FAQ & Support
For further information, feedback on technical issues or queries about the tool or the accreditation process, please see the frequently asked questions here.
If the FAQs do not provide the answer you require you can use the “Further Support” form below to seek further help.
What is the 360 early years tool?
The 360 early years tool allows settings to review their online safety provision, benchmark it against good practice and other settings, produce action plans and access good practice resources.
Is there a charge to use the tool?
No, the tool is provided free of charge by the South West Grid for Learning Trust.
Where can I find additional information about the tool?
This can be found under the Overview tab and includes a Start Guide and Structure Map. A pdf version of the tool content can be printed from the reports page.
Can I just use the pdf version for my review?
The pdf version is a useful aid to settings carrying out their review, but does not provide all the interactive functionality of the online tool – including the improvement actions, reports and links to good practice documents. We strongly recommend that you use the online tool but, if required, have the pdf version alongside you and your colleagues as you carry out your review.
How many accounts can each setting have in 360 early years tool?
The tool works on the basis of one account for each setting, but the setting can have as many users as it wishes. When the setting is registered initially the first user will be given Administrator rights. The Administrator can add other users to the tool and will be able to see details of who is registered to use the tool under “my account” (from your name on the top right of the home page)
It is important that if the Administrator leaves the setting or changes, that the setting informs us by emailing 360safe@swgfl.org.uk of the change so we can allocate Administrator rights to the new relevant staff member, or any other user that the setting wishes to have administration rights.
How many staff members in a setting can register for 360 early years tool?
There is no limit to the number of people who can access the tool, in fact we encourage a team approach to using the tool and reviewing each aspect. The Administrator can add users under "Account".
How do I carry out my review?
You should click on the “Review” tab. You will then be presented with a graph that shows your progress in the tool. Clicking on the review button at the bottom of the page will take you to the review starting page. You can click on a focus within the corresponding area and subsequently to the review pages for the 12 focuses. On the review page the improvement actions will change depending on which level statement you choose. You can also go directly to a focus by clicking on that focus on the review graph
What are the level statements?
Each focus has four level statements (1 to 4). You should choose the statement which is closest to that which best describes your current setting provision for that aspect. Click on your chosen level and then click save. The tool will provide an improvement action, which is different for each level. You can also add a commentary.
What are the commentary boxes for?
You can use the commentary free text boxes as you wish. You could use the boxes to work collaboratively with others in the setting, or with external consultants. You might wish to add a description of your current practice and some notes about how you would wish to improve your practice.
What reports are available?
There are a number of different reports available to settings under the Review/Reporting tab. These provide various levels of detail about your review, progress and progress history in the review and allows you to select the date for which you wish the review to be printed.
How can I save my reports?
When you call up a report, you will have the option of printing it or downloading it to your device. The tool does not save copies of reports, but you can print a report of the content entered into the tool by the setting by the current or a previous date.
How can I download my Certificate of Commitment and Essentials Level Certificate?
To access your certificates, go to the review page and click on the certificates link. You can then download certificates as they become available. The Certificate of Commitment will be available after you register. The Essentials Level Certificate will be available when the setting has rated all focuses at level 3 or above
How can I get further support?
If the FAQs do not provide the answer you require you can use the Contact Form. The tool is intended to be easy to use, however external consultancy can be offered to settings that require it – but there would be charges for this.