SCMA has published another major report on funded ELC and childminding; highlighting that urgent intervention is now required.

Graeme McAlister, Chief Executive of SCMA, said: "Our latest findings continue to make stark reading for families and communities around Scotland, these losses cannot be sustained and require major action.

"However, we are starting to see some small signs of change, in response to our activity, which give cautious grounds for optimism and provide a platform for recovery.

"It does also feel like we are in a different place politically to 12 months ago, during which time the Scottish Government has recognised the gravity of the situation and made substantive commitments within its recent Programme for Government on childminder retention and recruitment, but these commitments now need to be delivered upon at scale and pace.”

Read more about our Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Audit 2023 HERE

You are entitled to funded ELC that meets the needs of your family. If childminding isn’t available as an option in your area, please contact your local authority, councillor and/or MSP.

ELC Parent Letter Template (Generic) October 2021 ELC Contacts (updated August 2023) Find your MSP

ELC Posters and Flyers

Your Childcare Your Choice Image for Sharing_November 2021 Your Childcare Your Choice Flyer_November 2021

Latest ELC News

Find out the latest news on funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) and get the updates that matter to you.

Childminders and Parents #TellSCMA about their experiences of funded Early Learning and Childcare Updated Statutory Guidance for Providers of Funded ELC Action Plan on Childminding – at a glance New date for funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) expansion announced

ELC Blogs

Written by members of the SCMA team, these blogs cover a range of topics within the subject of Early Learning and Childcare (ELC). They provide a broad overview of the significance ELC and an in-depth look at the details that matter to childminders.

Growing Childminding in Scotland - from Janine Ryan, Head of Childminding Services at SCMA Professional Growth for You and Your Childminding Business - from Lynne Murray, Professional Learning Manager at SCMA In the Spotlight | Becoming a professional childminder was the best thing I ever did

Policy documents

Want to know more? Here's a range of policy and guidance documents relating to funded ELC in Scotland to help you get the detail behind the headlines. SCMA has been involved in the development of ELC guidance from the beginning; representing our members and influencing changes at all levels for the benefit of childminding in Scotland.

Health and Social Care Standards Ebook version Health and Social Care Standards Easy Read National Standard for ELC summary for childminders National Standard for ELC Hourly Rate for ELC Providers by Local Authority (2022-23 and 2023-24)

Reports

An overview (by local authority) of childminders providing funded ELC hours to eligible two, three and four-year olds in Scotland

ELC Audit 2021 FULL REPORT ELC Audit 2022 FULL REPORT ELC Audit 2023 FULL REPORT