To be considered as a funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) partner provider, you will need to meet the National Standard, which is a set of mandatory quality criteria set by the Scottish Government.

The introduction of a minimum qualification requirement for childminders delivering funded hours will provide reassurance, in respect of quality of provision, for parents and carers when they are making their choice of ELC provider.

Q: What is the name of the qualification I need?

To deliver funded ELC, you will need to hold or be working towards, an SVQ III in Social Services (Children and Young People). This qualification is assessed at Level 7 of the SCQF (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework) and will provide you with the benchmark of at least 68 credits.

Read more about the SVQ III in Social Services (Children and Young People) from SQA HERE. This qualification allows candidates to demonstrate competence in job related skills in their particular area of work. It has been designed in partnership with the Sector Skills Council, Skills for Care and Development to ensure relevance to the sector.

Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) are based on National Occupational Standards (NOS), and SQA works in partnership with other organisations to ensure that NOS are relevant to the current and future needs of Scottish industries.

This qualification is available through employers, colleges and various training providers.

Q: Has SCMA worked with any colleges or training providers in particular?

West Lothian College offers the SVQ III in Social Services (Children and Young People), which meets the criteria set by the National Standard.

SCMA and West Lothian College have always had a good working relationship and we are continuing to work in partnership to support childminders in gaining an SVQ qualification.

And the good news is – you can complete this SVQ with West Lothian College online via e-Learning, with virtual support and flexible times, which means that this qualification is accessible to all childminders across Scotland. Find out more about the SVQ with West Lothian College HERE.

“The digital delivery was very good because the times that I worked on it were flexible since I didn't need to attend college, this was very beneficial to me as a working mother.”

Other colleges also offer this course, but the course with West Lothian College is the one that we have the most knowledge of and we would be most likely to signpost childminders to. You can find other providers of this course HERE and go to the ‘Where can you take this course? section.

Q: What does the course include?

To achieve the SVQ III qualification, candidates must complete eight units in total. To ensure that you achieve the National Standard benchmark, you will need to complete units that will provide you with at least 68 credits in total. These course comprises of:

Four Mandatory Units
Four Optional Units

Upon successful completion, learners will gain a recognised qualification which guarantees that they have the skills, knowledge and abilities required to carry out their role successfully.

Q: What does the course involve?

The SVQ III with West Lothian College is accessed through remote learning, which means that anyone in Scotland can apply, and it is all completed online.

Read more HERE for more information from West Lothian College, and you can get in touch with them by email at workbasedLearning@west-lothian.ac.uk.

Q: Will I need to do additional training for this?

This is a vocational qualification, so it is based on the knowledge and skills you use in your everyday practice. If during this course, you decide you need to expand your knowledge, SCMA members can access additional learning through our range of e-Learning courses at a cost of £25 each.

No prior qualifications are required to undertake this qualification, although a minimum of six months experience in this sector at practitioner level directly working with children and young people is required.

Q: How long is the course?

Studying with West Lothian College, you will have 52 weeks to complete the SVQ III course.

Q: What does the course cost and is any financial support available?

The price of the course may vary with different providers, but with West Lothian College the fee is £975*.

As a childminder you may be able to apply for SAAS funding, which applies to courses assessed at SCQF Level 7 and above. If you are eligible, you would complete this paperwork with the college, and they will submit your application to SAAS on your behalf.

If applicable, SAAS funding will pay a large percentage of the course fee. You need to be studying 30-119 SCQF credits per year and the amount of funding will depend on the number of credits being studied. Eligibility, residency and other conditions apply.

You can find out more by contacting the Workbased Learning team at West Lothian College at workbasedLearning@west-lothian.ac.uk.

*Prices correct as June 2024

Q: What if I require additional support?

You will be allocated an assessor who will support you to build your portfolio of evidence, which will demonstrate your knowledge and competence in this sector. West Lothian College offers help for those with additional support needs and refresher courses to assist those who have not engaged in any formal learning recently.

Q: How do I apply for the course?

Read more HERE for more information from West Lothian College, and you can get in touch with them by email at workbasedLearning@west-lothian.ac.uk.

“The digital delivery was very good because the times that I worked on it were flexible since I didn't need to attend college, this was very beneficial to me as a working mother.”

Who is it for?

Childminders looking to achieve the benchmark qualification, as stated in the National Standard, in order to deliver funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC).