Nurseries see stars in new rating plans

Nurseries and childcare providers will be awarded hotel-style 'star' ratings in a new scheme revealed this week by prime minister Tony Blair. The scheme, 'Investors in Children', is to rate early years providers on their facilities and quality of service. The prime minister also announced a funding boost of £19m to help nursery schools and playgroups expand what they offer to include out-of-school facilities, services for a wider age range of children and family services such as health visitors, family support and adult education.