The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) aims to have the qualification criteria worked out by the end of the year. A spokeswoman said the SSSC estimates that it will need to register around 120,000 early years and childcare workers. She said, 'We are very keen to get people's views. It's so useful to get expertise from the sector. We aim to set qualifications by the end of 2003 so people will have plenty of time to work towards them if they need to.'
The Scottish Social Services Council is introducing its registration of individuals in the care workforce in phases. Phase one, which began this year, includes all those with a diploma in social work, Care Commission officers and staff in residential childcare. Early education and childcare workers will be included in the second phase, alongside adult residential care workers.
In setting the criteria for registration, the SSSC will take into account the duties and responsibilities carried out by all education and childcare workers. Its consultation document states that the qualifications framework for early education and childcare will be decided by the principles of 'integration of practice and learning', 'recognition within the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework' and 'the importance of underpinning knowledge and a value base that is consistent with the Code of Practice for Social Service Workers'.
Respondents are asked to comment on whether these principles are appropriate. They are also asked whether the list of job titles given in the consultation is comprehensive and what qualifications frontline workers, supervisors and managers should hold.
Log on to www.sssc.uk.comto download a questionnaire to be returned to the SSSC by 6 October 2003, or call 0845 60 30 891 for a printed version.