Enhanced Family Support

Childminding is the most nurturing form of childcare – it offers a whole-family approach – where childminders play a key role in supporting the wellbeing of children, families, and also those most in need.

SCMA has been a pioneer in championing enhanced family support for many years, supporting and delivering services, where high-quality childminders can best meet the needs of each individual family.

Our Enhanced Family Support services – including Community Childminding and the Family Childminding Partnership – are designed to deliver a holistic whole-family approach to childcare, focussed on achieving positive outcomes for children, whilst meeting the needs of the wider family.

With support from trained, professional childminders, parents/carers can also become more confident in their own parenting skills, family engagement is improved, relationships are improved, and secure attachments are strengthened, thus developing resilience in children.

To discover more about our Community Childminding and Family Childminding Partnership, please refer to the sections below...

Plus, SCMA has also been working with six Early Adopter Communities (EACs) to provide targeted childminding placements for low-income families to help tackle child poverty. Read more about our work in the EACs HERE.

Community Childminding

SCMA’s Community Childminding Service provides support to families during times where additional support is needed, or when they are facing a period of difficulty. Community Childminders can enhance the wellbeing of children and their families by providing a safe space, away from the stressful situation where they can focus on their specific needs.

Find out more about our Community Childminding Service
Read our Community Childminding Case Studies

Childminders play a vital role in 'making a difference' and improving outcomes for the development and wellbeing of children and their families, which is fundamental to the Community Childminding Service. As always, the child is paramount and care is tailored to their individual needs, with a particular focus on developing resilience and achieving crucial milestones. The eight Wellbeing Indicators (GIRFEC) are used to map achievements and measure success.

The Community Childminding Service is currently available in:

Aberdeen City
City of Glasgow
Fife
Scottish Borders (known here as the 'Supported Childminding Scheme')

Families are referred to the Community Childminding Service directly by Health Visitors, Social Workers and Family Support Workers. Referrals may be for a variety of reasons - from children with behavioural issues to a parent with mental illness. Children will typically have short term placements with a Community Childminder, for up to eight hours a week over a six to 26-week period. Although this is available for children of any age, the majority tend to be age three and under.

Interested in Becoming a Community Childminder?

With high demand and a need for more Community Childminders across Aberdeen City, Fife, Glasgow and the Scottish Borders, there are lots of reasons and benefits to join the team…

Making a Difference | Support children and families in your community, and provide a nurturing place of safety, high-quality care, and wellbeing.

Business Sustainability | Boost your business with additional funding opportunities, longer-term viability, and increased financial security.

Professional Development | Enhance your professional growth, with fully funded and comprehensive training, and grow your skills and experience.

“It’s all about the people, and being able to help those children and families, and go that extra mile and you can really make a difference.”

If you live in Aberdeen City, Fife, Glasgow City or the Scottish Borders and would like to find out more – take the first step and email information@childminding.org.

Our team will put you in touch with your local Childminding Development Officer, who will answer any queries you have and support you throughout the onboarding process. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Family Childminding Partnership

The Family Childminding Partnership (FCP) is a new project for 2024, which builds on our experience of delivering whole family support and childcare through our Community Childminding and other wellbeing services.

We are testing the impact and outcomes of a model which supports whole-family wellbeing, targeting families in need and supporting the key commitments of The Promise, through the provision of preventative family support within enhanced, nurturing childminding placements.

Placements will be offered to those most in need, who fall within the six priority groups in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, as well as to kinship carers and parents who are care experienced.

It is currently being piloted in five areas: Aberdeenshire, Falkirk, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire and West Lothian and will support children (primarily from 9 – 23 months old, but including other siblings where possible) with flexible, family-centred childminding services.

Up to four childminding sessions per week (12-16 hours) over 12 weeks, adjusted to meet individual family needs.
Or, in some areas, up to three sessions per week up until the child is eligible for ‘eligible twos’ ELC funding.
Settling-in days provided as needed for smooth transitioning.

Application Process for the Family Childminding Partnership

Applications for accessing this service are made by referral only – e.g. by a Health Visitor or Social Worker. Please email sonia.watson@childminding.org for further information about FCP.