Abstract
THE MAIN MESSAGES OF THE SCOPING STUDY
Key Statement
The Early Years Framework (EYF) provides a visionary ten year strategy for
Scotland
Policy considerations
• A stronger national implementation approach is needed to achieve the EYF aims
• Scottish Government is responsible for national policy however it is no longer in a position to formulate local expectations yet a coherent mandated approach to early childhood is needed
• Local authority, health boards, social services and social justice leaders need to be well informed and convinced about the importance of investment in the early years
• If early years is to be a national priority there needs to be a much improved public understanding about why
• Improved knowledge of children’s early development and of the impact of early childhood experiences must inform research, policy and practice decisions
Resources
• Early years provision and intervention is known to improve outcomes in the longer term therefore there should be an expectation of dedicated funding for early years and family and community services
• There is an urgent need for pooling of resources from all sectors to create joint funding for the early years
For children and families
• All children have the right to a promising future: children’s rights must underpin all policy affecting children and young people
• Families and communities play the pivotal role in children’s development, learning and life chances – to work with children you have to work with parents
• Very young children’s and their parents’ mental health should be nurtured
For staff
• All staff at all levels of policy, practices, management and administration and in all sectors should be ‘very familiar’ with the EYF
• Specific continuing professional development (CPD) on implementation of the EYF is needed
• The EYF should be considered together with Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) to promote a holistic view of children and families
• The quality of early childhood services is directly related to the quality of the staff
• New opportunities need to be created for the participation and empowerment of children and families
Key Statement
The Early Years Framework (EYF) provides a visionary ten year strategy for
Scotland
Policy considerations
• A stronger national implementation approach is needed to achieve the EYF aims
• Scottish Government is responsible for national policy however it is no longer in a position to formulate local expectations yet a coherent mandated approach to early childhood is needed
• Local authority, health boards, social services and social justice leaders need to be well informed and convinced about the importance of investment in the early years
• If early years is to be a national priority there needs to be a much improved public understanding about why
• Improved knowledge of children’s early development and of the impact of early childhood experiences must inform research, policy and practice decisions
Resources
• Early years provision and intervention is known to improve outcomes in the longer term therefore there should be an expectation of dedicated funding for early years and family and community services
• There is an urgent need for pooling of resources from all sectors to create joint funding for the early years
For children and families
• All children have the right to a promising future: children’s rights must underpin all policy affecting children and young people
• Families and communities play the pivotal role in children’s development, learning and life chances – to work with children you have to work with parents
• Very young children’s and their parents’ mental health should be nurtured
For staff
• All staff at all levels of policy, practices, management and administration and in all sectors should be ‘very familiar’ with the EYF
• Specific continuing professional development (CPD) on implementation of the EYF is needed
• The EYF should be considered together with Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) to promote a holistic view of children and families
• The quality of early childhood services is directly related to the quality of the staff
• New opportunities need to be created for the participation and empowerment of children and families
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | University of Strathclyde |
| Commissioning body | Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2010 |
