The Children's Workforce Development Council is responsible for settingthe agenda for training the children's workforce.
It is currently looking to ensure the children's workforce is trained upto National Vocational Qualification Level 3.
It is also developing the Integrated Qualifications Framework to helppeople move between different areas of children's work, with the aim tohave this in place by 2010. As part of this it has published animplementation plan and discussed the development of training modulesrelevant to all areas of work with children.
The social work degree is a popular choice for those entering theprofession and Options for Excellence helps to raise the profile ofsocial work.
SCOTLAND
In 2006 a review of the early years and childcare workforce said allchildcare centres should be led by early years and childcare leadersqualified to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Level9.
An integrated qualifications framework and professional developmentframework is currently being developed by the Scottish Executive andprogrammes offering the new qualifications and professional developmentfor leaders should be in place by September 2008.
Programmes offering new qualifications and professional development areto be in place by September 2009. Nursery and childcare workers can alsobenefit from new qualifications, a career structure and ongoing trainingand development.
WALES
The childcare strategy for Wales, Childcare is for Children, includes acommitment to create a workforce development plan through the WelshAssembly and the Sector Skills Council for Care and Development.
The Care Council for Wales has set up a Wales-wide Children and YoungPeople's Workforce Development Network which aims to improve the skillsof the children's workforce.
The network is charged with delivering a children and young people'sworkforce development strategy to ensure the workforce has appropriateskills to help improve outcomes for children.
Its remit includes the development of core knowledge and skills, aqualifications framework for the sector and a career framework.
NORTHERN IRELAND
The Northern Ireland Social Care Council has a workforce developmentcommittee which is responsible for identifying and addressing skillsneeded for the sector.
The sector skills agreement, which is to be drafted by December thisyear, will outline how employers, training providers and stakeholderswork together to provide training for the children's workforce.
Early years specialists in nursery schools and classes are required tohave an NVQ Level 4, a degree or a Higher National Diploma to take upthe role. Induction standards for social care and children's servicesworkers were published in June and will be implemented in Spring 2008.
