People interested in becoming a childminder in East Lothian can now apply for a package of funding and support to help them establish their new business.
The Scottish Government-funded Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future (PSCF) aims to create new sustainable childminding businesses. East Lothian Council is one of 27 authorities participating in the programme, which is now in its second year.
Working together, the council’s East Lothian Works and Economic Development services are offering a package of support to help get started. This includes a £750 start-up grant, unique childminder-specific training and one-to-one support from a dedicated Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) Workforce Officer throughout. A year’s insurance and free membership of the SCMA is also included.
Rewarding career
No previous childcare experience is required to become a childminder, but people should be passionate about working with children! It’s a rewarding career which provides the opportunity to contribute to children’s development, learning and wellbeing and provides a valuable childcare service within the local community. Childminders are self-employed business owners who come from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds, and they often switch to a career in professional childminding to enable them to combine caring for their own children, whilst running their own business from home and earning an income.
Working in partnership with the Scottish Childminding Association, PSCF helps support economic and community development through the creation of new childminding jobs and much-needed childcare spaces for families - vital to enable parents and carers to work and contribute to the local economy.
High quality childcare
Graeme McAlister, Chief Executive, Scottish Childminding Association, said: “Childminding is a vital community asset providing local flexible childcare and family support which is so important in remote and rural communities. The Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future is an important step towards addressing the urgent demand for high-quality childcare from parents and carers and recruiting childminders in areas where they are most needed. This is a fantastic opportunity for those living in East Lothian to access a wealth of support in setting up their own sustainable childminding business and to undertake a rewarding new career.”
Real demand for childminders
East Lothian Council’s Cabinet member for Education and Children’s Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said: “A career in childminding offers all of the benefits and flexibility of self-employment with the opportunity to shape young lives while providing an essential service in our community.
“We’re pleased to be part of the Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future. Working with Scottish Childminding Association we can offer a comprehensive package of support that will help prospective childminders at each step while they establish their business.
“Positive early years experiences are so important for children’s development, and having a variety of high-quality childcare options to choose from supports families too. There is real demand for childminders in East Lothian so I would encourage anyone who is interested in this rewarding role to get in touch with our teams.”
More information
To find out more visit https://getstarted.childminding.org/