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What is 'Investors in Children'?
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Investors in Children is a Government initiative designed to help childcare and early education providers find
the best 'Quality Assurance schemes' in the early education and childcare sector.
In March 2002 the Department for Education and Skills took part in consultations with childcare providers, Local
Authorities, Quality Assurance schemes and professional organisations. Two clear messages came back from the
consultation: firstly that parents wanted more information about the quality of provision on offer; and secondly
that childcare providers recognised effective Quality Assurance as a way of enabling them to raise standards.
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What are 'Quality Assurance schemes'?
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Quality Assurance schemes, of which there are more than 60 in existence, are training programmes designed to promote
quality by encouraging childcare providers to think carefully about what they do and why they do it - this is called
'reflective practice'.
A good scheme will encourage providers to do three things:
- To look critically at the quality of their service for themselves.
- To compare their practices with what we know about best practice.
- To get further training to ensure they are delivering best practice.
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What does it mean to you?
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Investors in Children endorsed Quality Assurance schemes are entitled to include the Investors in Children badge
within their promotional and award materials (e.g. certificates and plaques). Once you have been accredited by an
endorsed scheme you will be able to show parents that you are committed to delivering high quality service. This
in turn will enable parents to make a more informed choice when deciding with whom they wish to entrust the care
of their child.
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Further information
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For further information go to Sure Start website:
View Sure Start - Investors in children
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