Education in Early Childhood: The Pre-school Years


EDUCATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD: THE PRE-SCHOOL YEARS A CONSULTATION PAPER SCOTTISH OFFICE EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT NOVEMBER 1997
MINISTERIAL FOREWORD
CONTENTS SECTION 1: POLICY FRAMEWORK
	Why pre-school education matters The policy agenda: expansion of pre-school education The distinctive nature of pre-school education Integrated early years services The relationship between pre-school education and daycare Current provision: some facts and figures The statutory context The lessons from vouchers The role of local authorities A national framework of standards and objectives
SECTION 2:PRIORITIES
	Priorities Education for children in the pre-school year Education in the ‘ante-pre-school year’ Integrated 'early years' services Keeping priorities in view
SECTION 3:PLANNING AND PARTNERSHIP
	Importance of planning and partnership Partnership with parents Partnership with other providers Planning in partnership with other providers Partnership consultations and Early Years Forums Pre-school education and links with other plans
SECTION 4:FUNDING AND ACOUNTABILITY
	Funding and accountability Objectives of a funding mechanism A context of financial constraint A context of legislative constraint The proposed funding arrangements Weightings and other issues relating to the level and distribution of grant Level of grant to voluntary and private sector centres Transport costs Reporting and accountability Appendix to section 4: The merits in principle of three basic models of funding
SECTION 5:CURRICULUM AND QUALITY ISSUES
	Curriculum and quality issues Background Performance indicators for use in pre-school services Curriculum framework for children in the pre-school year Quality assurance Assuring quality under specific grant system Harmonisation of standards Early excellence
SECTION 6: PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN
	Existing provision for younger children Need to expand provision for younger children as resources permit Characteristics of provision for younger children Curriculum for younger children Options for younger children
SECTION 7: SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
	Special educational needs in pre-school education Funding for pre-school SEN Improving information on pre-school SEN
SECTION 8: TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
	Introduction Teachers Nursery nurses Other staff Differing views on roles Recent innovations Current issues Need for review?
SECTION 9: CONCLUSIONS AND CONSULTATION PROCESS
	Conclusions and consultation process Consultation process
APPENDIX A: SUMMARY OF QUESTIONS
APPENDIX B: LIST OF CONSULTEES