The Scottish Government and partners are holding a series of online webinars for the early learning and childcare sector, including evening sessions specifically for childminders.
The first session took place on Thursday 26 November, with the next one coming up on Wednesday 9 December, which is intended for any childminder who was unable to take part in the first session.
If you missed the first webinar, and would like to book your place for Wednesday 9 November
click here.
More than 350 childminders took part in the first webinar session last month, which featured input from Health Protection Scotland, the Care Inspectorate and Janine Ryan, Head of Childminding Services, at SCMA.
SCMA member, Fiona Duncan-Kerr from the Scottish Borders, who has been open throughout the pandemic, joined the panel to relay her experiences of a COVID-19 outbreak in her setting, as well as providing valuable insight and relatable advice from a childminder’s own perspective.
The live webinar proved to be a great success, with childminders really appreciating the realistic, practical and reassuring input from a fellow childminder, who completely understands the day-to-day efforts of operating a safe and nurturing setting during COVID-19.
Fiona’s contribution has been generating lots of positive feedback from fellow childminders across Scotland. Here are just a few of the comments that Fiona received after the session:
“Well done Fiona for sharing the compassion you have as a childminder, as well as explaining how much workload we have over and above the children. You really got all the most vital points across in a caring manner, whilst still observing the guidance when needed. Well done!” - Ann Workman
“It was beneficial to hear from someone who is doing it day in and day out - and not just coming from the top down. Fiona really puts the needs and feelings of the children first, and this showed in her reasoning for doing the things she does for the children.” - Lee McGill
“Can I just say thank you to Fiona for all the information and sharing your experiences. You have made me feel like I am doing things right, as well as giving me more tips - you are a star!
“I found [the webinar] very interesting and informative, and I’m glad that Fiona put her points across. It felt good to listen to her experiences, and for the first time in a while, I’m not feeling alone in this.
“You were 100% right, and I'm glad you put across about the two-metre distancing between older and younger children - it's just not possible - especially when the older children help to nurture and buddy-up with the younger children. Thank you - you were inspiring!” - Tina McDonell
These webinar sessions aim to support services to deliver high-quality, safe care during the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst providing opportunities to discuss key issues and challenges. More sessions for childminders and practitioners working in all-ages childcare are also planned for the New Year.
Read our latest BLOG
SCMA recently worked with Fiona Duncan-Kerr to write our latest impact BLOG, which follows her experience of an outbreak of COVID-19 in her setting, and how it felt to be contacted by Test and Protect after a minded child had tested positive for COVID-19.
Fiona shares 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.
Read Fiona’s Blog in full
Get up-to-speed with everything you need to know about childminding during the pandemic, with our
COVID-19 FAQs, essential information and useful links.