The Early Years National Training Organisation, which previously oversaw training issues for the sector across the UK, was disbanded at the end of March along with all other NTOs. The Government is replacing NTOs with a smaller number of larger, more powerful Sector Skills Councils (SSCs).
A Department for Education and Skills-funded consultant's report completed in June suggested that the early years could form a partnership with another former NTO bidding for SSC status. Possible partners include SPRITO, the strategic organisation for playworkers. Alternatively, the early years could bid for its own SSC. Although its workforce would not be deemed sufficiently large to qualify, the sector could base its case on its strategic significance. An early years or partnership SSC could recreate the Early Years NTO's four-nation approach, with early years committees for England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. However, it is not yet known what the Scottish Executive will do to replace NTOs.
Rosemary Murphy, NDNAchief executive, said, 'The NDNA is continuing to lead consultation with other early years organisations, key stakeholders and the DfES on the best way forward. The priority will be to reach consensus on a solution that will be supported by all early years employers and Government.'
So far, the consultation had revealed strong support for a Children's Sector Skills Council, she added. 'However, there are strong indications that in the interim period, the sector will need to link with playwork in its submission for SSC approval before such a radical move can be fully negotiated.'
The DES has provided funding for the Early Years NTO's core functions to be carried out by the Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education in the interim. The core functions include running an advice line, keeping a log of concerns about the national occupational standards and providing guidance. However, this runs out at the end of this month. CACHE has submitted a bid to the Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA)to keep the basic functions of the NTO going until an SSC is in place and expected to learn whether it had been successful as Nursery World went to press.
John Thorpe, SPRITO qualifications director, said it had submitted a bid to the SSDA for funding to promote national occupational standards and modern apprenticeships in the playwork sector. SPRITO had also been approached by one of the early years associations about submitting a bid to the SSDA on behalf of early years.
