European Social Fund in England

Encouraging childcare quality

Encouraging the quality of the childcare workforce in Suffolk - a model of excellence

High quality childcare is essential to working parents and those wishing to undertake training. A lack can negatively impact on economic development.

Childcare is usually low-paid and frequently attracts women who are low academic achievers. Many work briefly in childcare settings then drift into other low-paid, unskilled work in supermarkets, for example. Yet new legislation demands that 50% of childcare staff in any setting must be qualified to at least Level 2, and all leaders to Level 3.

The LSC Suffolk Business Training Mentor (BTAM) project, fully funded by ESF Objective 3 co-financing, set out to motivate workers to build a career in childcare, develop their skills and increase in personal confidence.

A business training mentor visits a childcare setting, carries out a one-to-one interview and undertakes organisation training needs analysis. The mentor is then able to advise on the best training route forward.

The results show outstanding success. 217 settings were visited, 1164 individuals interviewed and organisational and individual training plans developed. As a result, 766 individuals entered training, hugely exceeding their target of 112. The programme also identified basic skills needs and referred to specialist provision.

Lois Thompson of Suffolk LSC said, "This has been a triumph on every front. The data gathered and the methodology is invaluable to us. It has provided a comprehensive picture of the childcare workforce in Suffolk and will inform the planning of future training provision. What we have now is a model not only for other regions but for other employment sectors."

ESF also financed the provision of Level 2 and Level 3 training and for new assessors. It has provided funding for a support network, which in turn has improved retention.

A typical beneficiary is one young mother who was a low achiever at school. She was previously a supermarket worker and part-time childcare assistant. Following her interview and training plan, she gained confidence and was then inspired to work towards a formal qualification in childcare.

She said, "I've not only gained professionally and found myself a job that interests me, but I also know that I have gained personally through increased confidence and sense of achievement. I will definitely go on to take a higher level qualification."

The project has been commended by the East of England Regional Learning & Skills Council.

For further details contact:

Lois Thompson of Suffolk Learning and Skills Council on 01473 883052

Alison Manning of Suffolk County Council Early Years & Childcare Training Unit on 01379 678380.

Maureen Staines of Suffolk Learning and Skills Council on 01473 883007