Prepared by Linda Green and Victoria Noble LMG Associates

1. Scoping Report and Discussion Paper for the development of a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Health and Social Care and Early Education and Childcare Prepared by Linda Green and Victoria NobleLMG Associates

2. Methodology • Desk research • Telephone interviews • Stakeholder consultations • Website consultations

3. Rationale/Making the case • Scottish Executive’s response to Report of the 21st Century Social Work Review: Changing lives (2006) regarding the para-professional role and the leadership and management framework • Scottish Executive’s response to National Review of the Early Years and Childcare Workforce, Report and Consultation and the Scottish Executive’s response – Investing in Children’s Futures (Scottish Executive, 2006) requirement for leaders in Early Years and Childcare to be qualified at SCQF level 9 from 2008 • Feedback from the Scottish Social Services Council • Workforce and demographic data • Increased regulation of the workforce based on qualifications • Career and qualification pathways • Changing balance of social care needs • Professional development opportunities

4. Entry and exit routes for the suggested HND(s) Advanced Highers HNC SCQF level 7 Other qualifications & experience SVQ 3 Generic core plus a number of routes covering Social Care, Early Education and Childcare, Housing Support and Leadership and Management Qualifications for APEL SVQ 4 Exit routes Employment Para professional/ professional practitioner/ Leadership and management 3rd year Higher Education e.g. Social work / Childhood Studies / Nursing / Teaching / new level 9 qualification in childcare

5. Structure and content of the HND One blended qualification with: • Multiple entry/exit routes • Generic core with optional pathways • 50% work based placement • NOS (HSC/Social work) • Credit for other qualifications • Knowledge and skills to allow entry into Social Work degree, BA Childhood studies etc.

6. Remaining issues The need to: • liaise with the Higher Education Institutions for ‘real’ articulation with year 3 • liaise with potential HND providers to ensure that a single qualification is the best option for the HND • work with SSSC to ensure that the content of the HND reflects the emerging para-professional social work role • ensure that the Leadership and Management route articulates with the Leadership and Management for Care Services SVQs and the Leadership and Management Framework developed as part of the Changing Lives Implementation Plan • ensure that the qualification(s) provides a pivotal focus for the career development programme and milestones laid out in the Changing Lives Implementation Plan • ensure the qualification articulates with and meets the timescales, career and qualification needs laid out in Scottish Executive’s Response to the ‘National Review of the Early Years and Childcare Workforce: Investing in Children’s Futures’ (Scottish Executive Response, 2006).

7. Suggested mandatory units • Legislation • Research & theory • Communications, recording and reporting • Risk assessment and protection from danger harm and abuse • Policies, principles and practice • Personal and professional development • Joint working • Social Care, Early Education and Childcare: Graded unit

8. Suggested routes • Social Care and Housing support split into Adults and Children and Young People • Early Education and Childcare • Leadership and Management in Social Care All with ‘new’ entrant and ‘APEL’ routes