This is a collaborative pilot project being led by the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA), and with financial support from Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE), South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and Skills Development Scotland (SDS).
Anyone living in one of the target locations listed above is welcome to apply. There are no specific professional qualifications needed although there will be induction training to complete and an ongoing requirement for completing 12 hours of continued professional learning (CPL) per year to ensure the high quality of your childminding business. It is also essential that you have a passion for working with and supporting the learning and development of children.
Please note that, as a regulated workforce, all childminders must register with the Care Inspectorate. Details of this process (including Disclosure checck) can be found on our
Become a childminder page.
At this time, only people who live in one of the named target areas can apply to take part in this funded pilot project. However, if you live in neighbouring areas within the same geographical region, please visit the relevant webpage and register your interest anyway using the submission form and we will keep your details for future opportunities.
In addition, anyone who is interested in becoming a childminder, from all areas of Scotland, can visit our ‘Become a Childminder’ webpage and download the free step-by-step information guide, which has all you need to know and details of how you may still be eligible to access funding to cover your induction training and first year of SCMA membership. You can also give our helpline a call from Monday to Friday between 10am – 4pm on 01786 449063 or email
information@childminding.org
The start-up grants will be provided on completion of registration with the Care Inspectorate and HMRC. They are typically used to help with the purchasing of essential equipment, business stationery and any adjustments you may need to make to be able to establish a high quality, nurturing childminding setting within your home.
It is hoped that everyone taking part in this pilot project will be set up and ready to start their new childminding business in time for the start of school term in August 2022.
Professional childminders come from all walks of life and a huge range of different backgrounds, often having successful careers in other areas before making the switch to childminding. It is this variety which brings a rich range of diversity and experience to childminding which can inform day-to-day practice. For further information, please visit our
Become a childminder page for useful videos and FAQs.
Funding via the SRCP initiative is available from 1 April 2022 to support people to become a childminder in the specific communities within the ten defined areas of Scotland.