With money from the Transformation Fund equating to 500 per worker in the early years sector, it is not going to achieve miracles (see News, page 4). However, there are some interesting suggestions in the Government's response to the children's workforce strategy consultation, which includes the decisions on allocating money through the Transformation Fund. Cash has been made available for training and developing non-graduate staff as well as the new graduate leaders - the early years professionals. And following dissent at the strategy's stated aim of seeing a greater proportion of the workforce qualified to level 2, this has been altered to level 3, although target figures are yet to be decided. Specific mention has been made, too, of money for more training for those working with disabled children and children who have special educational needs.
With money from the Transformation Fund equating to 500 per worker in the early years sector, it is not going to achieve miracles (see News, page 4). However, there are some interesting suggestions in the Government's response to the children's workforce strategy consultation, which includes the decisions on allocating money through the Transformation Fund.
Cash has been made available for training and developing non-graduate staff as well as the new graduate leaders - the early years professionals. And following dissent at the strategy's stated aim of seeing a greater proportion of the workforce qualified to level 2, this has been altered to level 3, although target figures are yet to be decided. Specific mention has been made, too, of money for more training for those working with disabled children and children who have special educational needs.
Some questions immediately arise. How will the funds be administered through the local authorities, and is there more potential for dissatisfaction in the private and voluntary sectors? And what will happen after autumn 2008, when the Transformation Fund runs out? Will any improvements be sustainable? To what extent will the workforce consist of well-regarded, well-paid and well-motivated staff, producing the best outcomes for children at affordable prices?
