The early years of a child’s life provide the foundations for future development and achievement. The quality of experiences in those early years is critical to how well children will be able to fulfil their lifelong potential.
Almost all 3 and 4 year old children in Scotland attend some form of pre-school education outwith their home. The quality of that education in Scotland provided by staff in pre-school centres is positive for most children but it can vary, leaving some children with a poorer experience and start to their education. The diverse range and level of qualifications and training of staff in the sector influences the quality of that education.
Where the quality is high, there is clear evidence from research1 and inspection that children have increased chances of success in their primary education and reduced chances of problems with attainment, relationships and behaviour. Moreover, the benefits are experienced across the range of social advantage and disadvantage and persist even in the face of weaknesses in the quality of their experience in primary school.
This report looks at the relationship between the quality of provision offered to our young children and the qualifications and training of those adults working with them. It identifies the importance of high level qualifications and training in early education to effective leadership skills and the impact on the delivery of quality provision for children.
The connection is clear between well-qualified, reflective professionals and the high quality experiences for children. This report highlights the positive impacts of this connection. It also recommends areas for further improvement to support everyone involved in the work of educating pre-school children. The recommendations are in line with the national strategic direction of increasing teacher involvement and implementing professional graduate leadership for early years managers.
Graham Donaldson
Her Majesty’s Senior Chief Inspector
HM Inspectorate of Education