It’s the call no childminder wants to receive – Test and Trace on the line to tell you a minded child has tested positive for COVID-19. Fiona Duncan Kerr, a childminder in Scottish Borders, describes her experience of being contact-traced, the additional costs and pressures of childminding during the pandemic, and how her increased cleaning measures and strict compliance with guidance have potentially saved many others becoming affected by COVID-19.

Today, (Tuesday, 17 November), it was announced by Scottish Government that 11 local authority areas will enter Level 4 COVID-19 restrictions from Friday 20 November for a period of three weeks (ending on 11 December).

The Scottish Government and partners are developing a series of online webinars for the early learning and childcare sector, including two evening sessions specifically for childminders, which will take place on Thursday 26 November and Wednesday 9 December.