Question reference: S5W-23957
- Asked by: Tavish Scott, MSP for Shetland Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 20 June 2019
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Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 18 July 2019
Question
To ask the Scottish Government when it expects to meet its commitment for 435 additional graduates to be working in nurseries in the most deprived areas, which had an initial timescale of August 2018, and how many are currently in post.
Answer
Local authorities reported in March 2019 (the latest official data collection) that they have recruited 84% (366) of the 435 equity and excellence leads posts (previously known as the additional graduates). However, we are aware that since this time the majority of authorities with vacancies have now recruited their remaining posts and are currently undertaking pre-employment checks. The next data collection is planned for July 2019, which will provide us with a more robust recruitment update.
Scottish Government have been taking a range of actions to support local authorities with recruitment. This year we have hosted a summit to share learning amongst local authorities. To raise awareness of this new role we have produced a marketing video and written case study, which has been distributed to all local authorities and universities.
We will continue to work closely with those small number of authorities who face challenges in recruiting posts and regularly monitor their progress.