In 2024, Scottish Government committed funding for ‘The Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future’, (PSCF), a three-year national childminder retention and recruitment programme. Delivered by the Scottish Childminding Association, (SCMA), the programme undertakes a range of activity to grow the childminding workforce. Backed by a further £1.37m in Scottish Government funding during 2026-27, this April the programme will enter its third year of bringing about positive change for childminding.

HMRC has confirmed that they will be proceeding with the implementation of Making Tax Digital (MTD) on a phased basis for childminders and also changing how ‘wear and tear’ can be claimed. Linked to this, yesterday, HMRC published its new guidance for childminders on expenses and record keeping.

This week is 'Neurodiversity Celebration Week' and we recently announced our exciting new collaboration with 'Three Sisters Consultancy' to explore neurodiversity and inclusion in the childminding workforce. In this blog, "Amber's" mum provides powerful insight into the positive difference the support of her childminder has made - not just to Amber, but the whole family.

Discover the best spring and Easter activities for childminders in 2026, including outdoor nature play, sensory water stations, community outings, seasonal crafts, and social-emotional games for early years.

FOI answer confirms vital impact assessments on childminding workforce have not been conducted. The Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) is today calling on HMRC to immediately delay the implementation of Making Tax Digital (and intended changes to the long-established ‘wear and tear’ allowance) for childminders due to be implemented on a phased basis from next month, as it is believed this could significantly increase the administrative burden on and reduce the income of childminders - resulting in the potential loss of thousands of childminding spaces for families in Scotland.

We’re excited to announce the launch of our new project, ‘Neurodiversity and Inclusion in the Childminding Workforce’, which has been developed with Three Sisters Consultancy and will focus on supporting and understanding neurodiversity amongst childminders in Scotland, as well as SCMA staff. This is very much in response to demand from members who have been increasingly contacting us to ask that we produce our materials in more accessible formats to support their neurodivergence.