Project seeks to recruit childminders on Arran
Blackwaterfoot, Pirnmill and Lochranza have been selected for a pilot project seeking to support, recruit and train new professional childminders.
The Scottish Rural Childminding Partnership initiative is being 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).
The aim is to recruit more than 100 new professional childminders in 10 areas of Scotland which have been identified as having an urgent need for more high-quality, flexible childcare.
Those accepted on to 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.
Graeme McAlister, chief executive of the Scottish Childminding Association, said: ‘Childminding is a vital community asset providing flexible childcare and family support which is so important in remote and rural communities. This project is an important step towards addressing the urgent demand for high-quality childcare from parents and carers, recruiting childminders in areas where they are most needed. As we emerge from Covid, there may be people considering a change of career which supports working from home. This is a fantastic opportunity for those living in these target areas to access support in setting up their own childminding business and to undertake a rewarding new career.’
No previous childcare experience is required to become a childminder but applicants do need to be passionate about working with children. It’s a rewarding career which contributes to children’s development, learning and wellbeing and provides a valuable childcare service. Childminders are self-employed business owners who come from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds. They often switch to a career in professional childminding to enable them to combine caring for their own children whilst running their own business from home.
Further information, including eligibility and criteria for applying, is available at www.childminding.org/childminder-recruitment.
‘Childminding is a vital community asset providing flexible childcare and family support.’