The meeting was a last chance for employers, umbrella bodies and others to give their views on the most effective structures to put in place to oversee the sector's training needs. They were presented with a report considering the options available, prepared by independent consultant Elaine Sauve and funded by the Department for Education and Skills.
The report, Towards a Sector Skills Council: a Feasibility Study for the Early Years Sector, explains how NTOs for all sectors were disbanded in March and will be replaced by a smaller network of Government-licensed Sector Skills Councils (SSCs). Among other criteria, SSCs must have an employment base that is of economic or strategic significance, though the early years workforce would not be judged large enough to qualify.
However, the report suggests the sector could make a case for SSC status on the grounds of its strategic significance, though it would also have to demonstrate it could generate enough income to meet SSC requirements.
A survey of sector representatives carried out last month as part of the report found that an SSC dedicated to the early years was the preferred option of a majority of respondents. The reasons given included concerns that without a sector-specific focus, early years would lose its identity and integrity, as well as the importance of quality childcare.
Alternatively, the sector could form a partnership with another former NTO applying for SSC status. Options include SPRITO, the National Training Organisation for Sport, Recreation and Allied Occupations, which is the strategic body for playworkers; TOPSS, the National Training Organisation for Personal and Social Care; and PAULO, the National Training Organisation with responsibility for community work and parenting support.
Survey responses showed some support for partnership with SPRITO, and, to a lesser extent, TOPSS. Organisations and employers with a playwork interest tended to prefer SPRITO, while childminders, as represented by the National Childminding Association, felt TOPSS would ensure the care aspect of early years would be maintained. Feedback from the nursery sector appeared to suggest an even split between the two.
Ms Sauve's report highlights the 'significant' achievements of the Early Years NTO, in particular its 'four nation' approach, with early years committees in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. It says, 'This four-nation focus of the EYNTO was of critical importance in that it allowed for differences in legislation and working practices across early years to be recognised in a UK-wide context.'
An early years-specific or partnership SSC could retain the four-nation committee system. But it is not yet clear what organisation the Scottish Executive will wish to take over the NTO's functions. The Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care currently oversees early years services and the Scottish Social Services Council will ultimately take responsibility for the regulation of the early years workforce, which could include the NTO's work.
