Early Learning and Childcare Academy launches quality award scheme for North East Scotland

25 June 2019

The Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Academy Scotland has launched a new quality awards scheme recognising good practice in early learning and childcare settings across the North East of Scotland.

At the heart of the awards is the need for innovative, collaborative and quality early years services being offered to families in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray.

The Celebrating ELC Awards will recognise early learning and childcare settings demonstrating an excellent approach to teamwork; working in partnership; learning in indoor and outdoor environments.

The ELC Academy is a collaborative made up with Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils along with training providers, practitioners and early years stakeholders with the aim of increasing pathways into a career in early learning and childcare and encouraging more value to be placed on workers in the sector.

Following the launch, Councillor John Wheeler, Educational Operational Convener for Aberdeen City Council, said: “The ELC Academy wants to ensure our early years workforce know how valued they are so we’re excited to be rewarding their hard work with these awards. The people who are in charge of shaping our leaders of the future deserve to be recognised for the fantastic work they do – we can’t wait to see the applications and learn more about the great work our early years staff are carrying out.”

Councillor Gillian Owen, Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee chair, said: “The protection and support of children is vitally important, so it is only right that the dedication of those working in early learning and childcare is recognised.

“The ELC Awards acknowledge best practice across the early learning and childcare sector in north east Scotland and are an excellent demonstration of partnership work.

“I hope they raise awareness of early learning and childcare as an attractive career option whilst giving those already working in this area welcome encouragement.”

Following her attendance at the launch, Moray Council’s Chair of Children and Young People’s Services Committee, Cllr Sonya Warren, said: “We need to ensure our early years workforce know how valued they are so it’s great to be rewarding their hard work with these awards. The people who are in charge of shaping our leaders of the future deserve to be recognised for the fantastic work they do – I hope Moray’s ELC centres take up the challenge and opportunity to highlight some of this great work, they should be proud of what they’re achieving.”

More information on the Celebrating ELC Academy Awards, the awards brochure and timeline for applications can be found online: elcacademy.scot.