Aberdeen’s SCMA Community Childminders, who go the extra mile to support families at times of need, met with Mark McDonald MSP, the Minister for Childcare and Early Years on Saturday 10 September.
Recognising the positive impact it has on the wellbeing of children and families going through a stressful time, the Minister is keen to learn more about the invaluable
SCMA Community Childminding Service.
Speaking before the event, the Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Mark McDonald said: “It is a pleasure to be involved in these celebrations recognising Aberdeen City’s newest Community Childminders. The Service that Scottish Childminding Association provides is not only vital to parents but also extremely beneficial to children in terms of happiness and wellbeing.
“This government is proud to fund the organisation enabling them to continue the great work they already do for hundreds of families throughout Scotland.”
Families are referred to the Service for a variety of reasons, from a child with behavioural issues, bereavement or a parent’s illness. Community Childminders welcome families into their setting and provide them with a flexible, short-term childcare placement, which in turn benefits the wellbeing of the children.
The Minister, who is also the MSP for Aberdeen Donside, also welcomed seven new Community Childminders to the city’s Service, having just completed their SCMA Community Childminding training programme.
Locally co-ordinating the Community Childminding Service is Loraine Duncan, SCMA’s Childminding Development Officer for Aberdeen City. Loraine said: “Having a visit from the Minister for Childcare and Early Years is a great opportunity for us to showcase the Community Childminding Service and the invaluable work we do in Aberdeen City.
“We have 30 Community Childminders in our team and so far this year we have supported 59 families in need, helping them establish routines, increase socialisation for children and listening to parents – all at a time they really need us.
“Families have benefitted from the Service immensely, the feedback is always very positive from families and our referrers. For the childminders it is also a very rewarding job – it’s amazing to see children grow and develop, with their parents gaining confidence and self-esteem.”
Maggie Simpson, Chief Executive of SCMA, said: “We run a number of Community Childminding Services across Scotland, and I am always impressed with the skills and knowledge these childminders bring – and how they make a difference to the lives of children and families.
“It’s thanks to the continued support and funding from Aberdeen City Council that we are able to work in partnership and successfully operate this vital and invaluable service.”
For more information about the SCMA Community Childminding Service, please contact
information@childminding.org or call us on
01786 445377.