Early Years Scotland has today (Friday 2 February) issued the following joint statement:

Representative bodies from across Scotland have come together to survey the Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) sector on their views of the work of the regulator Care Inspectorate.

National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), Early Years Scotland (EYS), Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) and Care and Learning Alliance (CALA) have received a number of contacts from members over the past few years who believe current CI policies and practices are having a significant impact on the sector. In addition to raising these concerns directly with the Care Inspectorate, the organisations undertook in-depth sector wide (and cross-provider) surveys of their members to obtain further evidence and to highlight areas of good practice as well as areas for improvement. Initial analysis of the responses from over 1500 childcare providers has identified a number of the key themes on which further analysis will be required.

Against this background, NDNA, EYS, SCMA and CALA will be requesting an urgent meeting with the Scottish Government, and with the Care Inspectorate to discuss the findings and any improvements or learning needed.