Changes are being made to learner eligibility for ILA Scotland funding. These changes come into effect on 1 July 2012.

Changes are being made to learner eligibility for ILA Scotland funding. These changes come into effect on 1 July 2012.

Current eligibility criteria for ILA Scotland account applications:
•         must be 16 years old or over
•         must be ordinarily resident in Scotland
•         must have an income of £22,000 a year or less, or in receipt of benefits.

Additional criteria to be applied to applicants as of 1 July 2012:
•         must not hold a UK degree (or overseas equivalent)
•         must not be undertaking any form of full-time or part-time secondary, further or higher education
•         must not be participating on any National Training Programme (Modern Apprenticeships, Get Ready for Work or Training for Work).

All account applications and account renewals received on or after 1 July 2012 will be assessed under these new additional criteria.

ILA Scotland learner accounts’ will now be known as ‘Skills Development Scotland Individual Learning Accounts’ and the ILA Scotland website, provider resources and marketing materials will be updated to reflect this change.

Please note: the changes do not affect SCMA's status as a Branded Learning Centre therefore we will continue to accept this funding as payment for our training events.

SCMA is looking for Trainers in both Argyll & Bute and to cover the Thurso/Wick area.

SCMA is looking for Trainers in both Argyll & Bute and to cover the Thurso/Wick area

As a trainer for SCMA you will be self-employed and be paid when delivering specific training programmes which range from one-off CPD sessions to those which run over several sessions. You will ideally have worked either in Early Years/Childcare or have a minimum of two years’ experience as a childminder, have a recognised training qualification, your own transport and are looking for a new challenge. You will enter into a Consultancy Agreement with SCMA.  In-house training will be provided. You will receive a copy of the Training Handbook and you will comply with SCMA’s Quality Assurance programme.

For further information and an application form, email: claire.mcewan@childminding.org

Scottish Childminding Association
7 Melville Terrace
Stirling
FK8 2ND

The 2012 BT Internet Ranger Awards celebrate youngsters who have helped to develop the computer skills of an older person and got them online.

The 2012 BT Internet Ranger Awards celebrate youngsters who have helped to develop the computer skills of an older person and got them online.

Anyone who struggles with computers or the internet, knows that a helping hand can make a huge difference.

BT is looking for young people to come forward to be nominated for the award, and demonstrate how they have helped to improve an older person’s computer skills, explain the internet and use emails.

There are some great prizes to be won, including an iPad, IT vouchers worth £100 and schools can win up to £4,000.

The awards are open to all children up to the age of 16.  All applications must be received by BT before 5.30pm on Friday 2 November.

For more information, and to apply online, click onto www.bt.com/internetrangers or email the team at info@internetrangers.com.

Walking to school every day is great fun and it's a good way of getting some daily exercise – and now there’s no excuse!

Everyone knows walking to school is great fun and is a really good way of getting some daily exercise – and next week there will be no excuse!

This year’s ‘Walk to School Week’ is set to be the biggest yet - encouraging all children, parents, childminders, grandparents and carers to get on their feet, and take to the streets instead of taking the school run from Monday 21 May.

The event is part of the ‘Living Streets' Great British Walking Challenge, which will be taking place throughout May where thousands of people will be walking to school, work, and around their neighbourhoods.

Last year over one million children ditched the school run as part of Walk to School Week - if you or your childminding group would like to get involved log onto http://www.walktoschool.org.uk/our-projects/early-years-and-primary/walk-to-school-week/

Legislation to deliver increase in free early learning and childcare

Legislation to deliver increase in free early learning and childcare 

Legislation to deliver the best package of early learning and childcare in the UK will be introduced in the Scottish Parliament next year as part of the new Children and Young People Bill.

Following consultation with local authorities, health boards, children’s organisations and other experts, the Bill will bring together, and enhance, earlier plans for separate legislation on children’s services and rights to better support Scotland’s children and families. Support includes the rise of free early learning and childcare from 475 hours to a minimum of 600 hours per year. An increase of 45 per cent in early learning and childcare provision since 2007. 

The announcement of the new Bill coincides with today’s publication of the ‘Do the Right Thing’ report on the Scottish Government’s work to support children and their rights.

Children’s Minister Aileen Campbell said:

“This Government’s vision for children and young people is clear: we want Scotland to be the best place in the world for them to grow up. A place where children can access all the opportunities and support that they need, when they need it.

“A single, comprehensive piece of legislation, which strengthens the ways in which we support children, placing their rights at the heart of what we do, is central to making that vision a reality. The Children and Young People Bill will deliver the best package of early learning and childcare in the UK by increasing the amount of free early learning and childcare from 475 hours a year to a minimum of 600 hours.

“This Bill will boost our ongoing efforts to strengthen the rights of the child. Already our campaign to encourage parents to play, talk and read more with babies and young children,  supports a child’s right to play and learn from the very early years. We will increase a child’s right to be heard through embedding our Getting it right for every child approach so children’s voices are considered whenever decisions are taken that affect them.

“I intend to consult on detailed proposals for the Bill later this year and I look forward to engaging with the Parliament and partners across the early years as this crucial piece of legislation progresses.”

Network Rail will be carrying out essential engineering works on Sunday 13 May, which may affect those travelling Childminding Day at M&D’s Theme Park this weekend.

Network Rail will be carrying out essential engineering works on Sunday 13 May, which may affect those travelling Childminding Day at M&D’s Theme Park this weekend.

Services between the Glasgow and Edinburgh to Aberdeen and Inverness lines have been altered and may cause delays due to disruption.

The following services will be affected:

Glasgow Queen St - Aberdeen / Inverness / Elgin
Edinburgh - Stirling / Dunblane / Perth
Glasgow Queen Street - Alloa
 
Replacement bus services will be in operation. Please note that heavy luggage, cycles and large prams cannot be carried on replacement buses.

Please allow extra time for travel, as journey times will be increased and replacement buses may arrive/depart earlier/later than advertised train times.

For more information, visit the Scotrail website at www.scotrail.co.uk/engineering.

You can also check your times before travelling at staffed stations, or by calling National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.

Child Safety Week runs from 18 – 24 June aiming to secure a safer environment for children by encouraging families take small steps towards safety.

Child Safety Week runs from 18 – 24 June aiming to secure a safer environment for children by encouraging families take small steps towards safety.

Organised by the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT), next month’s Child Safety Week wants to raise awareness of child safety and can help support families, local groups and communities by offering practical and fun ways to engage them about accident prevention.

CAPT have also launched a free toolkit, full of ideas, posters, resources and a DVD pack to help you encourage the children in your care to be more aware of any dangers around them and the importance of safety.

You can request your free toolkit by joining the CAPT mailing list at www.childsafetyweek.org.uk/join-our-mailing-list.  Remember to submit your orders before Monday 11 June, to guarantee delivery for Child Safety Week.

Don’t forget - to help support this year’s Child Safety Week you can also download lots more free resources, including quizzes, games and competitions, at www.childsafetyweek.org.uk.

NHS Health Scotland and the Scottish Government have published a list of guidance materials to help all care providers, including childminders, ensure the food they provide throughout their service meets their minded children’s ...

NHS Health Scotland and the Scottish Government have published a list of guidance materials to help all care providers, including childminders, ensure the food they provide throughout their service meets their minded children’s needs.

The guide provides information and links to additional resources including Nutritional Guidance for Early Years, Adventures in Foodland and Fun First Foods, which aim to support care professionals and parents provide nutritional food through the early years. 

Please note: Adventures in Foodland (introducing solid food) in now out of date and childminders should refer to 'Fun First Foods'.

To download the list of best practice publications, including current information on Fun First Foods, click onto www.scswis.com/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=332&Itemid=378.

The countdown to Childminding Day 2012 is on!

The countdown to Childminding Day 2012 is on!

Please remember that all adults and children coming along must have a ticket each. Extra tickets can be requested by calling Marketing Services on 01786 445377/option 1 until Wednesday 9 May. No tickets will be posted from Head Office after this date as we cannot guarantee they will reach you on time.

For full terms and conditions please click on the link below.  

There’s plenty to keep kids happy this spring, with lots of groups and fun clubs set up across the Stirling area.

There’s plenty to keep kids happy this spring, with lots of groups and fun clubs set up across the Stirling area.

From toddlers to teens - there is an activity to suit everyone!

For the little ones…

BABY SENSORY (birth-13mths): Cambusbarron Community Centre
Contact Victoria on 01786 475200 or email stirling@babysensory.co.uk

TODDLER SENSE: Tuesdays at Cambusbarron Community Centre
The Explorers (13mths-18mths) from 10.30-11.15am
The Adventurers (18mths-3yrs) from 11.30-12.20pm
Call Kirsteen Chassels on 07814448239 or email stirling@toddlersense.co.uk

PLAY GROUP: Cambusbarron Community Centre
Monday – Friday from 9am-12.15pm
Contact Susan or Lynne on 01786 463189

TODDLERS (0-3yrs): Cambusbarron Community Centre
Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.30-11.30am
Contact 01786 450538

BABY SENSORY: PRECIOUS EARLY LEARNING FOR BABIES (birth-3mths)
Tuesdays at Bridge of Allan Parish Church
Contact Leigh Ronald on 07773 779148 or email bridgeofallan@babysensory.co.uk

For the creative ones…

THE PAINT POT STOP (18mths-5yrs)
Songs, games, stories and arts and crafts
Tuesdays at Cambusbarron Community Centre from 1.45-2.30pm
Contact Ailene on 07973 521385 or email ailene@thepaintstop.co.uk

MUSICAL STEPS EDUCATIONAL & INSPIRING MUSIC CLASSES
Bridge of Allan Parish Church
Contact Dawn on 07884 230733 for more information

For the active ones…

LITTLE KICKS:  Cambusbarron Community Centre
The goal of Little Kicks is use football as a fun forum to instil extra confidence, co-ordination, control and a sense of camaraderie.  Clubs also in Auchterarder, Bridge of Allan, Dunblane and Tullibody
Little Kicks: 18 - 27mths
Junior Kicks: 2 - 3½yrs
Mighty Kicks: 3½ - 5yrs
Mega Kicks: 5 – 7yrs
Contact 01786 842973 or email ahenderson@littlekicks.co.uk

ENJOY A BALL (3-9yrs)
Eight different Ball Sports
Clubs at Dunblane, Cambusbarron, Bridge of Allan and St.Ninians
Contact Claire Beattie on 0845 2262694 or email claire.beattie@enjoy-a–ball.com

SCMA is delighted to continue to work in partnership with Road Safety Scotland and is pleased to announce that all SCMA members will receive a free Big Book Set of the series of six Ziggy stories.

SCMA is delighted to continue to work in partnership with Road Safety Scotland and is pleased to announce that all SCMA members will receive a free Big Book Set of the series of six Ziggy stories.

The Big Book Set is an ideal way to share the Ziggy stories with small groups of children and supports the excellent work that’s already being done by childminders, parents and carers, and pre-school and primary 1 staff. The stories aim to inspire a child’s interest in road safety learning and help young children understand the world around them in a wonderful and natural way.

If you are a member of SCMA and have not recieved your free Big Book Set please call 01786 445377/option 1.  

Don’t forget to protect you and your minded children’s skin this summer.

“Hooray, the Sun has got its hat on...and it’s time to dig out the sun block.”

Don’t forget to protect you and your minded children’s skin this summer. 

Whether you’re all out playing in the garden, out at the park or simply strolling down the street enjoying the lovely warm sunshine – the sun’s harmful rays can be dangerous and it’s important to stay protected using a high factor sun cream.

This week is Sun Awareness Week, which is the British Association of Dermatologists' annual campaign to raise awareness of skin cancer, through prevention, detection and treatment.

Aiming to teach people about the dangers of sunburn, excess tanning and sunbeds, the awareness week also wants to encourage everyone to get to know their skin, self-examine regularly and check for any changes in the skin.  If you notice anything new or irregular, the advice is to get it checked with your GP.

Childminders must be vigilant when it comes to sun safety:

- Cover Up – ensure that children are kept covered up with long sleeve t-shirts, sun hats and sunglasses to protect them from the rays.

- Smoother Up – be sure to apply a thick layer of high factor sun cream to protect any exposed areas of skin, including the face, shoulders, hands, legs and feet.

- Drink Up – when it’s lovely and warm it’s important to drink lots of fluids and stay hydrated – get that bottle of water handy!

To watch a video about how to stay safe in the sun, or for more information, click onto http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/skin/pages/sunsafe.aspx

Have you received your Childminding Month Group Pack yet? The booklet contains lots of fundraising ideas, tips to help you promote your group, a poster and some words of support from our favourite celebrities…

Have you received your Childminding Month Group Pack yet? 

The booklet contains lots of fundraising ideas, tips to help you promote your group, a poster and some words of support from our favourite celebrities…

Whatever your group have got planned this year to celebrate Childminding Month and help raise the profile of Scottish childminding - we want to hear about it!

Don’t forget! Take lots of photos at your event and email them to jennifer.ross@childminding.org. 

We must receive your comments and photographs before Monday 21 May to ensure that they are included in the next issue of Childminding magazine. 

Click onto http://www.childminding.org/find-out-more/events-calendar to find out more about Childminding Month 2012, and all the great activities we've got planned for your Childminding Day on Sunday 13 May.

 

Happy Childminding Month from everyone at SCMA!

SCMA is concerned that a company called Aimera has contacted some childminders in relation to their water supply. Aimera claim that childminders should pay a higher water charge as they run a business and this charge will ...

SCMA is concerned that a company called Aimera has contacted some childminders in relation to their water supply. Aimera claim that childminders should pay a higher water charge as they run a business and this charge will be backdated to October 2011.

SCMA confirmed with Scottish Water that if the property is considered to be domestic premises then only domestic water rates are chargeable.  It would only be if the property was considered to be non-domestic that business water rates would apply.

Given that the legislation requires childminders to be operating on domestic premises it seems clear that what they pay through their council tax is sufficient.

If you are contacted by Aimera please do not agree to pay business rates and contact SCMA.

Unfortunately, SCMA is currently unable to process orders from the online shop. We are working to resolve this issue and apologise for any inconvienience. Orders can be placed by calling Marketing services on 01786 445377/option ...

Unfortunately, SCMA is currently unable to process orders from the online shop. We are working to resolve this issue and apologise for any inconvienience.

Orders can be placed by calling Marketing services on 01786 445377/option 1.

This week is National Allergy Week, so as hay fever season strikes once again don’t forget to have lots of tissues handy, all medication up-to-date and try to keep affected children away from pollen spores as much as possible. ...

This week is National Allergy Week, so as hay fever season strikes once again don’t forget to have lots of tissues handy, all medication up-to-date and try to keep affected children away from pollen spores as much as possible.

National Allergy Week aims to raise awareness about all the different types of allergies and highlight the effects they can have on those people affected by allergies.

Around this time of year, the most common allergy is hay fever with around 1 in 5 people in the UK currently suffering from the symptoms of hay fever.

Educating everyone about hay fever and supporting those with the condition is the focus of this year’s National Allergy Week. However the week also aims to raise awareness about other conditions including asthma and eczema whose symptoms can be triggered or made worse by allergens.

Hay fever is caused by the nasal passages becoming inflamed due to an allergic reaction from anything such as, dust, animal dander or pollen.  Pollen is the main cause of hay fever, causing symptoms such as blocked nose, persistent cough, sore streaming eyes, a runny nose and sore throat.

For more information on hay fever or any allergy you might be worried about, go to http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergies/pages/introduction.aspx

2012-13 Tax & National Insurance now available to download

SCMA members are now able to download the latest Tax & National Insurance booklet for 2012-13 from the Members’ Zone.

The free 18-page guide covers Tax and National Insurance issues that directly relate to childminders and their businesses.

The information is compiled by the HMRC who work closely with SCMA to ensure childminders receive the most accurate and up-to-date tax information.

Click onto www.childminding.org/members-zone to sign into the Members Zone, and click onto ‘Downloads’ to get your latest copy of the booklet.

Staff guidance on inspection frequency and intensity for the current inspection year (2012-2013) has been updated.

Staff guidance on inspection frequency and intensity for the current inspection year (2012-2013) has been updated.

The guidance, published on the Care Inspectorate website today (13 April), can be downloaded from: http://www.scswis.com/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_details&gid=703&Itemid=701

Children of all ages are invited to come along and get creative with The Creation Station’s Arts & Craft classes taking place in Glasgow this spring.

Children of all ages are invited to come along and get creative with The Creation Station’s Arts & Craft classes taking place in Glasgow this spring.

The activity classes offer children the chance to experiment, try out their own ideas and develop their skills through the use of colour, shapes and texture.

The Creation Station provides fun, exciting and educationally-based workshops, tailored to suit your child’s age, experience and interests – and you don’t need to worry about all the mess!

- Baby Discovery for newborn-18months at Partick Baptist Church on Mondays from 10am
- Little Explorers for children aged 14months+ at the Scout Hall, Kelbourne Street on Tuesdays from 10.15am
- Family Time for newborn-5years at Kidz World, just of M8 J11 on Thursdays from 10.30am
- Little Explorers for children aged 14months+ at Partick Baptist Church on Fridays from 10.15am

Each activity session costs £5 per child, with siblings receiving a 50% discount.  Block booking is available from Glasgow’s Creation Station, which entitles you to 10% off and a special gift.

Baby Discovery and Family Time classes are FREE for children aged under 3 months.

To book a place, please email amrit@thecreationstation.co.uk or call 0844 854 9116

For more information, click onto www.thecreationstation.co.uk/Childrens-Art-Class-and-Party-Entertainer/Glasgow.

Love, Fear & Shame is the brand new seminar from Dr Suzanne Zeedyk, where she will be exploring children’s emotions and how they can impact on a child’s development. Speaking alongside Robin Grille for the very first time, ...

Love, Fear & Shame is the brand new seminar from Dr Suzanne Zeedyk, where she will be exploring children’s emotions and how they can impact on a child’s development.

Speaking alongside Robin Grille for the very first time, Suzanne will also be discussing how love, fear and shame can tell us a lot about the way we, as parents, guardians and professionals relate to children.

The one-day seminar is open to everyone who works within the childcare sector and is being held at Augustine United Church, Edinburgh on Thursday 10 May from 9.30am - 4pm, at a cost of £85.

You can download the flyer at www.gallery.mailchimp.com/8ef42cc65599500613dffd5a4/files/Love_Fear_Shame_10_May_2012.pdf.

Or, to book your place, please email karen@suzannezeedyk.com or call 0845 075 3694.

www.suzannezeedyk.com