Scottish Government launches Workforce Review Response

Today, Minister for Children and Young People, Aileen Campbell MSP, launched the response to Professor Iram Siraj’s Independent Review of the Early Learning and Childcare and Out of School Care Workforce. 

The response was published as the Children’s Minister Aileen Campbell visited Hailesland Early Years Centre to meet a Modern Apprentice training to become an early years practitioner.

Among the 31 recommendations were:
• Children must have access to highly qualified staff with expertise in early learning
• Early years practitioners should be entitled to a living wage
• A strategic group should look at issues around quality and expansion of the workforce, and; 
• Induction or pre-registration training should be a requirement for childminders

As part of the review, childminders met with Professor Iram Siraj to discuss their views on the future of childminding and the current difficulties in accessing relevant, affordable training. SCMA also responded to the consultation on behalf of our members. 

As a result of this review, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced the introduction of a quality standard for childminders in Scotland. The intention of the quality standard is to ensure children receive the highest quality of care. It will lead to increased accessibility to training and qualifications for existing childminders and induction training becoming a requirement for those new to the profession. 

SCMA will work with other organisations such as the Care Inspectorate and SSSC to develop the quality standard and ensure it is accessible for all childminders. 

At today’s launch Aileen Campbell said; 

“This is an exciting time for early learning and childcare, as we plan for the most significant expansion in provision ever seen in Scotland – from 600 hours a year to 1,140 by the end of the next parliament.

“We want children to have the highest quality care and the workforce is fundamental to this. That is why we commissioned an independent expert to review a range of issues from qualifications and training, to gender balance and pay.

“I look forward to working with the Workforce and Quality group and the newly formed Early Learning and Childcare Strategic Forum to help us develop our plans and ensure they are realistic, achievable and have high quality at their core.”

Chief Executive, Maggie Simpson, said; 

“We welcome the response to the Workforce Review and see it as another piece being added to the jigsaw. I look forward to working alongside the Care Inspectorate and SSSC to develop the quality standard.”

SCMA has also been invited to be part of the newly formed Early Learning and Childcare Strategic Forum which will ensure the Scottish Government’s plans are realistic, achievable and have high quality at their core.