Strategic Projects

Current Strategic Objectives

On behalf of the AQNS membership, Board Members and the Development Director are currently involved in a number of important projects and issues. These include:

Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC)

SSSC is the national body responsible for the regulation and registration of Social Services Workers, which includes those employed in Early Years and Childcare. They also developed the Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers and Employers.

• AQNS Development Director is an active member of the Early Years Forum
• AQNS invited to the membership of the strategic Steering Group and technical Expert Group who are tasked with the development of a new qualification framework for the sector, as recommended in the Scottish Executive Early Years Workforce Review, 2006.
• To further influence decision making in relation to the non-public sector
• To inform and support the AQNS membership of Workforce Registration Requirements

SCSWIS (Social Care Social Work Improvement Scotland)for the Regulation of Care

SCSWIS was formed in 2011 and has responsibility for the regulation of Care Services, including Daycare of Children. Services are regulated and inspected under the auspices of The National Care Standards.

• AQNS Development Director and Chairperson are active members of the National Quality and Consistency Forum
• AQNS Development Director attends and contributes to the SCSWIS Early Years Information Exchange meetings

Pre-School Education Funding

Many Private Early Years settings work in partnership with their local authorities to deliver partially funded Pre-school Education.

• Correspondence and meetings with representatives of the Scottish Government Early Education and Childcare Department to address and seek a resolvement to the issues faced by non-public nurseries delivering Pre-School Education
• Meetings with MSP’s and Local Authority Councilors as above

Scottish Enterprise Funding for Qualifications

With the pressure to register staff with SSSC, it is crucial that support funding is available. Such funding is delivered through Skillseeker and Modern Apprenticeships.

• High-level discussions and meetings with Nicol Stephen MSP and representatives of the Scottish Executive to address the implications for employers, due to the withdrawal of Scottish Enterprise funding for Modern Apprentices in the field of childcare

Responding to Consultations

AQNS contributes and responds to all relevant consultations. Members’ views and comments have recently been sought on these and many other consultations:

• Scottish Executive: Early Years Workforce Review
• Scottish Executive: Guidelines for Pre-School Education
• SCSWIS: Quality Assessment Framework