Part one of SCMA's 5th episode for members is now available... SCMA’s Learning & Development Lead Nyree Cooper is joined by three special guests: Kim, a Childminder in North Highlands, and Gillian Paterson & Hazel Mackie, who are Childminding Membership Support Officers with SCMA. Together they explore how 'Working with Parents' can build strong, positive relationships and create better communication and support for children and their families.

We are delighted to now officially welcome referrals from SCMA members across Scotland, who know of a family who could benefit from them being able to provide funded, short-term childcare for their child(ren) to help reduce financial pressures during times of challenge or transition.

From September 2026, eligible working Service families living in Scotland will have access to the same Government-funded early years childcare hours as forces families in England. Eligible Service families are already able to access funding for before and after school childcare costs for their primary school aged children via the Defence Wrap-Around Childcare (WAC) scheme.

SCMA is delighted to share information about a new opportunity for SCMA members across Scotland to provide funded, short-term childcare placements for children of all ages, as part of the Scottish Government’s Third Sector ‘Childcare Support Fund’ (CSF).

Understand the important role childminders play when it comes to child protection and safeguarding in a childminding setting, including the regulations, standards and guidance that childminders must follow and highlights the training available to ensure childminders have the knowledge and understanding they need.

SCMA very much welcomes the continued priority within the Scottish Government’s new Programme for Government given to child poverty reduction, supporting families with cost of living pressures and economic development.