SCMA supports refugees to become childminders in Aberdeen

Eight Syrian refugee women have taken their first steps to becoming childminders in Aberdeen with the help of SCMA and our Childminding Induction Support Programme.

Alongside colleagues from Aberdeen City Council, our SCMA Childminding Development Officer for Aberdeen City, Loraine Duncan, facilitated our bespoke training programme and overcame various hurdles to support this group of committed women.

Loraine said: “With the help of an interpreter, the Childminding Induction Support Programme was a complete success, with all of those taking part completing the programme and being delighted with their achievements.

“The group of ladies were very vocal and knowledgeable about childminding and understood what was expected of them - the only barrier I felt we had was their English, but this had improved greatly since I last met with them.

“We had a couple of informal ‘meet-up’ sessions together, where we discussed with their support worker what was involved and explained about the Childminding Induction Support Programme.”

Our Childminding Induction Support Programme is an essential part of becoming a childminder, and SCMA is committed to supporting potential childminders build strong foundations towards their new childminding career.

Loraine added: “It was very interesting to find out more about them, their culture and how their family life would fit in Scotland, which is something that helped make the training sessions flow and more relatable. 

“The group was also supported by Angela Taylor, Senior Project Officer, from Employability and Skills within Aberdeen City Council, who arranged the funding for the programme, and Faiza Nacef, Refugee Project Support Worker, who organised the interpreter and the translation of the Health and Social Care Standards and SCMA’s Strong Foundations and Childminding Fundamentals support packs.

“Working collaboratively with Aberdeen City Council is something that both SCMA - and I myself - are very proud of, and this event was a great opportunity to showcase the enduring positive benefits of partnership working. 

“Personally, this was a very positive experience for me. I learned so much from the session, how to deliver training with an interpreter, and also from the ladies themselves. I will continue to be on-hand; providing on-going guidance and support the for group with the help of Faiza as they register with the Care Inspectorate and establish their own childminding settings.   

“I have thoroughly enjoyed this piece of work, and we received very positive feedback from the group, who have a lot of respect for SCMA and this opportunity to work towards becoming a childminder and supporting the community in Aberdeen.”