The Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Division at the Scottish Government has published an update on the ELC Expansion Programme for July 2018.
SCMA plays a key role, with Chief Executive, Maggie Simpson, sitting on the ELC Strategic Forum representing childminding in Scotland at a national level, providing you with a voice.
Following this update on the funded ELC Expansion Programme, we wanted to share this information with you and highlight several key areas of interest.
The
Early Learning and Childcare Service Model for 2020 Consultation has now ended, receiving more than 200 responses. We hope many childminders took the time to respond and share your views; particularly on the proposed National Standard and the Funding Follows the Child model, as featured in your summer 2018
Childminding magazine.
As part of the consultation, SCMA submitted a national response, to ensure childminding in Scotland was included in the consultation and the discussions going forward.
Read SCMA’s response in full.
An independent analysis of all the responses is now underway and the results will be published in autumn alongside the final version of the National Standard.
Early Learning and Childcare Two-Year-Old Uptake Improvement Practicum is now open for applications and our Head of Childminding Services, Janine Ryan, alongside local SCMA staff members are taking this forward with several local authorities to ensure childminders are included.
Discussions are on-going towards the development of a
National Induction Resource for new staff entering the ELC sector, to ensure funded ELC supports the wellbeing and learning improves outcomes for young children.
SCMA will be promoting our Childminding Induction Support Programme already provides potential childminders with training and guidance, enabling them to provide a positive learning environment and high-quality care for their future minded children.
The
Early Learning and Childcare Inclusion Fund will provide funding to ELC settings delivering g funded hours to support children with additional support needs in Scotland to access their funded entitlement.
SCMA has supported six Glasgow City childminders to submit applications. All six currently deliver funded hours to families who require additional support. The next round of funding applications will open in October 2018.
The
Settings of Innovation and Impact aims to showcase, evidence and enhance their understanding of impact on children. SCMA will express an interest to be involved, ensuring the that positive impact of childminding is visible at a national level.
SCMA is involved in the census group that feeds into the overall
Evidence and Analysis of the multi-year project to transform and expand funded ELC.
The final report from the Monitoring and Evaluation Group - detailing the findings from an extensive survey and focus groups with parents of children under the age of six - will be published during summer 2018.
Read the
ELC Expansion Programme Update in full.