This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Childcare workforce at record high
08/02/2005
Scotland's childcare workforce is bigger and better
qualified than ever, according to the latest
statistics.
The Pre-school and Childcare Workforce Statistics 2004 -
which includes information on staff numbers, turnover,
qualifications, experience and pay - show that:
- Scotland has 28,150 pre-school and childcare posts
- 1,400 more than last year
- 74 per cent of staff are qualified - seven per cent
up on last year
- Local authority childcare staff earn the most and
are longest-serving
Speaking during a visit to the New Cowgate Under 5s
Centre in Edinburgh, Education Minister Peter Peacock
said:
"Development in pre-school and childcare has been one of
the great successes of the early years of devolution.
"It is essential parents have access to good quality and
affordable childcare where their children can flourish.
"This not only helps a child's development - improving
their learning and social skills - but provides the support
parents need to return to work, helping grow the economy in
the process.
"Today's figures are particularly encouraging because
they show that the work we have done and the millions we
have invested is delivering improved local services - we
now have a workforce that is bigger and more qualified than
ever.
"There is, however, no room for complacency and we are
working on the detail of the next steps we want to take to
improve services even further.
"We want to attract even more to the profession and will
work to ensure childcare in Scotland maintains three
crucial principles - flexibility, affordability and with
excellence as standard.
"To help with improving further the recruitment of new
staff I will ask the National Review Group of the Early
Years and Childcare Workforce to make recommendations to me
for this.
"I also look forward to receiving their report this
summer, which I hope will drive better recognition of the
professionalisation of this sector, improve career and
promotion prospects and make this fast growing sector even
more successful in the future."
From 2006-07, the early education and childcare
workforce will have to register with the Scottish Social
Services Council. To register, individuals must hold, or be
working towards, a recognised qualification.
Between 2000 and 2006 the Executive has invested £24.8
million to provide staff with better training and access to
qualifications. A further £12 million willbe invested
between 2006 and 2008.
The Executive's Childcare Strategy aims to provide
affordable, accessible, good quality childcare. Childcare
Strategy Funding totalled £29.75 million in 2004-05 and
will increase to over £40 million in 2005-06.