Childminders needed in Scotland
If you’re looking for a new career that’s flexible and allows you to earn a salary while caring for your own family, running your own business as a childminder could be for you.
The Scottish Rural Childminding Partnership pilot, led by the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA), is supporting the recruitment and training of new professional childminders in Shetland, Orkney, Western Isles, Argyll & Bute, Highland, Moray, Stirling, Dumfries & Galloway, Scottish Borders and Arran and Cumbrae in North Ayrshire, which have been identified as having an urgent need for more high-quality, flexible childcare.
Zoe Elizabeth Thwaites switched from a career in retail and is now a professional childminder in Avoch, Highland. She said: “Becoming a professional childminder is one of the best things I’ve ever done and is a world away from my old life in retail. I have the flexibility of setting my own hours, so I work part-time. Childminding enables me to earn an income and do a job that I absolutely love and fits around my own family.”
What support is available?
If you are accepted onto the new pilot initiative will be supported by a member of the SCMA team. You could also receive:
• free induction training, one-to-one support and your first year of SCMA membership
• free start up package of three childminder specific training courses
• on completion of registration with the Care Inspectorate and HMRC, you would receive a £750 start-up grant
• access to free regular, online information sessions.
Do I need any previous qualifications or experience?
No previous childcare experience is required. There are no specific professional qualifications needed although there will be induction training to complete and an ongoing requirement for completing 12 hours of continued professional learning per year.
How soon could I become a childminder?
Your new childminding business could be up and running in as little as four months from application.
If you’re interested in becoming a childminder via the pilot project, please register your interest by submitting your details here.
If you’d like an informal chat about whether childminding could be the career for you, contact SCMA on 01786 449063.