Childminding Induction Support Programme

Designed to support potential childminders in Scotland through every stage of the registration process and beyond. Our Childminding Induction Support Programme covers everything you need to know.

The Childminding Induction Support Programme will guide you through the process of becoming a childminder, enabling you to provide a positive learning environment so that your children will be able to progress in all aspects of their development. The Childminding Induction Support Programme includes:

The Childminding Induction Learning Course, either available as e-Learning or three interactive sessions
Our Strong Foundations Pack to help you navigate the registration process
Universal and tailored support from the team at SCMA
The opportunity to achieve an SCMA Accredited Open Badge
Your first year of SCMA membership FREE*, when you complete the programme and the Care Inspectorate registration process to become a childminder

"I would highly recommend this programme to others who are thinking about a career in childminding.
It gives you a great grounding into all aspects covered. It has really helped and opened my eyes to the world of childminding."

*Your first year of free SCMA membership will be allocated once you have completed your registration to become a childminder with the Care Inspectorate. We allow up to one year from the date of allocation of your Childminding Induction Support Programme to access your free membership.

Childminding Induction Learning Course

As part of the programme, our Childminding Induction Learning Course is delivered across three interactive sessions or online via an easy-to-use e-Learning platform, which allows you to work at a time and pace to suit you. The course includes:

The unique role of the childminder and requirements of the registration and inspection process.
How to help children progress in their learning and development and principles of Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC).
Meeting the needs of children, taking into consideration children’s rights, wishes and making their voices heard.
Running and operating your childminding business, including cashflow, expenses, contracts and effective communications.

Support

Participants of the Childminding Induction Support Programme participants will be provided with a support system from SCMA – we are the experts in childminding across Scotland. One-to-one support can be provided by your Childminding Development Officer (CDO) if you live in an area with a local SCMA staff member. In areas without a CDO, telephone and/or email support can be available from our Childminding Support Officer and designated support will be provided throughout the registration process.

You can always call the SCMA Helpline on 01786 449063 (Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm) for guidance and support - we are always happy to help!

Strong Foundations Pack

Once you begin the Childminding Induction Learning Course, you will receive our Strong Foundations Pack, which has been developed to help you navigate the Care Inspectorate registration process and your first year as a childminder... ultimately helping you to build Strong Foundations!

Our Strong Foundations Pack is an essential childminding resource, and includes:

A comprehensive guide to the Care Inspectorate registration process, and fundamental information about childminding and the sector.
Guidance to help you create a welcoming, low-risk, healthy childminding environment within your own home
Support with the business side of childminding and getting established as a childminding service

How to Book and Funding Options

The Childminding Induction Support Programme costs £200. 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.

Unfortunately, as of 21 July 2023, ITA funding applications are closed for this financial year, due to limited funding from Skills Development Scotland. We are keeping an interest list of people who are looking to be funded via ITAs, and if you'd like to be added to the interest list, please email itaenquiries@childminding.org with your full name, local authority area and your postcode. Alternatively, you can always self-pay to join our Childminding Induction Support Programme. Please call our Learn with SCMA team on 01786 445377 to find out more and make your booking.

There may be other funding options available such as a small business grant and/or support through Business Gateway.

Free SCMA Membership

Once you’ve completed the Childminding Induction Support Programme you will get your first year of SCMA membership for FREE.

This will be allocated once you have completed your registration to become a childminder with the Care Inspectorate. We allow up to one year from the date of allocation of your Childminding Induction Support Programme to access your free membership.

Membership of a trusted organisation like SCMA gives you peace of mind, invaluable support and a chance to make a difference. It says that you’re professional, informed and committed to quality.

Being a member of SCMA give you lots of exclusive benefits such as:

SCMA Practitioner Insurance to cover your childminding activities
Free advertising on the SCMA website
Access to Learn with SCMA courses
Access to essential business stationery for childminders
Free childcare and legal helplines
Magazines, essential information and free resources

Find out more about the benefits of SCMA membership HERE.