Skillseekers draws to an end for Children’s Care Learning and Development (CCLD)

Thursday, 28 October 2010 14:05

The SSSC supports the Scottish Government's agenda for achieving the best possible outcomes for children and is working with other Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) and professional groups to make this happen by up skilling the children's workforce.

The aim is to develop a degree led children's workforce with the capacity to move across as well as between roles in the social services and within other key professions in the children's sector.

As a result of workforce development initiatives in the children's sector it is now apparent that the vast majority of workers undertake job functions at SVQ level 3.

Our workforce information and feedback from other regulatory bodies also indicates that the majority of the estimated 30,000 children's workers including childminders operate at practitioner level which corresponds to SVQ level 3 or above.

In light of this and the current regulations the priority is to ensure that children's workers are qualified to SVQ level 3 and above, and the SSSC supports Scottish Government's plans to phase out the Skillseekers programme for CCLD SVQ level 2. SQA and other awarding bodies provide a range of pre entry courses including Skills for Work and National Certificate units for those who want to consider a career in early years. SVQ level 2 is still available to trainers and providers through awarding bodies but will not be available through Skillseekers in future.

Based on employers' comments, the SSSC will continue to negotiate for support for additional Modern Apprentices (CCLD and Health and Social Care: Adults and Children and Young People) for employees over the age of 20.

For more information contact nina.roberts@sssc.uk.com or brian.smith@sssc.uk.com