following: Service delivery performance; Activities delivered; Partners and partnerships; Strategies for improvement; Action plan; and Staff qualifications/training undertaken during the reporting period.

2.2.2 Case studies

Information provided should be non-identifying and include consideration of the following: Background; Support activities provided to improve clients circumstances; and How did the activities contribute to achieving the expected outcomes?

3. Grants Management System – QGrants QGrants is the Department’s grants management system that operates as one portal for you to apply for and manage Early Years Service grants.

3.1. How to use QGrants

How to apply for Queensland Government funding and submit claims via QGrants .

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3.2. Submitting claims through QGrantsOrganisations with an executed funding agreement can lodge a 'claim' to submit required performance and financial reports.

Direct data entry will be required for the quantitative performance measures. The template for the story behind the data and case studies should be submitted as an attachment through the QGrants claims process.

After reports have been assessed, payments will be released in accordance with the funding agreement. Further information is available at http://deta.qld.gov.au/earlychildhood/service/early-years-services.htmlQGrants

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Appendix 1 – EYS Provider Feedback FormPlease send to: EYS@dete.qld.gov.auDocument name:Issue or Topic Reference

(Page/section)Suggested change or comment on the Early Years Services Guidelines Part A or Part B

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