Nursery World - Early years needs an SSC

By Richard Dorrance, chief executive of the Council for Awards in Child Care and Education (CACHE) In October 2000 the Government announced a consultation into the review of the National Training Organisation (NTO) network. It was completed in April 2001 and last October the education secretary presented proposals for building a stronger sector network. As a result, on 31 March all NTOs will cease to be recognised. New Sector Skills Councils will be established from 1 April. Sector Skills Councils will lead the drive to boost skills and workforce development; be run and owned by employers, and involved unions and professions; show unrivalled expertise on skills and productivity needs; develop world-class National Occupational Standards and apprenticeship culture; and forge stronger links with schools, colleges and universities.

Sector Skills Councils will lead the drive to boost skills and workforce development; be run and owned by employers, and involved unions and professions; show unrivalled expertise on skills and productivity needs; develop world-class National Occupational Standards and apprenticeship culture; and forge stronger links with schools, colleges and universities.

In order to become an SSC, organisations must meet four criteria - they must cover a sector that is of economic or strategic importance; they must demonstrate the backing of key sector employers; they must have professional staff and the respect to work with other key agencies; and they must have capability to deliver employer and Government expectations.

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