SCMA has published a major new report on funded ELC and childminding; highlighting that urgent intervention is now required.

Graeme McAlister, Chief Executive of SCMA, said: Graeme McAlister, Chief Executive of SCMA, said: “The implementation of ELC policy at a national and local level has been problematic and we have previously reported the devastating effect this has had on the childminding workforce in Scotland.

“We have reached a critical crossroad and time period within which to act – to allow childminding to become less and less available, and potentially disappear altogether as a form of childcare in Scotland, or to act decisively and intervene before it is too late to safeguard childminding for children and families around Scotland. The clock is ticking."

Read more about our Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Audit 2022 HERE

You are entitled to funded ELC that meets the needs of your family. If childminding isn’t available as an option in your area, please contact your local authority, councillor and/or MSP.

ELC Parent Letter Template (Generic) October 2021 ELC Contacts (updated August 2023) Find your MSP

ELC Posters and Flyers

Your Childcare Your Choice Image for Sharing_November 2021 Your Childcare Your Choice Flyer_November 2021

Latest ELC News

Find out the latest news on funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) and get the updates that matter to you.

Childminders and Parents #TellSCMA about their experiences of funded Early Learning and Childcare Updated Statutory Guidance for Providers of Funded ELC Action Plan on Childminding – at a glance New date for funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) expansion announced

ELC Blogs

Written by members of the SCMA team, these blogs cover a range of topics within the subject of Early Learning and Childcare (ELC). They provide a broad overview of the significance ELC and an in-depth look at the details that matter to childminders.

Growing Childminding in Scotland - from Janine Ryan, Head of Childminding Services at SCMA Professional Growth for You and Your Childminding Business - from Lynne Murray, Professional Learning Manager at SCMA In the Spotlight | Becoming a professional childminder was the best thing I ever did

Policy documents

Want to know more? Here's a range of policy and guidance documents relating to funded ELC in Scotland to help you get the detail behind the headlines. SCMA has been involved in the development of ELC guidance from the beginning; representing our members and influencing changes at all levels for the benefit of childminding in Scotland.

Health and Social Care Standards Ebook version Health and Social Care Standards Easy Read National Standard for ELC summary for childminders National Standard for ELC

Reports

An overview (by local authority) of childminders providing funded ELC hours to eligible two, three and four-year olds in Scotland

ELC Audit 2021 FULL REPORT ELC Audit 2022 FULL REPORT