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Early years groups called to speak to official inquiry

Early years organisations and local authorities from across Scotland have been invited to give oral evidence to the education committee as part of the Scottish Parliament's ongoing early years inquiry. The committee has received 50 written responses to the inquiry, and is now calling on a selection of representatives from the sector to submit a further report and make a presentation at committee meetings throughout November.
Early years organisations and local authorities from across Scotland have been invited to give oral evidence to the education committee as part of the Scottish Parliament's ongoing early years inquiry.

The committee has received 50 written responses to the inquiry, and is now calling on a selection of representatives from the sector to submit a further report and make a presentation at committee meetings throughout November.

The Care Commission, Learning and Teaching Scotland, and the Scottish Pre-School Play Association (SPPA) are among those who have been called.

A Learning and Teaching Scotland spokeswoman confirmed that it would speak about its role in supporting quality in early years practice.

SPPA chief executive Ian McLaughlan will address the key issues of partnership working and integrated services.

Education committee members have already heard evidence from Unison Scotland and four local authorities at a meeting on 8 October.

In its written evidence, Unison Scotland claimed current childcare provision was not sufficiently flexible. The report said, 'The availability of part-time places in nursery classes means that working parents must still rely on childminders in addition to nursery school. This is disruptive for children. The government should provide universal full-time childcare for all ages.'

Unison also called for fully-integrated childcare based around primary and secondary schools. It said, 'At present, there is sufficient space in secondary schools which could be adapted for greater community use, and we feel strongly that this would be the best setting for nursery schools and other childcare provision.'

Susan Gray, chair of Shetland Childcare Partnership, gave evidence to the education committee on behalf of Shetland Islands council. The council raised the issue of a lack of long-term funding for childcare initiatives, claiming many will never be sustainable unless long-term realistic funding is secured.

The council also called on the government to introduce a system of accredited prior learning to retain experienced and valued staff.

A final report on the Scottish Parliament Inquiry into Early Years will be published early next year. See www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/committees/education/currentInquiries.