As you purchased or renewed your SCMA membership (including Public Liability Insurance) before 1 April 2022, your insurance policy is currently underwritten by Royal Sun Alliance, as detailed below. 

Comprehensive cover for just £42 per year

Public liability………………………… limit of liability £10 million
Employers’ liability…………….….. limit of liability £10 million
Legal defence costs………………. £250,000
Professional indemnity….………. £100,000

PLI is only available to new and existing SCMA members.  PLI policy underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd.  Additional costs may be incurred for the provision of extended cover.

We know how important it is to you to feel protected. With a range of tailored insurances, designed especially for SCMA members, you can be sure that you, your business, and the children you care for are covered. Our Public Liability Insurance (PLI) is only available to new and existing SCMA members. The PLI policy is underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd. Additional costs may be incurred for the provision of extended cover.

Key information at a glance

• PLI policy covers one childminder and up to two assistants/students. If there are more staff, further cover can be arranged.
  

• If you employ assistants, or have students or volunteers at your setting, you will need Employer’s Liability Insurance.  If you pay them more than £120 per week you will need to provide your ERN/PAYE reference.
  

• SCMA Professional Indemnity covers up to a maximum claim of £100,000. Further top ups are available by calling 01786 445377.  Local authority requirements differ, so please check the level of cover required in your area, especially if you are providing funded places. 

Read the POLICY SUMMARY and the FULL POLICY WORDING
Read the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read the EXTENSION and CLARIFICATION on the use of tools

Public Liability Insurance

It is essential for childcare professionals to have appropriate public liability insurance covering them in their work with children.  SCMA’s public liability insurance is underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd and is only available to SCMA members.

Each year, SCMA works with the insurance providers to make sure that the policy options we offer continue to meet members' needs. We take into account the claims made, questions asked, and any regulatory changes in the sector.

SCMA’s public liability insurance cover has a standard limit of indemnity of £10,000,000.  

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Professional Indemnity Insurance is included in SCMA’s PLI policy, free of charge. 

Our standard Professional Indemnity Insurance limit is £100,000. If you require a higher limit we can arrange a top-up policy to ensure that your setting has the right cover.  Always check the requirements of your local authority early years team. 

Please call our team at head office on 01786 445377 for more details.

Employer's Liability Insurance

If you employ an assistant or another childminder, by law you need to hold Employer’s Liability Insurance (ELI). You will also need Employers Liability Insurance if you are going to be working with a student or unpaid volunteer.

SCMA public liability insurance already includes employer's liability insurance as standard, to a limit of £10,000,000. It covers up to three people (staff, students, or volunteers) including the policy holder, with a standard limit of indemnity £10,000,000.

If you are a member of SCMA and hold Public Liability Insurance with us this is included free of charge with your policy but must be activated by calling SCMA on 01786 445377. 

However, you must also call SCMA every time you renew your insurance to activate your ELI for the coming year.

When purchasing your Employers Liability Insurance you will be asked by SCMA if you pay your employee more than £120 per week. If you pay more than this you will be required to provide SCMA with your Employee Reference Number (ERN also commonly referred to as the Employer PAYE reference). This ERN number is issued by HMRC and can be found on your yellow PAYE payment booklet (P30BC), or on the electronic PAYE reminders that HMRC sends you each year.

Please also advise SCMA if you do not have an ERN number, as this will ensure we are complying with the insurance industry standards. If you do not pay your employees over the threshold, you are exempt from supplying this.

However, you are still required to keep payroll records. If you are exempt you will receive cover under your SCMA policy for Employers Liability Insurance. Further information regarding assistants can be found in the Working with an Assistant Booklet which can be downloaded from the membership dashboard.

Need more information?

To discuss Employers Liability Insurance or register your ERN number, call SCMA on 01786 445377.

“I'm happy with literature and support from SCMA, and the affordable Public Liability Insurance.”

SCMA Member