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New rules divide early years staff

Fears that new qualification requirements might lead to an exodus of experienced, unqualified staff out of Scotland's childcare sector appear to be receding as the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) begins the process this month of registering early years practitioners. The registration process began last October with managers and leading practitioners. The SSSC has not set a deadline for registration but has stipulated that staff gain their qualifications within three years of registration.

The registration process began last October with managers and leading practitioners. The SSSC has not set a deadline for registration but has stipulated that staff gain their qualifications within three years of registration.

Susan Bain, development director of the Association of Quality Nurseries in Scotland, said there had been 'a fear factor' among some older staff but there was 'no real hard evidence that people are going to leave the sector in droves'.

However, Jim O'Neill of the Professional Association of Teachers in Scotland, said, 'People have said to me that it seems totally unfair that they are within five years of retiring and yet they are being told that if they don't get these qualifications they will be out of a job.'

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