In April, the Education and Skills Committee, as part of the Scottish Parliament initiated an inquiry into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and the experiences of children in childcare and school education.
This national-level inquiry aims to explore the extent to which STEM subjects are included in the learning experiences of children and the positive impact that they have. The focus on STEM encourages children and young people to broaden their horizons, develop an interest in STEM-based disciplines and eventually leading to future careers.
At SCMA, we understand the national perspective and the need for an increased awareness and understanding of STEM, and especially during the early years and up to primary school age, when our young children are so impressionable, receptive and keen to learn.
SCMA has submitted an official response to the Committee as part of the STEM Inquiry, and we are actively encouraging childminders to #ThinkSTEM - asking them to incorporate STEM-based activities, discussions and ideas into their childminding service and everyday practice.
The Parliament’s STEM Inquiry will also explore whether practitioners have the skills, confidence and resources to encourage STEM learning, and SCMA wants to ensure childminders are provided with the guidance and support to make STEM-based learning a reality in their individual service.
As a result, SCMA has embarked on a plan to introduce the concept and importance of STEM to childminders working with children of all ages across Scotland. Asking childminders to #ThinkSTEM and consider activities that promote discussions about how things work, how to problem solve and ask questions.
SCMA is currently developing two Learn with SCMA programmes (which will be available as Interactive Learning and e-Learning) that will promote Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) and a focus on key themes within STEM. A #ThinkSTEM Activity Pack will also be distributed alongside a future edition of our Childminding magazine.
The Scottish Parliament has now received our inquiry submission and SCMA’s response has been published in full online. The information and evidence we have submitted will assist the Education and Skills Committee in its scrutiny for the STEM Inquiry.
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The final outcome and findings from the inquiry will be published by the Committee in due course.