The Scottish Milk and Healthy Snack Scheme (SMHSS) replaced the original UK Nursery Milk Scheme in Scotland in August last year, funded by the Scottish Government and administered by local authorities.
The Scheme's ambition is for as many children as possible to reap the nutritional benefits of milk and healthy snacks, and then embed them into a regular healthy habit from an early age. This aims to support children's health in the earliest years, which is crucial in tackling health inequalities.
The Scottish Government is keen for more childminders to register with the SMHSS, as they have reported that uptake has been quite low so far, compared to other childcare settings.
Read more about the SMHSS
How do childminders register for the SMHSS?
You will find a handy flowchart
HERE to help you determine whether your childcare setting is eligible, and how to proceed with registration, including contact details for each local authority.
Once your setting is registered, you will receive upfront payments via your local authority based on the information you provide at the time of registration.
Read more about the SMHSS