Response 426592528

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Section 1: Funding follows the child

1. What factors should be considered in developing a simple, standardised yet flexible process for becoming a funded provider?

The need to be able to charge enough money to be able to run a high quality well-resourced Nursery. This should include the ability to charge a top up fee should parents be willing to pay this.

2. What are the key shared principles which should underpin an effective and positive partnership between local authorities and funded providers?

Child at the centre of all planning and an openness in communications between all stakeholders.

Section 2: National standard for funded early learning and childcare provision

3a. We are proposing that the National Standard includes a qualification requirement for childminders delivering the funded entitlement to be qualified to or working towards the same qualification level as is required for an ELC practitioner (SCQF level 7). What are the advantages of including this criteria?

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What are the advantages of including this criteria?
A level of quality assurance.

3b. Are childminders able to access adequate funding to pay for training to SCQF level 7?

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Yes
No
Don't know
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4. Our aspiration is to see outdoor learning and play becoming a defining feature of funded ELC in Scotland.

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Yes
No
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How can these challenges be overcome?
Where resources are scarce in terms of outdoor spaces in which to play and learn partnership with other establishments such as Independent Schools- who would welcome the approach I am certain- could be worth investigation.

5a. Will the criteria set out in the draft National Standard ensure that high quality, accessible, flexible and affordable Early Learning Childcare is delivered in all funded provider settings?

Please select one item
Yes
No
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Please explain your answer.
This will be high quality if either the fee paid is sufficient or moderate top up fees are permitted.
Please select one item
Yes
No
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Please explain your answer.
Several Nurseries are looking at pulling out of partnerships if the funding model is not properly developed.

5b. Is there any criteria not included in the National Standard that is required to ensure a high quality service is provided to all children?

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Yes
No
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5c. Do the proposed criteria within the National Standard seem fair and proportionate for all?

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Yes
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Please explain your answer.
They could potentially limit choices.
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Yes
No
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Please explain your answer.
They are levelling the playing field and likely to give more rigour in terms of quality assurance.

Section 3: Implementing the early learning and childcare living wage commitment

6. What areas would you look to be addressed in the technical guidance note for supporting implementation of the ELC Living Wage commitment?

I am happy with the commitment but already pay significantly about the Living Wage. Without top up fee options I will have to cut wages for a very able staff group.

Section 4: Next steps and the transition period to 2020

7. Should newly established ELC settings be able to deliver the funded hours on a probationary basis, pending the outcome of their first inspection, provided they meet all other aspects of the National Standard?

Please select one item
Yes
No
Don't know

8. What support will service providers require to prepare for the introduction of the National Standard and meet the criteria and delivery of the new service model?

Clear guidelines and a good lead in time please.

About you

What is your name?

Gavin Calder

Are you responding as an individual or an organisation?

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(Required)
Individual
Organisation

What is your organisation?

The Edinburgh Academy