Early years representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors have debated the Executive's proposed integrated strategy for early years at seminars around Scotland.
Mary Mullligan, deputy minister for communities, told a seminar last week in Aberdeen, 'Experiences in early childhood heavily influence patterns throughout life and there are many policies in place across Executive departments - education, health, communities - which are designed to help children during this crucial early years period.
'The finalised strategy, taking account of the consultation responses and these subsequent discussions, will be published in the early part of next year.'
The strategy proposes a free, part-time pre-school education place for all three- and four-year-old children whose parents want one. It also suggests providing targeted support for families with children aged nought to three, particularly the most vulnerable and deprived.
Robert Walters, deputy chief executive with the Scottish Pre-School Play Association, said it had been fully involved in the consultation.
However, he said, 'From our point of view we need a greater appreciation of what our members have to do.'
Mr Walters said dealing with organisations like the Care Commission was difficult in the voluntary sector because it required people to give unpaid time to governance committees. 'Governance is becoming a real concern,' he said. 'Nobody is arguing that there should not be regulation, but the Government should understand what it means for the committee. They are being required to become professional members.'
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Childminding Association said, 'We welcome the move to a more integrated approach to service delivery, with shared outcomes and the merging of funding streams. We have often found that these artificial barriers are inefficient and lead to preventing a creative approach to problem solving.'
Children in Scotland and NHS Scotland organised the four regional seminars in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Nairn.
