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A new project has been launched in a bid to boost the number of childminders in rural areas, including several in west Stirlingshire and the Trossachs.

A new partnership pilot announced this week aims to support the recruitment and training of more than 100 new professional childminders in specific communities within ten areas of Scotland, all of which have been identified as having an urgent need for more high quality, flexible childcare.

In the Stirling area communities including Callander, Aberfoyle, Killin, Doune, Crianlarich, Fintry, Croftamie, Arnprior, Balfron, Killearn and Strathblane are being highlighted.

The Scottish Rural Childminding Partnership pilot is led by the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) with £170,000 partnership funding from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Skills Development Scotland (SDS).

It aims to support economic and community development through the creation of more than 100 new professional childminding jobs and up to 900 muchneeded childcare spaces for families in remote and rural areas - vital in enabling parents and carers to work and contribute to the local economy.

Those who apply and are accepted onto the pilot will be supported by a dedicated member of the SCMA team, from induction training and support through the registration process to establishing their new business. On completion of registration with the Care Inspectorate and HMRC, the new childminder will receive a £750 start-up grant to help cover any costs associated with setting up their new business from home.

They will also receive a unique package of childminding-specific training courses.

No previous childcare experience is required to become a childminder - but applicants do need to be passionate about working with children.

SCMA chief executive Graeme McAlister said: “It’s a rewarding career which provides the opportunity to contribute to children’s development, learning and wellbeing and provides a valuable childcare service within the local community.

More details at www. childminding.org/ childminder-recruitment.