Adam Hall - Programme Manager
adam.hall@improvementservice.org.uk
As Programme Manager, my role involves coordinating and managing the Improvement Service resource dedicated to ELC. This includes providing advice, challenge and support to councils and Scottish Government in pursuit of improving ELC services. With a background in data analysis, modelling and interpretation, I’ve previously helped councils with supply and demand analysis, helping to understand requirements for service delivery. This is alongside core business analysis support including understanding stakeholders and processes.
Emma Gartshore - Engagement Manager
emma.gartshore@improvementservice.org.uk
As Engagement Manager, I support both local authorities and Scottish Government by using knowledge management approaches to strengthen the expansion programme, actively improve engagement with ELC networks and develop content that benefits the ELC sector. My role allows me to actively engage with and develop the early years community as an environment that connects people, encourages faster problem solving, cuts down on duplication of effort and act as an interface between local and Scottish Government.
Mairi-Louise MacDonald - Data and Intelligence Project Officer
mairi.macdonald@improvementservice.org.uk
I am a data and intelligence officer working on early learning and childcare data. I use analytical and programming skills to collect, clean, collate, visualise, and report on data which describes the quality and delivery of funded ELC for the benefit of both Local Government and Scottish Government colleagues. I am passionate about improving systems and services and enjoy using my skillset to uncover patterns and trends from available data which support or give context to the anecdotal trends our team learns in our various council engagement and support activities. I am skilled and experienced in manipulating data with Excel, R, and Python and with building data dashboards in R Shiny and Power BI. Through my ongoing BSc degree in Data Science with the University of Stirling, I am also currently exploring the potential applications of Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning techniques to derive trends and patterns from qualitative data.
Vicki Keirnan - ELC Workforce Planning Manager
vicki.keirnan@improvementservice.org.uk
In my role as Workforce Planning Manager, I work with the Scottish Government, local authorities, and key partners to strengthen and support the delivery of high-quality ELC services across Scotland. My work includes analysing workforce data, advising on recruitment and resourcing strategies, and supporting local authorities in maximizing their workforce's effectiveness. I am passionate about building strong relationships, facilitating learning and collaboration, and ensuring sustainable growth in the ELC profession.
Rob Beal - ELC Service Design and Planning Manager
rob.beal@improvementservice.org.uk
With significant senior management experience across several local authorities in the UK, I bring expertise in early years education, policy implementation, and strategic planning. I have successfully implemented key policy areas such as two-year-old funding and the expansion of early learning and childcare. My experience also includes managing projects in the third sector, including app development and parenting support.
At the Improvement Service, I lead the Outcomes and Measurement Framework (OMF) project, which is jointly owned and supported by the Scottish Government, local government, and sector delivery partners. I also support councils in addressing the challenges of increasing uptake of funded places for two-year-olds. I enjoy problem-solving and using data to test, measure, and evaluate services, helping ensure early learning and childcare benefits our youngest children.
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Early Learning and Childcare Newsletter
Stay informed about the activities and resources of the IS Early Learning and Childcare Team. Our newsletters share insights on workforce planning, explore strategies to increase eligible two-year-old uptake, examine trend data, and highlight and share useful resources and guidance.
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