We know that around 64% of childminding settings are currently open in Scotland, and that many more of you are planning to re-open to families very soon.
Whether your service is open, or you are considering re-opening, it’s important that you follow the current guidance from the Scottish Government and follow the correct procedures to ensure compliance and support the national efforts to minimise transmission of COVID-19.
If your childminding setting is currently closed, we have developed a ‘Steps to Re-Opening’ infographic that highlights the three key steps to re-opening, with some handy pointers to consider and links to further resources and support.
Download Steps to Re-Opening. Remember to read the guidance fully, complete a risk assessment for your setting before re-opening (see information below) and notify the Care Inspectorate via eForms to advise of your updated operational status.
If your childminding setting is open, you will already be familiar and will be operating in line with the current COVID-19
guidance for childminders. As we have previously highlighted to SCMA members, childminders should ensure that you have updated and reviewed your risk assessment with this current guidance.
Risk Assessment Support
To help you with your risk assessment, SCMA has developed and updated its range of Risk Assessment Support Tools, which are available to download from the 'Resources, Guidance and Documents' section of the
Membership Dashboard:
•
COVID-19 Risk Assessment Blank Template
•
COVID-19 Risk Assessment Guidance
•
COVID-19 Support for Writing Risk Assessments
These resources and tools will help many childminders with support in writing risk assessments as we follow Scotland’s route map through coronavirus. The guidance is offered to support you in considering the specific requirements of COVID-19 in your childminding setting, in line with the current Childminder Services Guidance.
Login to the Membership Dashboard
SCMA’s dedicated
COVID-19 webpage is a ‘hub’ for childminders, providing the latest information, guidance, and features support and FAQs to help childminders whilst operating during the COVID-19 pandemic – and this should be your starting point.
If you are unable to find what you are looking for in our FAQs, you can call us on 01786 445377, 01786 449063, 07552 279233, 07551 825039 and 01324 555938. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am-4.30pm (closed 12-1pm for staff lunch break). Or you can always email us at
information@childminding.org, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
It is our priority at SCMA to continue to help support all of our members; and we thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this challenging time.