'One skills council for all'

Early years providers want an overarching Children's Sector Skills Council to link early years with the sectors for health, young people, playwork and classroom assistants, according to a consultation carried out by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA).

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.