The Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Division at the Scottish Government has published an update on the ELC Expansion Programme for August 2018.
SCMA plays a key role, with Chief Executive, Maggie Simpson, sitting on the ELC Strategic Forum representing childminding in Scotland at a national level, providing you with a voice.
Following this update on the funded ELC Expansion Programme, we wanted to share this information with you and highlight several key areas of interest.
Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Service Model for 2020 Consultation
On 29 March the Scottish Government and COSLA published this joint consultation paper, which sets out the ‘Funding Follows the Child’ approach and the proposed National Standard.
The consultation closed in June and received more than 200 responses. An independent analysis of all the responses is now underway and a report is due to be published this autumn, alongside the final version of the National Standard for funded ELC services. Maggie Simpson, SCMA’s Chief Executive, has submitted a national-level response on behalf of SCMA.
Read more
Parental Communication
The Scottish Government is engaging with a range of partners to develop their ‘Parental Engagement Strategy’ to ensure they have the right balance of central and local messaging. The team is currently developing content for their new ‘Parent Club’ website, which will include information to help families understand their entitlement, the benefits of funded ELC and how to explore their options.
Helen Forrest, our Marketing and Communications Manager, will be meeting with the Parental Engagement Strategy team soon to ensure childminders are represented and their role within the ELC sector is not neglected.
National Induction Resource
One of the actions in the ELC Quality Action Plan is to develop a ‘National Induction Resource’ for
new staff entering the ELC sector, to support their professional development and ensure high-quality care to improve outcomes for children.
The Scottish Government is currently working with partners - including SCMA - to develop this resource; however, this resource will most likely be aimed at individuals entering the ELC sector to work in group services, rather than childminding settings.
To ensure, the Scottish Government are aware, Maggie Simpson – our Chief Executive – has already highlighted the value and success of our new Childminding Induction Support Programme, which has supported more than 250 potential childminders since its launch in December 2017.
Settings of Innovation and Impact
The ELC Quality Action Plan refers to an action, where settings that provide funded ELC are shared nationally to celebrate their innovation and impact, ultimately benefitting children’s wellbeing and development.
Janine Ryan - our Head of Childminding Services - has submitted an application demonstrating and showcasing innovation within childminding settings. A team drawn from the Scottish Government, Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland will work with selected settings to share this learning across Scotland.