Childcare training places to be increased

Childcare training places are to be increased in Scottish universities and colleges, according to ministers.

The move is to help deliver the additional workforce required for early learning and childcare.

Guidance issued by the Scottish Government to the Scottish Funding Council highlighted the need for a well-trained workforce to support early learning and childcare.

Maree Todd, minister for childcare and early years, said: “The near doubling of funded early learning and childcare to ensure all children get the best possible start in life is a key priority for this government.

“Expansion plans are now well under way to deliver this ambitious policy.

“In the coming year, the number of places for people to train in early learning qualifications at colleges and universities will significantly increase.”

In 2018-19, the Scottish Government wants to train an additional 1,813 new starts for HNC college and university.

It is also seeking an additional 490 places at managerial level. This will be split between 388 BA Childhood Practice places at universities and 102 PDA places at colleges.

This compares with an additional 650 practitioner level HNC courses and 350 managerial level courses.