New rules divide early years staff

Fears that new qualification requirements might lead to an exodus of experienced, unqualified staff out of Scotland's childcare sector appear to be receding as the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) begins the process this month of registering early years practitioners. The registration process began last October with managers and leading practitioners. The SSSC has not set a deadline for registration but has stipulated that staff gain their qualifications within three years of registration.