Supporting the vision for children and young people

The seminar explores how outcomes of the National Review of Early Years and Childcare are supporting innovative early years' leadership across a range of children's service provision and placing Scotland at the forefront of developing excellence in integrated early years practice.

The National Review of the Early Years and Childcare workforce was announced in June 2004 and delivered its report 'Investing in Children's Futures' in August 2006.

In that, Ministers defined their intended action plan to achieve a vision for children and young people in Scotland and for a workforce that was highly skilled to support that vision.

Consequently the Scottish Social Services Council was asked to lead the development of an integrated qualifications framework for the sector.

The first step in the process was the development of a single benchmark standard at SCQF level 9 that defined the professional values and personal commitments; professional knowledge and understanding; professional skills and abilities required by the sector.

These activities subsequently inform professional action. This approach is intended to develop leadership in the Early Years and Childcare sector by creating a workforce that is led by professionals qualified with 360 credits at level 9 in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).

It supports the work of a multi faceted professional who can lead teams across a range of disciplines involved in working with children and their families.

The organising principles for programmes leading to the qualification are that they will: be based on learning in and through the workplace be delivered through partnership provide flexible, responsive and adaptable opportunities for learning be challenging and stimulating provide effective support for learners.

The seminar explores how the sector has been actively involved in defining the standard and their aspiration for the future of the sector.