At SCMA, we recognise that most childminders are sole workers, and this can be isolating. There are times when we could all benefit from some breathing space and some personal support – particularly if it has been a stressful day.

Updated COVID-19 guidance for childminding published this morning (10 July 2020) by the Scottish Government.

A recent survey from SCMA has highlighted that restrictions on providing ‘blended’ childcare by current Scottish Government COVID-19 operating guidance are having a devastating effect on childminding businesses in Scotland.

Watch our latest video update and hear from Graeme McAlister, Chief Executive of SCMA , as he summarises the main points that impact on your childminding setting and explains what it means for you.

We had been planning to provide an update for members this afternoon about blended care linked to the publication of new guidance for Out of School Care settings which was expected earlier today. Unfortunately, at the time of producing this update (4.50pm) this guidance has not yet come through and we will now aim to record a video update for you on Monday. However, we recognise a weekend is a long time and didn’t want to leave you without a holding update this afternoon.

SCMA has been in on-going discussions with the Scottish Government and Skills Development Scotland (SDS), and we are pleased to announce that Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) are now re-open for applications from today (Wednesday 1 July 2020).