SCMA Chief Executive Maggie Simpson is attending the Early Learning and Childcare Strategic Forum today (27 July 2016) at the Scottish Parliament.
“The Forum is made up of key partners and stakeholders involved in Early Learning and Childcare and this is the first one chaired by Mark McDonald, MSP the new Minister for Childcare and Early Years,” said Maggie. “There will be discussion on the aim to develop high quality, flexible early learning and childcare which is affordable and accessible for all, and of course the increase in entitlement to 1140 hours by 2020. My aim is to ensure that childminders are included in these discussions as providers of high quality services which provide the flexibility parents need to work, train or study.”
The Forum was established in 2015 to oversee the development of Early Learning and Childcare and to ensure that this meets the needs of families. It provides a high-level focus on all early learning and childcare and out of school care in Scotland as part of an ambitious vision which includes ensuring that expansion planning is realistic, achievable and sustainable.