Graeme McAlister, Chief Executive of Scottish Childminding Association, said: "Please be reassured that a huge amount of work is underway behind the scenes following yesterday’s announcement about school and nursery closures and the potential role of childminding and private nurseries in supporting emergency childcare for our essential services at this vital time.
"SCMA is actively involved in on-going discussions with the Scottish Government, the Care Inspectorate and others. We are not yet in a position to share more information, but will do so as soon as we are able.
"Developments in relation to coronavirus have moved at great pace within the last week through restrictions on large public gatherings, the introduction of family isolation in which potential coronavirus symptoms have emerged, through to yesterday’s announcement on school closures. This has implications for us all in different ways – our businesses, whether through working from home, in relation to childcare (particularly for emergency services) and what will happen in relation to school exams. There is much to sort out and we are expecting further statements and more detail from the Scottish Government later today.
"We know many members appreciate straight-talking and that you need answers, quickly. The reality is that we cannot give you answers as quickly as you or we might want at this time and we need to allow a bit more time for the detail to be worked through and we will update you as quickly as we can.
“Please be reassured that we are doing everything we can to support childminders during these very challenging and stressful times and we will update you further later today."
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