A leading academic has been tasked with heading up a review of the childcare workforce as part of "ambitious" Scottish Government plans to transform early learning.

Professor Iram Siraj is to lead a review team that will examine the skills and qualifications of those working in the sector, as well as how to ensure people are attracted to a career in childcare.

Children's Minister Aileen Campbell announced the appointment of Ms Siraj on the eve of a Holyrood vote that is expected to pass legislation that will increase free childcare for three and four-year-olds.

If approved, the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill will mean these youngsters, as well as vulnerable two-year-olds, can receive up to 600 hours of funded care a year from August.

Meanwhile, Scottish Government plans could result in youngsters benefiting from 1140 hours of free childcare a year if the SNP is voted into power in an independent Scotland.

Ms Siraj, of the Institute of Education at the University of London, worked as an early-years teacher in the 1980s and has spent more than 25 years working as an academic and researcher.

She said: "It is clear the Scottish Government has ambitious plans and a will to improve early learning and childcare in Scotland.

"There is a range of challenges and complex issues relating to the workforce that must be considered. I look forward to exploring these issues, together with a range of key stakeholders, in the course of the review."

Full membership of the review group will be announced later and will include key figures from local government, the voluntary sector and private sector.

The Children's Minister added that the provision of "high-quality learning and childcare" benefits children, their parents and their communities.