“The single most important driver of the quality of a child’s early learning and childcare (ELC) experience is a high quality workforce. Continuous professional learning (CPL) is an essential component of ELC quality and is linked to children’s development.” (Scottish Government, 2020)
Continuous professional learning is essential to providing high-quality ELC in Glasgow. The diagram above shows Glasgow’s Professional Development Framework for all staff working in both local authority and funded providers of ELC in Glasgow. All staff should use the framework to plan their personal continuous professional learning and development, whilst the leadership team should also use the framework to keep an overview of staff development needs and support planning for development at establishment level. The framework shows how, in line with best practice principles for effective professional development (EEF, 2021), new learning should build on previous learning. A mix of learning opportunities should be considered, including self-directed research, formal training, skills practice, whole establishment training and others. It is vital to consider how the skills and knowledge gained through training and development opportunities will result in improved practice. Using opportunities to access coaching and consultation can support the implementation of new skills and knowledge and so ensure professional development activities lead to higher-quality experiences for the children and babies in our care.
Using the drop-down menus or the embedded links you can find development opportunities which are freely available through national and local authority agencies at each stage: induction, universal, implementation, targeted and whole establishment level. The tables state whether the opportunities are available for Glasgow City Council (GCC) establishments, Funded Providers (FP), or both, and give links for further information where available.
Training opportunities are also available through private or third sector agencies. The Directory of CPL for ELC is a useful source of further information on these opportunities.
