Quality in Practice e-Learning courses FREE for all childminders in Scotland

Quality in Practice e-Learning courses FREE for all childminders in Scotland
SCMA is delighted to confirm that all childminders in Scotland will now be able to access three free Continuing Professional Learning (CPL) e-Learning courses. 

In June 2024 the Scottish Government committed funding for a three-year national childminder retention and recruitment programme. ‘The Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future’ (PSCF) aims to grow the workforce by 1000 and bring about positive change for childminding. The retention measures proposed include pilot activity in three key areas: Quality and Learning, Mentoring, and funded Time Off the Floor – which could prove transformative for the childminding workforce over time.

Under the Quality and Learning strand of our retention work, and funded by Scottish Government, access to three CPL Quality in Practice e-Learning courses for all childminders in Scotland is now available.  

Access to these ‘Quality in Practice’ courses was previously piloted in five local authority areas. Feedback from those who took part told us how these resources helped to increase their confidence and understanding of how to assess and improve their service and provided tools for all-important reflection. The content has been updated to reflect current guidance and practice and we’re delighted that these small trials which took place will now benefit the wider childminding workforce.  

What are the courses and what did members say about them? 

  • Translating Policy into Practice: increase confidence when linking key policy, guidance, legislation and frameworks with your childminding practice. “This course was invaluable – it gave me a real confidence boost!”
  • Reflective Practice: understanding why reflective practice is critical, how to undertake reflective writing and using it to inform quality improvement. “This was so in-depth and really made me think about things.”
  • Evidence in Practice: producing evidence that demonstrates knowledge and understanding, and enables you to cross-reference and link policies to practice. “This course has made me much more confident about understanding what I do is meeting the needs of children and families.”
Susannah Knox, Professional Learning Manager at SCMA , said: “When the SCMA team was designing these courses, we knew that childminders were looking for resources that helped in three main areas: understanding the difference between legislation, frameworks, standards and guidance - and how all this connected to best practice in their service; practical advice on how to reflect on what they do so they could continue to build on what they already offer, and finally, practical ways to evidence what they do every day in their setting so they can highlight the excellent service they provide. This helps increase understanding of the far-reaching benefits that childminding offers to children and their families.” 

All childminders have received an email from SCMA highlighting how to access these important CPL resources. If you need further assistance or information regarding the courses, please visit our website or contact the Learn with SCMA team on 01786 445377.

Retention Pilots and Mentoring Trials – Spaces Available!  

There are places available on SCMA’s mentoring pilot which is taking place in East Dunbartonshire, Eilean Siar, Highland, North Lanarkshire and Scottish Borders. Childminders are invited to be part in small trials to inform and develop the future of childminding in Scotland - which could prove transformative in the longer term.  

  • Get paid time to talk
  • Enhance professional development and personal growth
  • Feel empowered and more confident in your work by sharing knowledge and experiences! 
Contact Lisa.Usher@childminding.org to find out how to get involved!