Highland and Moray Accredited Training Services (HIMATS) is a joint initiative between Highland Pre-school Services, the Out of School Care Federation and the Scottish Childminding Association (Highland and Moray). The partnership aims to provide improved access to SVQs in Early Years Care and Education, Playwork and Management as well as introduce assessor and internal verifier awards in the future.
HIMATS will focus in particular on assisting early years staff working in rural areas who want greater access to recognised qualifications. The three parent organisations will provide support and mentoring to candidates.
Financial support has been awarded to HIMATS from both the Highland and Moray Childcare Partnerships and from Lloyds TSB Foundation. It is seeking additional finance to consolidate the company.
The company has already begun the delivery of SVQs to 19 candidates, and further expansion to this training is planned for October 2001.
Ann Brady, chief executive of Highland Pre-school Services, said, 'We aim to improve access to training for people living in rural areas. We are also looking to the future with an eye on the national standards, because meeting that is crucial for the sustainability of our member groups.
'Not only is HIMATS offering the awards, but it will also be giving mentoring and underpinning support through the three partners. We already have 19 candidates and there is a growing waiting list at the moment.' She added, 'We are taking the development of the training company slowly because we want to keep a keen eye on the quality of the process and maintain a good staff infrastructure. The collaborative model of working is already reaping benefits for our collective membership in terms of new training opportunities.'