SCMA has launched its new, national three-year strategy this week during Childminding Week which is aimed at changing public perceptions of childminding and fundamentally re-defining how it is viewed by parents, policy makers, other childcare providers and the wider public.
Over 30,000 children across Scotland receive childcare from childminders every year but SCMA believes that far too many people are still unaware of the benefits of childminding – and the new strategy aims to redress this.
One family in a rural location is very much aware of the benefits of childminding. Their story helps to reinforce the many ways in which this unique form of childcare can help to support family life through all of the various stages – from babies straight through to after school care.
Newcastleton is a sleepy village in the Scottish Borders - a rural location, very much off the beaten track and is without the wider childcare options which larger towns often provide for families. As the only childminder in the village, Katrina Skelton’s service has been supporting family life in the village for over 20 years. Katrina estimates she has ‘minded’ over 60 children throughout the years – and still absolutely loves her job!
“I think everyone in the village knows me! It is such a nice feeling to be able to walk down the street with the children or to visit the park and have that sense of community. I have a really close bond with the children and it has been a privilege to watch them grow and develop over the years.”
Continuity of Child Care
Claire Musson, lives in Newcastleton and her two sons, Ezra (4), and Jude (8), have been with Katrina’s childminding service since they were babies.
“High quality childcare is imperative to ensuring that people can continue to live and work in rural locations. Katrina’s service has been a lifeline for so many families in this area. Knowing that the boys are so well taken care of has been invaluable in enabling me to return to work part-time as a manager for a local charity."
Katrina has been a constant in Musson family life, and this continuity has ensured she has been there to support their childcare requirements as they have evolved throughout the different stages of the boys’ early years.
The flexibility provided by childminding has ensured that Jude can continue to go to Katrina after school while Claire is able to use her 1140 funded hours entitlement in a blended approach to Ezra’s week – so he is with Katrina for some of the week and also attends the local nursery.
“This blended approach really gives me peace of mind because I know Ezra is receiving ‘home-from-home’, one-to-one care and attention with Katrina, but he also benefits from playing and learning with the other children at nursery which he will eventually go to school with too – her support with this transition period has just been amazing.”
Childminding and ‘Blended’ Care for Extra Flexibility
Claire is able to blend her family’s childcare needs because Katrina is an
Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Partner Provider with Scottish Borders Council, and as such, many of the families who use Katrina’s service also have the benefit of being able to arrange childcare flexibly around their family’s needs.
Claire said:
“I don’t think many parents are aware that they can often use their 1140 funded ELC entitlement in a blended approach to their child’s care if their local childminder is a partner provider with the local council – but I know that this partnership approach has been really valued by other parents who use Katrina’s service."
Valuing Professional Childminding
Unfortunately, many parents are still unaware of the many benefits of childminding and there is often a misperception that childminding is somehow a 'lesser' form of childcare, compared with other providers such as nurseries. When you look at the evidence, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Childminding consistently achieves higher quality ratings, through independent inspection, than local authority and private nurseries together. Professional childminders also follow the same frameworks, including Curriculum for Excellence, as nurseries and other childcare providers and also offers many additional benefits beyond this.
Childminding also provides the opportunity for hands-on learning experiences and encourages children to explore the world around them and taking part in fun, practical science-based activities - both indoors and outside.
Claire recognises that Katrina’s nurturing approach has really benefitted her family.
“I have no doubt that the nurturing environment provided by Katrina’s childminding setting, in tandem with all of the wonderful, creative activities they undertake to support their learning has really helped to enhance Jude and Ezra’s development. It’s so lovely that the boys see Katrina and her family as part of ours - they love her to bits and really have a special bond.”
Why Choose Childminding for funded ELC?
All three and four-year olds, and eligible two-year-olds in Scotland are entitled to receive funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC). Parents interested in finding out more about childminding can visit SCMA’s website to help
find a childminder near you.
Enquiries regarding funded ELC and partner providers can also be made directly to local authorities. Find out more
here.
#CheerforChildminding #ChangingtheNarrative #ParentalChoice #STEM
SCMA Strategy Animation
Why Choose Childminding?
STEM in Action
Parent Club