Nursery World - Star quality

The new star rating quality assurance scheme for childcare providers is explained by schools minister Stephen Timms The pace of change in childcare has been very rapid over the past few years. Some 134,000 new, free early education places have been created for three- and four-year-olds since we came into Government and funding is set to treble between 2000 and 2004. But we need to ensure quality as well as build capacity. Investors in Children, which I am launching at the Kid's Clubs Network conference today, will be a key part in our drive to ensure high quality provision across all childcare services.

The pace of change in childcare has been very rapid over the past few years. Some 134,000 new, free early education places have been created for three- and four-year-olds since we came into Government and funding is set to treble between 2000 and 2004. But we need to ensure quality as well as build capacity. Investors in Children, which I am launching at the Kid's Clubs Network conference today, will be a key part in our drive to ensure high quality provision across all childcare services.

Research has shown quality provision is crucial to supporting children's language, social and intellectual development. That's why in March 2001, the prime minister announced proposals to develop the Investors in Children scheme. The rating scheme aims to help parents choose what's right for their children by providing a simple, practical guide to the quality of care and early education. It also aims to promote higher standards by encouraging providers to get involved in quality assurance schemes.

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