Scotland launches early years resources
Friday, May 24, 2019
A new induction pack has been published for people working in early learning and childcare in Scotland.
The pack will provide staff who are new to the sector with information on how to obtain funding for further qualifications, the legal requirements for working in childcare, and where to access support throughout their career.
The Scottish government has launched the resources to support its aim of doubling entitlement to early learning and childcare to 1,140 hours a year by August 2020.
Up to 11,000 more workers, or 9,000 full time equivalents, will be needed to work in the sector to fulfil this aim.
Children’s minister Maree Todd said, ‘We want Scotland to be the best place in the world to grow up, and that means that every child, regardless of their circumstances, should be given the opportunity to realise their full potential.
‘Nearly doubling entitlement to 1,140 hours per year has to go hand in hand with raising quality.
‘With 34,000 people already working in childcare in Scotland, and up to another 11,000 set to join them, getting it right from the first moment people set foot in their workplace with consistent advice and support is essential.
‘We have worked with the sector to create the induction resource, and will continue to develop and improve it over time, with the aim of making sure everyone working in this exciting sector will have the best possible experience with all the right support.’
Chief executive of the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Lorraine Gray added, ‘Thousands of new workers are joining the sector to deliver the expansion of early learning and childcare provision, so this induction resource is very welcome.
‘It will help employers provide new staff with key information on SSSC registration, the qualifications they will need to hold or work towards and the SSSC Codes of Practice which outline the values and behaviours expected of workers. It will also help workers know their responsibilities and has useful sources of support.’
- The National Induction Resource is available here
