The Scottish Government has published an Independent Review of the Scottish Early Learning and Childcare Workforce and Out of School Care Workforce.
The Review makes three key recommendations of importance to childminding. They are:
1. Consider making induction or pre-registration training a requirement for registration to provide a childminding service under the Public Services Reform Act.
2. Include childminders on the same register with the same conditions as the majority of the ELC workforce (i.e. with SSSC), particularly community childminders; those commissioned to deliver the funded hours of ELC; and those providing specialist high quality services, and invest in and build upon these services.
3. Further evaluation and research is needed to consider the impact of Out of School Care and also Childminding on children’s outcomes in Scotland. In addition, further research considering the impact of ELC and Out of School Care for children from disadvantage and/or with additional learning needs in Scotland would be beneficial.
SCMA worked with Professor Siraj on the Review and Chief Executive, Maggie Simpson, has welcomed the Review:
"SCMA welcomes the Government's ongoing commitment to make Scotland 'the best place to grow up'. This Review has confirmed what we knew all along - that early learning and childcare is a valuable profession and should be treated with the respect it deserves. This Review also recognises childminding as a vital arm of that profession. We look forward to working with the government to help ensure childminders are well-equipped to deliver the highest quality care to our children."
Download the Review