The survey, carried by the MVA Consultancy in April-May 2000, found that although more staff were recruited in the previous year than the numbers who had left, this required 'significant effort', and difficulties were reported in finding junior staff with suitable qualifications and experience. These difficulties were reflected in the generally low level of qualifications of the current junior staff.
The report comments, 'From the survey evidence about the constraints operating in the sector, it appears that more accessible training would improve this situation. Current accessibility is perceived by many as poor, because of shortages of funding, time and staff cover. Apart from skill considerations, more accessible training could give the sector a more credible career structure. However, pay is also an issue, in that there do not seem to be significant rewards for improved qualifications. Even more senior staff members appear to be poorly rewarded in comparison with other sectors.'
Although current policy is to expand childcare provision, the survey found that 'capacity is not in place to meet a demand significantly greater than that being serviced'. In order to widen the appeal of the work and improve the quality of the workforce, it would be necessary to enhance its status, for example through more extensive training; offer clearer career progression; and increase pay levels.
The researchers estimate that the total number of childcare staff in Scotland was around 32,100, with 22,000 employed in pre-school centres, including private day nurseries and playgroups, 2,600 in out-of-school clubs and 7,500 as childminders.
Three-quarters of staff in pre-school centres held a qualification, with half the staff holding a level 3 qualification. This was a much higher level of qualification than out-of-school club staff, of whom 38 per cent were qualified, and childminding, at 25 per cent. Across the sector, around 60 per cent held some form of childcare-related qualification.
Pay levels were found to be comparable to those paid to part-time catering or bar workers or to junior agency office staff, with trainees earning less than 4 per hour, assistants earning 4.70 and supervisors Pounds 6.30.
Membership of umbrella bodies was high. A majority of childminders, 83 per cent, belonged to the Scottish Childminding Association, while 75 per cent of out-of-school clubs belonged to the Scottish Out of School Care Network. Six per cent of pre-school centres belonged to the Scottish Independent Nurseries Association, while 36 per cent belonged to the Scottish Pre-School Play Association.
The report, Interchange 73: Early Education and Childcare Workforce Survey, is on the Scottish Executive website, www.scotland.gov.uk.
