Skills Development Scotland (SDS) has frozen all applications for their Individual Training Account (ITA) funding with immediate effect until April 2019, subject to budget approval.
We are expecting ITA applications to re-open in April 2019, subject to confirmation from SDS. In the meantime, SCMA is committed to supporting you and your professional growth.
SCMA has been in regular discussions with the Scottish Government to highlight the impact of this decision from SDS and we will keep you up-to-date if anything changes.
According to SDS the funding stream was closed due to unforeseen demand: “The Scottish Government committed to the delivery of 18,500 training places during 2018-2019.
“Following a hugely successful year for this programme, demand from individuals has been strong and as a result this target has been met ahead of schedule.”
This is hugely disappointing for SCMA, as many of our childminder members were able to access this funding enabling them to further their professional growth and work towards a qualification.
Lack of ITA funding will hinder many potential childminders accessing our Childminding Induction Support Programme, at a time when high-quality childcare is high on the pollical agenda.
Head of Childminding Services at SCMA, Janine Ryan, said: “We are very disappointed to hear this news, and it obviously will have a severe impact on many of our childminders who value the Learn with SCMA opportunities we offer.
“We will ensure that both potential and current childminders remain fully supported with their on-going learning and encourage more learners to join us. Alongside providing our own bespoke courses, through Interactive and e-Learning, our Learn with SCMA team also deliver SQA qualifications.
“We look forward to continuing partnership working with Skills Development Scotland.”
If you require more information about ITA, please visit
myworldofwork.co.uk where you can register your interest for ITA funding in 2019
If you have an urgent enquiry about an in-progress application, call our Learn with SCMA team on
01786 445377.