FAQs and information for childminders on COVID-19 

All childminders are able to operate their settings in line with Childminder Services Guidance from the Scottish Government.  

You may also find it useful to make a note of your local Health Protection Team contact details for specific enquiries or further assistance. Other key contacts are NHS Inform and the Care Inspectorate

SCMA Statement on Childminding Fees
The subject of fees and what to charge parents during these exceptional times is an area on which we have received an increasing number of requests for advice. We fully recognise the individual nature of members’ businesses and that the final decision regarding what to charge is a personal decision. As such, our advice is only suggestive. Full statement from SCMA (30 March 2020).

Getting in touch

For enquiries regarding childminding please call our Helpline on 01786 449063 (Mon-Friday 10am – 4pm).

Our Head Office phone line 01786 445377 (Option 1 for membership and orders; Option 2 for Learn with SCMA and Option 3 for other enquiries) is open Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 4.30pm.


We continue to experience a high volume of calls, so if you can’t get through straight away you can also drop us an email at information@childminding.orgPlease also continue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - and don't forget to read our latest news for regular updates.

Current FAQs

FAQ: Can a child attend my setting if they have symptoms of COVID-19?
FAQ: What do I do if a child in my setting has symptoms of COVID-19?
FAQ: Do I need to close my childminding setting if a member of my household is displaying symptoms, but I am well?
FAQ: What fees should I be charging if a child is unable to attend my setting because they have symptoms of COVID-19?
FAQ: Do I still need to complete specific COVID-19 risk assessments?
FAQ: Are childminders eligible for the Self-Isolation Support Grant?

FAQ Archive

FAQ: My local authority is not presenting childminding as an option for funded ELC - what can we do?
FAQ. Are there any free resources, tools or activities that could help support children’s mental health?
FAQ. What do I need to do about the new Key Question 5 for the Care Inspectorate as part of my self-evaluation?
FAQ: Is the UNITE union related to SCMA, and if I joined would this affect my SCMA membership?
FAQ: I am having problems receiving payment from a parent who attends college - what can I do?
FAQ: Do I need to have a CO2 monitor?

Useful Links to further information

Useful links

Scottish Government

Health Protection Scotland

NHS Inform

Latest news for childminders from SCMA

SCMA YouTube Channel for latest videos and updates

Parent Club - Coronavirus


Clear Your Head

Team ELC Wellbeing Hub

Scottish Enterprise


Please be assured that we continue to work hard behind the scenes to represent childminders and pressing both the UK Government and Scottish Government to do more to support and protect self-employed individuals. In the meantime, you may find the Coronavirus (COVID-19): Advice and Guidance for Small Businesses and the Self-Employed from the Federation of Small Businesses useful.