Article Source: East Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 21 June 2018 9:54
A group of clerical staff and Pupil Support Assistants (PSAs) – whose role is to provide support to pupils and teachers – were given the opportunity to enrol in a course at West College Scotland to complete an HNC in Early Childhood Practice.
The move was part of East Renfrewshire Council's drive to meet new Scottish Government targets for free childcare by 2020.
Local authorities currently provide 600 free hours a year for all three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds, but this is increasing to 1,140 hours.
As well as this requiring the council to increase the number of nurseries, more than 100 additional Child Development Officers (CDOs) will also be needed.
Having completed the course with flying colours – the first time a whole class at West College Scotland has achieved As across the board – all these staff can now apply for jobs as CDOs within the council's Early Learning and Childcare Centres.
Councillor Paul O’Kane, Convener for Education and Equalities, said: “This is a fantastic achievement by this group of staff, who will become a real asset to our nurseries and family centres. We pride ourselves on the quality of education offered to all our children and young people, so it is great that these passionate staff will now be able to take on these new roles. This approach to expanding our workforce is just one way in which we will meet this need, but it offered a great opportunity to this dedicated group of staff to develop their careers. Our preparations for implementing the increased level of free childcare is already moving forward at pace and I’m delighted that our first phase of this roll-out will start in August.”
Staff who completed the HNC were given paid day release by the Council to allow them to attend college, and also spent a minimum of 60 days within an early learning and childcare setting in order to complete the course.
Another group of staff have now embarked on this qualification, as the Council continues to drive forward its expansion plan.
The first phase of the Council's approach to increasing free early learning and childcare provision across the area is being introduced in August.
As well as instantly providing some children and families with increased free early learning and childcare, the phased approach will allow the Council to test new staffing models and introduce hot lunch provision.
Starting in August, two nursery classes and two family centres will extend the provision offered in order to give families more flexibility and choice.
With greater capacity now available at Arthurlie Family Centre, Isobel Mair Family Centre, Braidbar Nursery Class and Busby Nursery Class these facilities will be first to roll-out the increased provision.
Until the Council's expansion plan is fully implemented, access to increased free childcare places will be limited and so criteria are also being put in place to identify children who are eligible to benefit.
To find out more about how to apply for increased childcare, go to www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/earlylearningandchildcare.
Top Dogs is back! Dog lovers invited to come and have a fun day out with their four-legged family members.
READ MOREBritain's biggest independent craft brewer, BrewDog is giving beer lovers a chance to 'Drink Beer, Win Cash' with the return of its Cash Cans scavenger hunt this Spring.
READ MOREEuropean Ryder Cup stars Ludvig Åberg, Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland are set to reunite at the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open.
READ MOREDementia specialist nursing charity, Dementia UK, is running its 14th annual 'Time for a Cuppa Fundraiser' to raise vital funds for the leading cause of death in the UK.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting children aged four to 10 to a free workshop in May to learn more about trees and how to protect them.
READ MOREIt's just days until the opening of the Homebuilding & Renovating Show, which is back SEC, Glasgow on 11-12 May 2024.
READ MOREGlasgow to Loch Lomond was a sea of tartan today as the world's biggest ever Kiltwalk took place, with fundraising already exceeding £2.5m.
READ MOREA spectacular multimedia show celebrating Vincent van Gogh's life and stunning artworks is coming to Glasgow this summer!
READ MOREEastwood Park Theatre's forthcoming season features several sell-out shows and a host of well-known names, following the success of its 50th anniversary last year.
READ MORENational Theatre of Scotland launches a new interactive map for Scotland to demonstrate its love for the Big Yin, inviting people to share their own Billy Connolly memories.
READ MORETouring Scotland from June, the cast is announced for Hen Night Horror, an original musical comedy that promises to put the willies right up ye!
READ MOREAldi Scotland's popular 'Best Home Bar' competition has returned for another year, with a year's supply of beer up for grabs!
READ MOREPaisley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town this weekend for a two-day feastival with plenty for everyone to sample and enjoy.
READ MOREWith a staggering 14 million adults in the UK unable to swim, the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework has launched a new campaign to encourage adults in Scotland to learn the life skill.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has launched a brand new dedicated functional training space at Barrhead Foundry, to enhance the current fitness offering for the community.
READ MOREIn the heart of East Renfrewshire, nestled amidst the vibrant community, a special event is set to unfold.
READ MORENow in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
READ MORELatest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.
READ MOREThis year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire Council has announced a programme of works to further improve the facilities in Barrhead's Cowan Park.
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREJoin Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MORECarmunnock Heritage Trail launches this Easter weekend. It's a unique, free, multi-media tour with 16 QR coded video stops around Glasgow's last remaining village.
READ MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREGP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"