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Introduction
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As a parent you want to be sure that the childcare provider you choose to care for your children is one that
provides quality day-care. Your visit to the childcare provider will tell you a lot about the standard of care
they provide.
Another way of ensuring the childcare provider is meeting quality standards is to look at whether they have
completed or are undertaking a Quality Assurance programme.
The following information is designed to help you understand what Quality Assurance schemes in early years are and
which schemes are specific to each provider.
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What is quality assurance?
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Quality Assurance schemes are programmes that are designed to enable childcare providers to raise standards in day
care and education. The childcare providers will be able to demonstrate their commitment to excellence by going
above and beyond the national standards as set by OfSTED.
It is a framework that enables childcare providers to work towards measurable standards of quality; ensuring
children are given the best possible start.
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What are the benefits?
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Supports best practice and gives children the best start in life
Quality Assurance programmes ensure that providers are meeting high expectations in providing a caring, stimulating
environment that promotes a high quality curriculum for all children. Research shows that children who have access
to quality care in their early year's benefit greatly in their development.
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Demonstrates commitment to quality for parents
Shows commitment to parents by undertaking to work to the highest quality standards. All quality assurance schemes
expect providers to show they are working in full partnership with their parents, to ensure the individual needs of
their children are met.
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Excellent preparation for OfSTED inspection
Providers working with Quality Assurance will have to meet the minimum standards as set by OfSTED, but go much
further than that by working to the highest standards as set by the Quality Assurance programme.
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Offers opportunities for staff development
Practitioners working with Quality Assurance have to be able to show that they are updating their knowledge in
childcare, and are working towards high motivation and continuous improvement in their practice.
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Which quality assurance programmes are used in Kirklees?
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| Aiming for Quality |
Pre-school Learning Alliance |
| Aiming High |
Kids Club Network |
| Quality Counts |
National Day Nurseries Association |
| EEL |
Effective Early Learning Programme |
| Quality First |
National Childminding Association |
| Quality for Young Children |
Kirklees Quality Award |
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Investors in children
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Investors in Children is a government initiative designed to help nurseries, childminders, after school clubs,
creches and pre-schools find the best 'Quality Assurance Schemes' in the early education and childcare sector.
Quality Assurance schemes that are endorsed through Investors in Children show they have met a rigorous
comprehensive review process.
Only a limited number of Quality Assurance schemes are endorsed through Investors in Children.
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What does investors in children mean to you as a parent?
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Childcare providers that have completed a scheme that is endorsed through Investors in Children show that the
provider has completed a robust scheme and is committed to delivering a high quality service.
This will enable you as parents to make a more informed choice when deciding with whom you wish to entrust the
care of your child/children.
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How will i know that the childcare provider has completed a quality assurance programme?
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During your visit to the childcare provider ask to see the Quality Assurance certificate. The Children's
Information Service can also provide details on which provider has completed which scheme.
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Translated documents
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Gujarati
Information sheet for parents - Quality assurance (PDF 141Kb)
Punjabi
Information sheet for parents - Quality assurance (PDF 149Kb)
Urdu
Information sheet for parents - Quality assurance (PDF 413Kb)
For further information on Quality Assurance please get in touch with Gillian Butterfield, Quality Assurance
Manager on 01484 223038.
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