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SCMA has published a major new report on funded ELC and childminding; highlighting that an urgent step change is required.
Graeme McAlister, Chief Executive of SCMA, said:
"The findings of our latest audit may make stark, challenging or uncomfortable reading. We do not under-estimate the scale and complexity of implementing the expansion of ELC; nor do we under-estimate the unprecedented nature of the pandemic and the disruption which this has caused. However, the reality for childminding is that many of the problems which childminding has faced with ELC expansion were deeply embedded before COVID-19 emerged and have not been adequately addressed.
Read more about our Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Audit 2021
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 Parent Letter Template (specific to COVID-19) October 2021
ELC Contacts_updated June 2021
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
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or call 01786 449063 (Mon to Fri, 10am – 4pm).
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Update on funded ELC
Early Learning and Childcare options for 0-5 year olds
What’s your child entitled to?
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Scottish Government
Help paying for childcare
Care Inspectorate
Early learning and childcare improvement programme