SCMA’s second podcast episode for members is now available… Join host Nyree Cooper, SCMA’s Quality and Learning Lead, alongside special guest Wendy Smith — a childminder from Falkirk - who also works part time as an SCMA Childminding Development Officer. Wendy shares with us her love and enthusiasm for childminding, alongside her experience supporting other childminders. Wendy and Nyree touch on Wendy’s own experience of her last inspection back in October 2025 – and how although they’re a bit daunting, inspection is a valuable opportunity to showcase the amazing work you do in your setting, and demonstrate the high-quality childcare service you provide every day.

Recognising that the childminding workforce had declined significantly since 2016 and the significant adverse impact this was having on access to local flexible, high-quality pre-school and school-age childcare for families and communities around Scotland, in 2024 the Scottish Government committed funding for ‘The Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future’, (PSCF), a three-year national childminder retention and recruitment programme. Delivered by the Scottish Childminding Association, (SCMA), PSCF undertakes a range of activity to grow the childminding workforce, support parental employment and contribute to child poverty reduction.

On behalf of childminders across Scotland, SCMA is delighted to welcome the appointment in May 2026 of Siobhian Brown as the new Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise in the Scottish Government.

SCMA’s annual Conference 2026 took place virtually on Zoom on Saturday 16 May entitled ‘The Confident Childminder: Supporting Every Child, Every Day’. If you were unable to join us for the live event, members can now login to the Membership Dashboard to watch the full event – or browse the individual speakers and sessions – and gain up to five hours of CPL.

As a member of SCMA you are already part of something big – but as an Elected Member you can play an even more influential role and help drive SCMA forward – having your say on the issues that really matter to childminders – just like you – from all across Scotland.