Co-in-Q: co-creation to innovation in function of quality

Sustainably enhancing quality is the shared ambition of the sector where work is done in teams with children/young people and families. This work on quality can only be achieved with continued focus on driving innovation and commitment to reflective practice. Further professional growth in the field is best and most effectively achieved if it involves a continuous process and also makes room for self-reflection (Whitebook et al., 2009). Besides the necessary training for professionals on guiding children and working with parents, it is also important that professionals can be part of a professional learning community in which joint learning is paramount and where quality can be reflected on together (oa Core, 2011; ISSA, 2017). As Vandenbrouck and Lazarri argue, centralised systems are needed to monitor quality.

However, there is also a need - in the field and among professionals in training - for a supportive instrument to also realise that quality together with all stakeholders. Besides focusing on a reflective practice, we also mentioned driving innovation in the pursuit of quality. To do this in a sustainable and supported way, support is needed. Sufficient expertise has also been built up within our training in recent years on supporting innovation (via the gocart project, the VVSG service project and the profiling part of the training). These methodologies are tailored to students and/or tailored to a specific field of work and with a specific objective. However, there is a lack of research to further explore these available knowledge, insights and tools for their usability and from there also to develop a substantiated tool for a broad field of work and applicable to a wide range of societal) challenges. 

In this research, we nurture what is strong, and strengthen where necessary. The research will be characterised by the appreciative approach. We incorporate the core elements of Appreciative Inquiry (participatory approach, focus on possibilities, sustainable outcome, high involvement) throughout the different phases of the research. (Cooperrider et al; 2005). We actively work on creating impact when designing this tool. Scientifically based and user-friendly design. Theoretically founded and geared to practice.