Nursery World - Workforce survey calls for pay rise

A survey of the early years and childcare workforce carried out by an independent consultancy for the Scottish Executive suggests that pay in the sector will have to rise in order to expand provision. The survey, carried by the MVA Consultancy in April-May 2000, found that although more staff were recruited in the previous year than the numbers who had left, this required 'significant effort', and difficulties were reported in finding junior staff with suitable qualifications and experience. These difficulties were reflected in the generally low level of qualifications of the current junior staff.

The survey, carried by the MVA Consultancy in April-May 2000, found that although more staff were recruited in the previous year than the numbers who had left, this required 'significant effort', and difficulties were reported in finding junior staff with suitable qualifications and experience. These difficulties were reflected in the generally low level of qualifications of the current junior staff.

The report comments, 'From the survey evidence about the constraints operating in the sector, it appears that more accessible training would improve this situation. Current accessibility is perceived by many as poor, because of shortages of funding, time and staff cover. Apart from skill considerations, more accessible training could give the sector a more credible career structure. However, pay is also an issue, in that there do not seem to be significant rewards for improved qualifications. Even more senior staff members appear to be poorly rewarded in comparison with other sectors.'

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