Nursery World - Nurseries gain quality marks

Twenty-four day nurseries in England have become the first to achieve a national kitemark from the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA). The Quality Counts assurance scheme, available to providers throughout the UK, aims to promote quality in early years settings and out-of-school care. The first successful nurseries, which range from single-site, owner-managed settings to larger chains, are to be presented with their awards by early years minister Baroness Ashton at a celebratory lunch in London next week.

The Quality Counts assurance scheme, available to providers throughout the UK, aims to promote quality in early years settings and out-of-school care. The first successful nurseries, which range from single-site, owner-managed settings to larger chains, are to be presented with their awards by early years minister Baroness Ashton at a celebratory lunch in London next week.

NDNA chief executive Rosemary Murphy said, 'We are delighted for these first nurseries to achieve accreditation. All their feedback tells us that they found Quality Counts challenging but worthwhile, making a real contribution to the day-to-day running of their nurseries.

'The first nurseries to achieve Quality Counts have worked extremely hard and are to be congratulated on their accomplishment. Completion of Quality Counts is a major commit-ment for nurseries and takes from six to 18 months. The NDNA works closely with nurseries, providing mentors to support them through the Quality Counts process.' The Quality Counts scheme is based on portfolio building, self-assessment and mentoring. Settings work towards 17 modules before assessment and accreditation. The award is valid for two years.

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