The Edinburgh Childcare Training Strategy was jointly launched last week by Councillor Paul Williamson, executive member of education, and Karen Fairlamb, chair of Edinburgh Child-care Partnership. The funding, provided partly by the Scottish Executive's Education Department and partly by Edinburgh's Childcare Strategy, will go to training courses for childminders, nursery workers and out-of-school care workers.
Currently around 5,000 people in the city work in childcare and it is hoped the new funding will allow 500 to gain nationally recognised qualifications.
The options include free training in first aid, health and safety and food hygiene skills. Childcare workers will also be able to apply for places on subsidised courses that will lead to qualifications in early years care and playwork. The Childcare Partnership has recognised that it is difficult for many workers to attend courses during the day and will be asking childcarers when they would like to attend training, such as at evenings or weekends.
Councillor Williamson said, 'This new training programme will ensure that childcare workers gain the skills that will enable them to deliver quality care.
'Children gain significant education and social benefits from good childcare services provided by highly trained staff. The demand for childcare workers in Edinburgh is increasing rapidly. We need to ensure the childcare profession is valued and attractive to new recruits. This training package will help raise the quality of childcare in the city.' Edinburgh childcare workers interested in finding out more should contact Bill Sim on 0131 469 3335.
Meanwhile Edinburgh Council has launched a major play strategy. Play in Partnership aims to highlight the importance of play in children's development and to provide a framework for action on key issues in play awareness and attitudes. It has been designed by the council with the support of independent consultancies, youth groups and focus groups. The strategy sets out ten objectives for providing children with access to good-quality, safe play areas and stresses the importance of children being involved in the design of their play environments.
Launching the scheme, Councillor Steve Cardownie, executive member for leisure and culture, said, 'Play is vital for our children. It involves them freely exercising their own choice of activity and the way in which they learn new skills. Active play is a pathway to an energetic, healthy lifestyle. Creative play stimulates a cultural interest and education benefits. But for children, play is all about fun.'
