This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-35554308

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Fewer qualified teachers in nurseries, finds EIS research Fewer qualified teachers in nurseries, finds EIS research
(about 7 hours later)
The number of qualified teachers working in Scotland's nurseries has fallen by nearly a third (29%) over the decade, according to the study.The number of qualified teachers working in Scotland's nurseries has fallen by nearly a third (29%) over the decade, according to the study.
A report commissioned by the EIS teaching union said child numbers fell by only 4% over the same period.A report commissioned by the EIS teaching union said child numbers fell by only 4% over the same period.
The study found qualified teachers played a key role in promoting literacy and mentoring other nursery staff.The study found qualified teachers played a key role in promoting literacy and mentoring other nursery staff.
The Scottish government said it was committed to ensuring nursery children had access to a teacher.The Scottish government said it was committed to ensuring nursery children had access to a teacher.
The EIS commissioned the Child's Curriculum Group to assess the impact of having qualified teachers in nurseries and childcare settings.The EIS commissioned the Child's Curriculum Group to assess the impact of having qualified teachers in nurseries and childcare settings.
Its report "Sustaining the Ambition" concluded that these teachers made "many valuable contributions to young children's learning" including literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing.Its report "Sustaining the Ambition" concluded that these teachers made "many valuable contributions to young children's learning" including literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing.
'Clear message'
It also highlighted non-teaching contributions such as identifying children with extra support needs as well as providing leadership and training to other nursery staff.It also highlighted non-teaching contributions such as identifying children with extra support needs as well as providing leadership and training to other nursery staff.
The report collated figures which indicated that 1,212 qualified teachers were working across 2,449 pre-school centres in Scotland, working with 101,463 children (September 2014 figures).The report collated figures which indicated that 1,212 qualified teachers were working across 2,449 pre-school centres in Scotland, working with 101,463 children (September 2014 figures).
That compares with figures from 2005 suggesting there were 1,702 registered teachers at 2,761 centres working with 105,810 children.That compares with figures from 2005 suggesting there were 1,702 registered teachers at 2,761 centres working with 105,810 children.
EIS education committee convener Susan Quinn said: "The clear message is that early exposure to a quality educational experience in the nursery setting brings a whole host of benefits to young children.EIS education committee convener Susan Quinn said: "The clear message is that early exposure to a quality educational experience in the nursery setting brings a whole host of benefits to young children.
"The findings also support the belief that employing the skills and leadership of qualified teachers remains the best way to ensure a quality educational experience in all nursery settings.""The findings also support the belief that employing the skills and leadership of qualified teachers remains the best way to ensure a quality educational experience in all nursery settings."
A Scottish government spokesperson said it was committed to ensuring all those children benefiting from funded entitlement to nursery provision had access to a teacher.A Scottish government spokesperson said it was committed to ensuring all those children benefiting from funded entitlement to nursery provision had access to a teacher.
The spokesperson added: "The first minister announced in October that from 2018, all nurseries in deprived areas should have an additional graduate with early learning and childcare expertise working with young children.The spokesperson added: "The first minister announced in October that from 2018, all nurseries in deprived areas should have an additional graduate with early learning and childcare expertise working with young children.
"The expectation is that this will be either a teacher or a holder of the BA Childhood Practice degree, in recognition that both of these professionals can effectively support young children's learning and development."The expectation is that this will be either a teacher or a holder of the BA Childhood Practice degree, in recognition that both of these professionals can effectively support young children's learning and development.
"In addition, the Scottish government continues to fund the universities of Aberdeen and Strathclyde to deliver early years-specific Masters qualifications for primary teachers, to provide opportunities for teachers to specialise.""In addition, the Scottish government continues to fund the universities of Aberdeen and Strathclyde to deliver early years-specific Masters qualifications for primary teachers, to provide opportunities for teachers to specialise."