Childminders given green light to resume

Registered childminders in Ayrshire have been given the green light to offer their services again for the first time since the lockdown.

At the beginning of the Covid- 19 pandemic, childminders had to close their setting – unless providing critical childcare for key workers and vulnerable children.

Childminders can use their

“discretion” to allocate available spaces to other families. There will continue to be restrictions on numbers during the early phases of recovery, with a maximum of four families ( excluding the childminder’s own) allowed to attend a childminding setting at any one time.

Graeme McAlister, chief executive of the Scottish Childminding Association, said: “The reopening of childminding during phase one will help to ensure that many more families will have access to high- quality childcare as communities across the country start to ease out of lockdown.

“However, there is no requirement for childminders to reopen immediately. It is important they take time to prepare, based on their own business and personal circumstances.”

Maree Todd, Minister for Children and Young People, said: “We have published guidance to support childminders to reopen and operate safely, if they choose to do so.

“This guidance has been created in partnership with the Care Inspectorate and we are grateful to the Scottish Childminding Association for their input.

“There are still restrictions in place to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus in childminding settings. My team and I will continue to work closely with the Scottish Childminding Association.”