We understand that a number of childminders have questioned why childminders are not eligible to apply for the Scottish Government’s Transitional Support Fund.
For clarity, we understand this is a targeted fund to support nurseries and other larger settings to re-open linked to their Phase Three operating guidance and in particular distinct pressures which this guidance may have for them including physical adaptations to settings, increased cleaning and additional equipment. As such, it is specific to the needs of these larger settings.
SCMA has had constructive discussions with the Scottish Government around this and the particular financial pressures which childminders have. The Childminding Workforce Support Fund, established by SCMA with matched funding from the Scottish Government, was heavily over-subscribed and has produced very strong evidence of demand and need.
Please be assured that SCMA is in on-going discussions with the Scottish Government about further funding to assist childminders in Scotland and the next steps for the Childminding Workforce Support Fund.