Welcome to the AQNS Website

About AQNS

The current membership represents a wide variety of early years and childcare settings. Membership is broad and includes private, independent, charitable and workplace nurseries, early years training organisations and some associate members. In addition to provision for 0-5 year olds, many of our members also provide out of school care services for children of primary school age. Membership is open to all who have an interest in, or who are involved in the delivery of early years care and education.

Main aims of the organisation

• To support and improve the provision, standard and availability of Early Years Care and Education
• To be actively involved in and influence planning and decision making at local and national levels
• To heighten public awareness of quality childcare provision
• To be active members of Local Authority Childcare Partnerships
• To develop and strengthen partnerships within Private, Public and Voluntary Sectors

AQNS for Members

Members views are clearly represented and heard at both local and national levels. At a national level AQNS has been consulted and the Development Director and Chairperson sit on a number of high level committees and forums including:

• SCSWIS (Social Care Social Work Improvement Scotland)National Quality and Consistency Forum
• Scottish Government “Investing in Children’s Futures” Steering Group & Technical Expert Group, tasked with developing the new SCQF Level 9 qualification for managers and lead practitioners
• Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Early Years Workforce Forum

We are in regular contact with a number of MSP’s and MP’s each of whom is happy to support our thinking. Scottish Government consult and discuss matters with us as policy papers come under review. Members views and opinions across the country have been regularly sought in response to such papers.

AQNS for Parents

Parents are the first educators of their children. However we realise that it's not always easy to be a parent.

This section provides you with some useful articles that may answer some of your questions and also provides links to other websites you might find useful.