The professional growth of childminders is of paramount importance to SCMA and over the past year we have worked hard to bring a brand-new qualification to the Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) sector. Working with the Scottish Qualifications Authority we are now delivering the Complete Childminding Learning Pathway – an accredited Work Based Award that recognises and values the unique form of childcare provided by childminders.
This new Work Based Award now gives childminders the opportunity to be recognised for the skills and knowledge they have developed throughout their careers whilst also helping to raise their profile and the vital role they play within Scotland’s ELC landscape. It supports the commitment of the Scottish Government in the Blueprint Action Plan, to help secure a role for childminders, allowing them to gain accreditation for their prior learning whilst they work towards a recognised qualification. This is good news and will ultimately help to professionalise our sector in line with proposals in the Blueprint for 2020 Expansion of ELC in Scotland.
To support the launch of the new Work Based Award we have worked hard behind the scenes this year to develop an online offering that truly reflects the importance of learning with SCMA and the new look reflects the high-quality training we provide.
There are some impressive statistics featured in our Annual Report which demonstrates that together we continue to make a difference. However, protecting professional childminding in Scotland and ensuring the best start in life for children remain at the heart of SCMA and the work of SCMA simply wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of our members, volunteers, staff and partnership organisations.
To find out what we have achieved over the past year CLICK HERE to view our annual report.