Independent review of childcare workforce

Date: 23rd July 2014
Category: Family Environment and Alternative Care

Professor Iram Siraj is chairing an independent review of early learning and childcare and out of school care, and is seeking the views of individuals and organisations with an interest in this area.

The independent review has been commissioned by the Scottish Government and is running from March 2014 to April 2015.

Professor Siraj will engage with a wide range of stakeholders from across Scotland to gather views, perspectives and data for the Review. In addition to consultations, evidence will be gathered from a core reference group of experts, focus groups, interviews and visits to early learning and childcare and out of schools care provision across the country.

An in depth literature review on best training and qualifications to achieve quality early learning and childcare and out of school care together with analyses of relevant documents and reports will inform the Review.

Professor Siraj is calling for individuals and organisations with an interest in the key themes of the Review to submit consultation responses. This consultation will be open until 30th September 2014.

• Find out more about the review and access the consultation here.

Together will be responding to this consultation to highlight the importance of embedding the 'Common Core of Skills, Knowledge and Understanding and Values for the Children's Workforce in Scotland' document into the recruitment and training of those working with children, including the childcare workforce.

As highlighted in Together's 2012 State of Children's Rights report, the Common Core explicitly references the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and has been welcomed by many children's organisations, who recommend that it is promoted more widely.