Your chance to feed in to the National Occupational Standards review

There is still time to have a say in the review of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for children's care, learning and development. An online survey available until 24 June asks those working across the sector to consider issues including whether the NOS are still relevant, where there are gaps and whether the language and tone 'feels right'.

The survey specifically seeks individuals' views on priorities for change and which standards continue to work well.

The standards are being reviewed by the Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC) in partnership with the Sector Skills Council for social care, children, early years and young people's workforces in the UK.

The NOS are used to describe best practice in particular areas of work and to set out statements of competence that identify the skills, knowledge and understanding required for the workplace. They also have a remit for training and development and can help to shape units within qualifications.

Jane Roe, senior project manager, Business and Performance Directorate at the CWDC, reports that turnout for the first two consultation events was healthy. She says that each day's agenda has focused on themes that participants have flagged up.

'The standards are reviewed incrementally in order to ensure they reflect job roles and the skills required,' she says. 'We are keen for those working in the sector to think about their roles and provide input on how the standards should underpin them. The standards are very important for employers. They also inform career progression, job descriptions and performance management.'

NDNA chief executive Purnima Tanuku (pictured) says the NOS review is an opportunity for the sector to comment on what needs to be updated. 'Nursery owners and managers will be using and experiencing the NOS on a daily basis and are ideally placed to comment on how helpful they are in supporting workforce consistency and new areas to cover.

'It is crucial the sector shares its views via the online consultation and events. These comments will be used to inform a new draft set of NOS which will then be consulted on.'

The survey is at www.surveymonkey.com/s/HZXTLMT