Q. Do I need to complete induction training?
It is recommended that you complete our
Childminding Induction Support Programme prior to registration, as you will need to demonstrate your ability to provide for children’s learning and development. Completion of induction training is also an expectation of the Care Inspectorate.
Our Childminding Induction Support Programme and Strong Foundations Pack can provide all the help you need to register and establish your new childminding service. The programme will also look at the business side of childminding, and how you will operate as a self-employed childminder.
In addition, if you are planning to deliver funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) as a partner provider with your local authority, you will need to adhere to the National Standard. One of the criteria is that you will have completed induction training.
Q. How much does induction cost?
Our Childminding Induction Support Programme costs £200. You may be entitled to a apply for an
Individual Training Account (ITA) for funding to help you cover the cost of the induction programme. Or you can always self-pay, using a credit/debit card when you book.
Q. How do I book induction?
If you’re eligible for an Individual Training Account (ITA) you should firstly visit
My World of Work to apply and secure your funding. After you have completed and submitted your application, you should call the Learn with SCMA team on
01786 445377 to progress your application, and we will start to process your booking.
If you are planning to self-pay for the Childminding Induction Support Programme, please call our Learn with SCMA team on
01786 445377 who will take your booking and payment.
Q. What does the Childminding Induction Support Programme include?
Our Childminding Induction Learning Course also includes:
- Our Strong Foundations Pack, which explains what you need to do when establishing your new childminding setting.
- Access to tailored support for potential childminders from our Helpline team.
- Once you have completed the programme you will receive your first year of SCMA membership for FREE (which automatically includes SCMA Practitioner Insurance), which will be allocated to you when you complete the Care Inspectorate registration process.
Both our interactive/virtual course and e-Learning programme cover the same topics which are:
- The unique role of the childminder, the role of the Care Inspectorate and requirements of the registration and inspection process
- Knowledge on how to help children progress in their learning and development
- Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) practice guidance to enable childminders to adopt a child-centred approach
- Meeting the needs of children
- Positive Behaviour Management and marketing your childminding service
- Risk Assessment
- Health and Safety considerations
- Running your childminding business
Q. When will I receive my Strong Foundations Pack?
After you have booked onto the Childminding Induction Support Programme, you will receive your Strong Foundations Pack from SCMA once you have started the course. Receiving your Strong Foundations Pack will be triggered by either attending the course, or beginning the online modules if you are completing the Childminding Induction Support Programme via e-Learning.
Q: How long does the Childminding Induction Support Programme take to complete?
Our easy-to-use e-Learning programme is split up into nine modules, and because it’s online you can complete the course at a time and pace to suit you. We would recommend allowing around 7.5 hours to complete the full course. This does not have to be done all in one go and progress can be saved as you work through the programme.
If you take part in our interactive/virtual sessions, they are delivered across three 2.5 hour interactive sessions delivered over three weekday evenings/two Saturdays.
Q. I already have experience of working with children, do I need to do induction?
Experience in looking after children is always useful when you are thinking about becoming a childminder; however, it is worth bearing in mind that childminding is very different from working in a school or nursery setting.
As a childminder, you are entirely responsible for the setting and the service delivered. You will be self-employed, and will need to manage your finances, contracts with parents, the everyday running of the service and work within the relevant guidance.
Q: If I complete the Childminding Induction Support Programme before submitting my application form to the Care Inspectorate can I go back and read through the course again?
Yes – absolutely! Once you have completed the Childminding Induction Support Programme you will always have access to the learning materials covered in the course and can refer back to it.
The course is designed to help and guide you through the Care Inspectorate registration process and into your first year as a childminder and beyond so there may be parts that you will want to read again even over a year later.
Q: Can I do the e-Learning on my mobile phone? Do I need any special software to access the Childminding Induction Support Programme e-Learning course?
SCMA recommend that you access the programme on a PC or laptop with an up-to-date Internet browser such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.
Q: I’m not great with technology. Will I be able to use the e-Learning programme?
Our e-Learning programme is very user-friendly, quick to access and allows you to work at a time and pace to suit you.
If you have any problems, please give the Learn with SCMA team a call on
01786 445377 and we will be able to help.