The Scottish Independent Nurseries Association (SINA) has received approval to provide training for the new Level 4 Scottish Vocational Qualification in early years and education. The qualification is jointly awarded by the SQA and the Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education (CACHE).
Alice Sharp, early years executive for SINA, said that 25 students have enrolled on the SVQ so far and that a further 25 are lined up to start the course.
Ms Sharp said, 'The nice thing is that they come from all over Scotland from the private and voluntary sectors, including family-care centres and community-funded projects.'
The students include early years practitioners from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Ayrshire.
The course lasts two years and candidates are expected to attend SINA's training centre in Glasgow for one day a month.
SINA has seconded Moyra Borland from the education department of Glasgow University for a year to act as group tutor and assessor. Other tutors include early years expert Jennie Lindon and June O'Sullivan, operations and training manager for Westminster Children's Society.
Ms Sharp said that identifying funding was 'a huge issue' and SINA is now trying to find external funders to help students pay for the course. She said that while some local authorities, such as Glasgow, are happy to provide funding, others are not so keen. Some of the students who have enrolled so far are being funded either in part or fully, while others are paying the fees themselves.
SINA is only one of a small number of training organisations currently offering the course. Aberdeen childcare company The Children's House was the first provider to receive accreditation to offer the SVQ Level 4 in February 2002.
It is not yet known whether nursery managers will be expected to hold the Level 4 qualification. The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), which sets the professional standards for the workforce in settings regulated by the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care, is currently carrying out a consultation process on the qualifications criteria for those working in early years education and childcare.
Nicky Scott, senior communications manager of the SSSC, said that the criteria is likely to be set early next year and will include managers of nurseries.
