Opinion: In my view - A welcome framework

As Scotland's early years intermediary agency supporting community-based early years services, the SPPA welcomes the Early Years Framework.

Having contributed to the consultation process over nine months and having participated in the expert task groups associated with drafting the framework, SPPA supports the main thrust of the EYF. We think it offers a great opportunity to deliver the best outcomes for our youngest children, both in the short and longer term. SPPA looks forward to working with the Scottish Government, local authorities and colleagues across the sector to implement this.

SPPA endorses the holistic approach the EYF takes to the delivery of early years and childcare services. The drive to integrate services and forge creative partnerships in the sector, the empowerment of parents by embedding structured support for parenting to enable them to fulfil that role for their child's well-being and development, are all welcome components of the EYF. So too particularly is the recognition of the value and long-term benefits of play to children's all-round development.

The recognition that voluntary sector organisations, such as SPPA, have a role in supporting the implementation of the EYF, establishes a clear role for them in supporting community regeneration, capacity building and resource development.

The framework calls for transformational change, a worthy and challenging aspiration that sets out high ambitions for the early years. However, its implementation is set against a backdrop of reduced public spending and an uncertain financial and economic climate. SPPA would add its voice to those of others who have articulated particular concerns for the voluntary sector services' ability to sustain and develop its contribution to the framework without a realistic injection of funding.