The Care Inspectorate has published Early Learning and Childcare Statistics 2018, outlining the availability and quality of early learning and childcare, including childminding, for children and families across Scotland.
The report shows that unfortunately, the number of childminding services registered in Scotland continues to decline, despite the planned the expansion of funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC).
SCMA is acutely aware that registered childminders should be experiencing a period of growth in readiness for the expansion of funded ELC; however, this report shows that vital, high-quality childminding services are declining at a time where families and children require them the most.
Graeme McAlister, SCMA Chief Executive, said: “The statistics report a number of worsening trends in relation to the childminding workforce including a 16% decrease in the number of registered childminding services over the last five years. This reduction has accelerated over the last few years.
“In parallel, it was recently reported that over 2100 additional staff have been recruited into Local Authority nurseries as a result of the ongoing recruitment campaign to support the delivery of 1140 funded hours of Early Learning and Childcare by August 2020.
“Other workforce shifts continue to be reported across the social care sector. SCMA is working actively with the Care Inspectorate and the Scottish Government to understand the changing shape of the workforce and we are planning a range of work to strengthen and bring more recruits into childminding. Reassuringly, childminding continues to achieve one of the highest quality ratings by childcare provider type in Scotland, (92%), through independent inspection by the Care Inspectorate”.
SCMA continues to support the childminding profession, ensuring that representation is made at the highest levels of government and with other national bodies, including the Care Inspectorate so that we can continue to influence and shape policy.
Read the full report