Agenda item

The Council was engaged in a workforce development strategy across the sector, the first for the Borough, promoting the opportunities and value of working in childcare and early years services.  Information was provided on the range of roles available and efforts made to dispel myths around low pay, low status, low skills and male workers being unsuited to or unwelcome in the sector.  Saturday and evening information sessions were held on a termly basis with 25 to 30 attending on average; about a third of these attendees followed up their initial interest.  Taster opportunities working as a volunteer were available as were apprenticeship routes into the sector. 

A number of points were raised in discussion, as follows:

a)  While one of the aims was to increase work options for local residents, it was recognised that those without qualifications needed more flexible routes such as through volunteering and apprenticeships.  Efforts were made to increase awareness of qualifications and the sector through social media and parent champions.  A campaign called “Ever Thought of a Career in Childcare” had been established and it was already attracting considerable interest. 

b)  Some people might not have the time and resources to undertake formal qualifications, particularly in view of the rates of pay for some roles, and it would therefore be useful to maximise opportunities to learn on the job in the same way as teaching assistants did.

c)  While there were links with the local FE college, the Chamber of Commerce and Job Centre Plus to promote the sector and sessions booked at University employment days, staff did not routinely visit secondary schools nor include these job roles in work experience opportunities.  Further consideration would be given to whether links with schools would be worthwhile. 

Councillor Kelly reported that a number of parents of children at the primary school where he worked, would ask about early years work and the School could signpost them to this initiative.  Relevant publicity material would be provided to Councillor Kelly.

Resolved –That the report be noted.