The Members’ Zone is a virtual treasure chest full of useful resources for busy childminders. The dowloadable golden nuggets of information include:

• SCMA briefing sheets covering a host of topics from ‘Dealing with Allegations and Complaints’ to ‘Self-assessment and Grading’.
• Safe and Secure: a child protection good practice guide for childminders.
• Attitudes and Values: a code of practice for childminders that identifies certain key principles which underpin good practice in childcare and education.
• The ‘Pay and Conditions’ and ‘Tax and National Insurance’ booklets: giving you a complete guide to managing your finances.
• Continuing Professional Development Portfolio: helping you to keep track of your professional development.
• Babysitting Checklist: members who have their insurance with SCMA will be covered while babysitting as long as they complete this babysitting checklist, following the guidelines on the checklist.
• And many more…

That’s not all, the Childminder Resources section will keep you up-to-date with all resources available to childminders and tell you where to get them. You can also easily renew your SCMA membership and insurance using the Members’ Zone and update your member profile.

The jewel of the crown is the SCMA Members’ Forum. The Forum allows childminders to chat with other like-minded individuals no matter where they are in Scotland or what time of day it is. As some childminders can feel isolated this Forum has become a ‘life-line’ for many who were looking for support and guidance from more experienced childminders. The chat isn’t all work-related though; a host of topics ranging from diets to discounts has appeared on the Forum.

So what are you waiting for? Log-in to the Members’ Zone now to access these fantastic benefits.

Not an SCMA member yet? Give Marketing Services a call (01786 445377/option 1) to find out how membership can work for you.

If you have trouble logging-in, contact Marketing Services or email information@childminding.org.