Skills Development Scotland (SDS) has published its Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Skills Investment Plan (SIP) Prospectus in partnership with industry, which lays out high level targets for the sector across Scotland. One major target of top priority to the ELC sector is to attract a more diverse workforce.
Anne Condie, Head of Childminding Services at SCMA is part of the Steering Group responsible for the development of the ELC SIP. Commenting on its publication Anne said: “Skills drive forward growth and opportunities and SCMA actively promote continuous professional development to our members. The Early Learning and Childcare Skills Investment Plan outlines the skills, challenges and opportunities across our sector and we welcome the publication of the Prospectus.
“SCMA has been actively involved in developing the SIP and the ‘My World of Work’ website that supports the increase of funded provision of childcare in Scotland to 1,140 hours by 2020. We will continue to work closely with SDS to ensure that childminders form part of the provision of the high quality ELC workforce in the future.”
The Prospectus is part of the response to the increase in Scottish Government targets for funded ELC provision. It sets out direction and actions to ensure the sector has the workforce to fuel the expansion, and provide high-quality, flexible and accessible childcare across the country. SDS has advised that a more detailed action plan will be published later in 2017. A key recommendation of the Prospectus is increasing diversification of the workforce by showing ELC as a positive and rewarding sector where the skills, qualifications and qualities of the workforce are valued.
To read more about the Early Learning and Childcare Skills Investment Plan: Prospectus CLICK HERE.