Two of our SCMA members enjoyed a video call with the Minister for Children and Young People, Maree Todd, yesterday.
Liz Taylor, who is based in the Scottish Borders and has been childminding for 16 years and Sonia Woodward-Nutt, who has been a childminder in Aberdeen for the last three years participated in an informal video call with Ms Todd and SCMA’s Chief Executive, Graeme McAlister.
During the call, which had been arranged by SCMA, conversation covered Liz and Sonia’s experience of supporting key workers’ families during lockdown, what adjustments they had had to make to their practice, how their minded children and own families were coping, the wider re-opening of all childminding settings, the new guidance to support this and what SCMA is doing to support childminders at this difficult time.
We caught up with Liz after the call to find out how she found the experience. She told us:
"It was so positive to have Maree Todd, the Minister for Children and Young People, speak with us and gather the views and experiences of childminders in Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I voiced how there have been so many positive outcomes for the children over the period and made reference to my local authority who allowed me to care for three siblings (two of which were school age) to keep the family together and reduce infection risk by not having to use the local school hub for the older two siblings.
“I also emphasised how much more naturally we have been able to allow the children deep and rich learning experiences as we haven’t had the time constraints of nursery and schools drop off and pick ups. Undoubtedly the gorgeous weather has helped us enjoy the positive experiences.
“It has been heartwarming to witness the resilience of the children in coping with the enormous amounts of changes in their lives and enlightening to see how the adults have found ways to adapt the way we operate and work to accommodate and give the best care we can to our children and young people.”
Ms Todd also sent us this lovely video to share with you, thanking all childminders for everything that you are doing.
Watch the video now