SCMA has been approved as an Individual Training Account (ITA) provider. ITAs are replacing Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs), which were discontinued in September this year.
The Learn with SCMA team is working on the systems and processes required, and we hope to accept ITAs from early 2018.
ITAs will enable our members (who are eligible for an ITA) to fund their training costs with £200 per year. However, criteria for eligible learners and how the ITAs operate has changed and now includes:
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ITA funding can only be used on one single occasion within a 12 month period.
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Learners who hold a degree are eligible for an ITA (unlike the previous ILAs), which means that more childminders will be able to apply for an ITA.
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ITA funding is renewable each year, provided the person meets the ITA criteria and opts to renew their account.
Maggie Simpson, Chief Executive of Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) said: “SCMA is delighted to have received confirmation from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) that we are to be an Individual Training Account approved provider.
“This announcement from SDS has come at a significant time for us, particularly as Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) is high on the agenda for the Scottish Government, and a key priority in line with expansion of funded ELC childcare services. This decision will help build on the high quality of childminding services and close the attainment gap for children in Scotland.
“SCMA becoming an ITA approved provider will encourage more childminders across the country to engage in the wide range of learning opportunities that SCMA offer. These, in turn will further enhance their childminding services and provide positive outcomes for children and families in Scotland.
“The revised criteria for
ITA will now also allow individuals who already hold a degree to access relevant and required training and learning opportunities courses. I know this is a fantastic move that will not only benefit childminders, but the whole sector most importantly, the wellbeing of thousands of children across Scotland.”
As an ITA can only be used once in a year, SCMA is planning to provide a series of ‘bundles’ composed of various courses and support as a package for £200, payable by ITA. This will enable childminders to fund their year of learning and complete one full ‘bundle’ from Learn with SCMA.
Individual CPD workshops and e-Learning can still be purchased by self-pay at the current cost (£40/£25), but they will not be available to purchase individually using an ITA.
SCMA is also working closely with SQA to develop the Complete Childminding Learning Pathway – a Work Based Award and we are currently awaiting confirmation from SQA about our approval as an SQA Centre.
More information will follow in your winter Childminding magazine, in mid-December or stay up-to-date at
childminding.org.