Question reference: S5W-25750
- Asked by: Beatrice Wishart, MSP for Shetland Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 9 October 2019
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Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 6 November 2019
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-24893 by Maree Todd on 23 September 2019, by what date all the equity and excellence leads will be in post.
Answer
We know that high quality early learning and childcare can play an important role in reducing the poverty related attainment gap. We have dedicated funding for 435 equity and excellent leads to work in all 32 local authorities with a focus on improving outcomes for children in the most deprived areas of Scotland.
Local authorities have reported that 94% of the Equity and Excellence lead posts have now been filled (410 full time equivalent posts). The Scottish Government is continuing to work closely with local authorities with outstanding posts to fill. Progress is monitored on a regular basis. Local Authorities are aiming to fill these posts as swiftly as possible.
Some posts have taken longer to recruit for than anticipated. This is partly because these roles can be very specialised and many local authorities have included additional criteria to ensure the most suitable, highly qualified candidates are in place to support children experiencing disadvantage.