Date: 31 October 2007

UNISON welcomes national Standard for Childhood Practice

UNISON, the union that represents Scotland's Nursery Nurses, today welcomed the new Standard for Childhood Practice which launched today, giving professional recognition to nursery and childcare workers.

Developed by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), the Standard will help build an integrated qualification and professional development framework for early years and childcare workers in Scotland.

Carol Ball, Chair of UNISON's Education issues group said; "We welcome this as work in progress and we recognise that public sector managers are at, or are working towards this level.

"Existing public service nurseries are being run professionally by nursery nurses at the moment. This standard gives them the first step in a professional career structure.

"However the corollary of a professional job is professional pay, and we call upon Scottish employers and government to recognise and address this issue."

ENDS

Note to Editors: Research has been published by UNISONScotland that shows the level of underpayment that Scotland's Nursery Nurses are currently receiving. It is on the UNISONScotland website. http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/localgovt/nurserynurse/index.html

For Further Information Please Contact: Carol Ball (Scottish Chair NNWP) 07803 952 263(m) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558 3729(m)

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