The first degree level qualifications for early years and child care professionals based on a new professional standard are expected to be available throughout Scotland by the autumn 2008. The new qualifications are the result of the Standard for Childhood Practice which was launched last year by Minister for Children and Early Years, Adam Ingram.

The subject benchmark describes how learners will achieve 360 credits and with an output at SCQF level 9. It is against this standard that new qualifications, known as Childhood Practice awards, will be developed. One aim of the standard is to allow early years and child care workers to follow courses with an appropriate balance of learning related to professional knowledge and understanding, skills and abilities, and values and personal commitment. It also establishes a professional framework for early years and child care workers. This is an important step in professional recognition. The three features of the standard inform the professional action that is required in the sector.

The development of Childhood Practice awards are designed to put Scotland at the forefront of the development of integrated qualifications for early years and child care practitioners. Longer term, all early years and child care managers will be required to gain the new awards of 360 credits at SCQF level 9, for registration with the SSSC.

Evidence shows that the best experiences for children come from the best qualified staff, including where the manager has a degree level award.

The SSSC worked closely with key stakeholders to determine the standard. For example 78% of professionals who responded to Scottish Government consultation felt that Level 9 or higher, on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework was the correct level for managers in day care of children services.

The SSSC has produced a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the new childhood practice awards. You can view the FAQs on childhood practice awards here.

Training providers

You can view a list of the Training Providers delivering the New Award here.

Investing in Children's future, Childhood practice awards newsletter

You can view the SSSC Childhood Practice newsletter - issue 2.

If you have any queries regarding the childhood practice awards, please contact Frances Scott, Workforce Development Manager at frances.scott@sssc.uk.com

Rules and Requirements for Awards Developed from the Standard for Childhood Practice 2008

The SSSC has, through consultation, developed the Rules and Requirements for Awards Developed fromthe Standard for Childhood Practice.  These Rules and Requirements set out the criteria for the approval of courses for persons who wish to become manager/lead practitioner in early years and child care service and the arrangements for the monitoring, review and investiation of such courses.

You can view the Foreword for Childhood Practice Rules and the full report on the Rules and Requirements for Awards Developed from the Standard for Childhood Practice 2008 here.