Vicki Keirnan, Early Learning and Childcare Workforce Planning Manager at the Improvement Service, highlights how local authorities are helping grow Scotland’s early learning and childcare workforce.
A skilled, confident Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) workforce is central to Scotland’s ambition to deliver high-quality, nurturing and pedagogically rich experiences for children.
Local authorities have been exploring ways to support staff to gain the qualifications they need while continuing to work in early years settings.
Context
The expansion of funded Early Learning and Childcare in Scotland has increased the demand for qualified practitioners.
To deliver high-quality ELC services, staff must achieve recognised qualifications and meet registration requirements.
Local authorities play a key role in supporting this workforce development. They are responsible for ensuring that funded providers deliver high-quality provision and meet national standards.
The current approach
Most local authorities employ the Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) as the key entry route into the sector – with the qualification element delivered by external colleges or training providers.
This is supported by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) funding and underpinned by the requirement for apprentices to achieve a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Social Services (Children and Young People).
However, accessing training can be challenging for many staff, particularly those already working in settings who need flexible study options alongside employment.
The solution
A small number of local authorities have developed the capability to deliver SVQs internally, through dedicated Learning and Development (L&D) or assessment teams.
These internal models support both MAs and, in some areas, existing ELC staff who require SVQ Level 2 or 3 qualifications for Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registration.
Currently there are four local authorities who are known to deliver SVQs in-house: Argyll and Bute, Highland, Midlothian, and South Lanarkshire.
Moray Council previously delivered SVQs internally but no longer does so, having withdrawn from this approach due to sustainability and assessor capacity constraints.
Supporting the workforce
Local authority delivery models often focus on removing barriers to learning. This includes ensuring staff can access training locally and providing opportunities that fit around working patterns.
Providing structured support for learners is also key. This can involve guidance from experienced staff, regular check-ins, and access to learning resources.
These supports help practitioners build confidence and progress through their qualifications while continuing to contribute to their settings.
Impact and benefits
Delivering ELC qualifications through local authority programmes can offer several benefits:
- Increasing the number of qualified practitioners within the workforce
- Supporting staff to meet professional registration requirements
- Staff feeling greater confidence in their role and the ability to contribute effectively from the start
- Creating clear progression routes for early years careers
- Strengthening local workforce capacity to meet demand
- Internal delivery delivers savings for the councils
Ultimately, developing a qualified and confident workforce supports the delivery of high-quality early learning experiences for children.
Reflections
It’s clear that partnership working is vital, as well as providing flexible learning opportunities, to support workforce development.
By offering accessible qualification pathways, local authorities can help ensure that the early learning and childcare sector has the skilled practitioners needed to meet the growing demand for services.
Its sustainability depends on skilled assessor teams, stable investment, and organisational commitment.
As Scotland continues to build a high-quality and resilient ELC workforce, these insights offer important learning for local and national policy development.
Read the full case study here https://www.improvementservice.org.uk/case-studies/joint/local-authority-delivery-of-early-learning-and-childcare-elc-qualifications