Policy in Scotland
Over the last few years we have seen a number of new policies which affect the Out of School Care Sector. Policies related to funding, to standards and to the development of local Childcare Partnerships are still developing.
Our role is to help to ensure that those in Out of School Care have up to date information about policy changes. This is a two way process. If you think there are policies that could or should be changed, then your suggestions will be valued.
We know that those who work with children and young people often have little time to stop and think about what would help. But if you want to make suggestions, please contact us. We will keep in touch, through our newsletter Connections and through the website, about the issues that affect you.
For more information regards policy please email: policy@soscn.org
(Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the following newsletters, briefings, consultations, alerts and archived consultations. To download a free copy go to
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SOSCN Policy Newsletter (.pdf format)
SOSCN Policy Briefings
Protection of Children Scotland Act (2003)
Information on the Protection of Children Scotland Act (POCSA) which came into force on 10th January 2005 is available at:
www.scotland.gov.uk/about/ED/CnF/00017834/list.aspx
The Regulations are published as Scottish Statutory Instrument 523 at:
www.scotland-legislation.hmso.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/ssi2004/20040523.htm
THE FRAMEWORK FOR STANDARDS IN CHILD PROTECTION: IMPLICATIONS FOR PROVIDERS OF DAYCARE OF CHILDREN
Implications for services providing daycare of children were identified from a training session, on Self Evaluation and the Framework for Standards in Child Protection, delivered by SOSCN in Glasgow in May 2006 for managers of Out of School Care Services.
Framework for standards in child protection: implications
Below is information produced by SOSCN regards the Act:
Policy Briefing 7 (Updated)- Protection of Children Scotland Act (2003)
Q & A on Protection of Children Scotland Act (2003), Part 1
Q & A on Protection of Children Scotland Act (2003), Part 2
Q & A on Protection of Children Scotland Act (2003), Part 3
Childcare Strategy Seminars
SOSCN holds "Childcare Strategy Seminars" throughout the year in a number of locations across Scotland including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth and Stirling. Seminars last a day and focus on topical issues; speakers provide keynote presentations and workshops. The events are aimed at anyone supporting or developing out of school care in Scotland.
- CHILDCARE STRATEGY SEMINAR, October 2007
SETTING THE AGENDA- THE WAY FORWARD FOR OUT OF SCHOOL CARE
This event looked at the most important issues facing out of school care in Scotland at present. The aim of the event was to consult with the sector to pull together an action plan for out of school care for the next three years that can be used at local and national levels.
A report and action pland from this event will be available in November- please check back.
Presentations from the day:
Overview of Out of School Care- Past, Present and Future (powerpoint file)
Current Priorities in Out of School Care (powerpoint file)
Welfare Reform & School-aged Childcare(powerpoint file)
- CHILDCARE STRATEGY SEMINAR, May 2007
HEALTHY EATING IN OUT OF SCHOOL CARE
Presentations were given by David Cowan, Scottish Executive on the "Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act", and Liz McDonald, HAMMYS OSC, Port Glasgow and Caroline Norwood, Braidbar OSC, Giffnock shared ideas and examples of good practice. The afternoon discussions looked at further examples of good practice and any barriers/issues relating to the provision of healthy snacks in OSC services with limited access to kitchens and other resources.
It was found that in several areas across Scotland, the Care Commission, Environmental Health and professional health bodies are creating barriers to OSC groups providing snacks- there was a call for consistency in advice and recommendations across Scotland.
Do OSC groups within your local authority face difficulties in providing healthy snacks within their service? Who is creating these barriers; have ways been found to overcome them? SOSCN is interested in hearing about any such issues and would encourage you to contact us.
Note of discussion issues.(pdf file)
PRESENTATIONS:
David Cowan Presentation (pdf file)
HAMMYS Out of School Care (pdf file)
Braidbar Out of School Care (pdf file)
- CHILDCARE STRATEGY SEMINAR, March 2007
PERIPATETIC MANAGERS IN DAYCARE OF CHILDREN (morning session)
The Care Commission and SSSC requirements together mean that in due course each OSC setting will require to have a manager qualified to level 9 on the SCQF. Exceptions to this, in line with the current Care Commission policy, would be for services with less than 20 places where a peripatetic manager may manage a number of small groups.
A number of employers have suggested to us that, in line with School's Out the Scottish Executive Framework for Out of School Care, different management models should be considered by the Care Commission when reviewing their policy.
Lesley Hamilton of North Ayrshire Council and Eleanor Campbell of Cumbernauld YMCA/YWCA, gave presentations on the management models they have put in place.
Catherine Agnew of the Care Commission gave a presentation on the Commission's most up to date thinking on the use of peripatetic managers.
GETTING IT RIGHT FOR EVERY CHILD (afternoon session)
Presentations from the Scottish Executive
Scottish Executive Consultation Document www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/12/18140606/0
The consultation and SOSCN’s draft response were featured in the February SOSCN Policy Newsletter. SOSCN’s draft response has been on our website and was circulated at the seminar for feedback: www.soscn.org/GIRFEC.pdf
This was followed by a presentation from Scottish Young Carers Development Manager, Louise Morgan.
PRESENTATIONS
Lesley Hamilton Presentation (pdf file)
Scottish Executive Presentation 1 (pdf file)
Scottish Executive Presentation 2 (pdf file)
Recent Consultation Responses
Past Consultation Responses
Websites of Interest
