Scotland's Early Learning and Childcare Expansion 

Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) is changing in Scotland.  The expansion of ELC is one of the most important and transformative changes in Scotland and this will almost double the entitlement to funded ELC to 1140 hours per year, by 2020, for all three and four-year olds and eligible two year-olds. 

Alongside the full roll-out of 1140 hours in 2020, the Scottish Government will introduce a new Funding Follows the Child approach. This ‘provider neutral’ approach will empower parents to choose from a range of high quality ELC providers, including childminders. It will be underpinned by a National Standard, which will be published by the end of this year, which all providers who wish to deliver the funded entitlement will have to meet. It will also ensure that everyone providing the funded entitlement is delivering the highest quality early learning and childcare experience for children.  It is important that parents understand the choices that will be available to them in accessing their child’s entitlement, including the benefits of using a childminding service. 

We know funded ELC places are a big help for families but SCMA would like to make sure that childminders are given the opportunity to be partner providers, paid for providing this service by local authorities. In essence, we believe that a childminding service is the ideal setting for children to experience their funded hours and we are now campaigning for a blended approach to childcare. The Scottish Government has committed to working with SCMA to ensure that it promotes the benefits of childminding to eligible parents and will be holding an event in early 2019 to agree specific actions. 

SCMA is committed to lobbying for greater representation of childminders within the funded ELC workforce, but we need your help. The more voices, the greater the noise!

Pledge to Save our Services: #SOSchildminding now.