Government urged to rethink plans for blended childcare
RESTRICTIONS on providing “blended” childcare could have a devastating impact on more than 100 childminders and the families they support across Glasgow.
A new survey conducted by the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) highlighted that boundaries implemented by current Scottish Government Covid-19 operating guidance are causing significant problems for the childminding businesses.
There are currently 165 childminders based in the city worried about the future of their business.
The survey revealed that in Scotland as a whole, if these restrictions were to continue, only 19% of childminding businesses believe they will still be viable in 12 months’ time.
“Blended” childcare involves a split placement where a child can attend more than one provider – for example, moving between a childminder and nursery or school, creche and before and after school care settings, depending on the age of the child and what works best for the family as a whole.
Graeme McAlister, chief executive of SCMA, said: “In terms of the city of Glasgow there are almost 170 childminders worried about their future. If you look at the surrounding areas that number increases to 1050.
“There are around 45,000 childminders in Scotland providing a vital service to parents.
“Sometimes parents want their children to spend time between a nursery and a childminder, depending on their needs.
“The Scottish Government’s plans will have really big implications for the industry.
“Nurseries will offer fixed days and times which doesn’t always suit everyone’s needs.”
The current public-health-informed guidance confirms that blended care “should be avoided” unless absolutely necessary in support of key worker families, and that restrictions will continue during phase three.
While this is expected to be reviewed by the end of July, no clarity has been provided as to when or if these restrictions will be lifted.
Childcare will play a very significant role in helping parents and carers get back to work and in supporting wider economic recovery from Covid-19.
Mr McAlister added: “The SCMA has worked very closely and constructively with the Scottish Government and others to contribute to national recovery planning and have supported the cautious and considered approach adopted by the Scottish Government which has enabled us to suppress the virus.
“In doing so we have all been led by the public health advice and none of us wish to risk the progress which has been made in suppressing the virus.
“However, in addition to considering the public health advice, as the risks reduce there is also an increasing need to take into account the economic and social impact of Covid-19 on families and childcare providers which is becoming more critical by the day.
“The public health situation continues to evolve.
“Schools will be returning fulltime without restrictions on capacity in August and many sectors will be opening more widely over the summer and resulting in wider social mixing.
“As such, it would be difficult to see how restrictions on blended placements can be justified or maintained at that time.”