Tot’s Toilichte – A Gaelic-Immersive Childminding Service in East Dunbartonshire
Lisa Ralston has been running her childminding business, Tots Toilichte, just outside of Torrance in East Dunbartonshire since 2015. Originally from the Isle of Barra, Lisa brings strong island heritage and a passion for Gaelic language and culture to her service.
Tots Toilichte is a 100% Gaelic-speaking childminding setting. All communication, play and learning take place in Gaelic, offering children a unique language environment. While the majority of families using Lisa’s service have at least one Gaelic-speaking parent, Lisa is increasingly welcoming children from non-Gaelic-speaking households whose parents want them to continue with Gaelic education as they grow older.
Language and Cultural Immersion
Lisa’s approach gives children a sense that Gaelic is not just a language spoken at home or by other relatives. She integrates Gaelic into everyday life and community activities, taking children to Gaelic Bookbug sessions and toddler groups. This exposure broadens their understanding of Gaelic as a living, vibrant language used beyond the home.
“I think some children think the language is only something they hear in their own homes or at their granny’s house. I love that I can take them to Gaelic activities, I think it really opens their minds and lets them see that the language exists.”
She has observed that children adapt naturally to the immersive approach. Even those who only hear Gaelic at her setting make steady progress, learning at their own pace and enjoying the experience.
“It’s amazing to see kids of all levels learning. Even those who don’t use it at all at home pick up the language really well, they’re not held back in anyway. They learn at their own pace, and from other children, and I’m always there to help translate if they need it. It’s a great way to learn – very natural and the children thrive.
Community and Environment
Despite being approximately 10 miles south of Glasgow city centre, Lisa’s setting has a distinctive “mini-Island” feel, with the rural charm of the countryside, including cows and sheep in the surrounding fields. Lisa feels this environment, combined with the use of Gaelic, offers children a taste of island culture. Experiences such as caring for a pet lamb, Annie, has been a highlight for the children at Tots Toilichte, with Lisa needing to create a rota so that everyone can have their fair share of looking after her.
“I like to think I am giving the children a feel of what it’s like to live on an island. It’s not just the use of Gaelic, it’s being close to nature and taking a break from city life.”
Many parents are drawn to Tots Toilichte for both the cultural connection and the linguistic benefits. One couple, for example, do not speak Gaelic themselves but have parents who do. They see Lisa’s service as a way to preserve that heritage for their daughter. Parents often comment on the home-from-home feel and the cultural enrichment their children receive.
Lisa believes that offering a service in another language creates a unique and valuable environment for children to grow and learn. For her, it has also kept her home full of life:
“If you speak another language, it adds a really special element to your service, but I would recommend childminding to anyone. I have three children of my own and nearly all of them have moved out, but childminding has meant that my house has remained a busy family home, as I have kids from 8am in the morning right through to 6pm at night in my house, which I love.”
Whether you speak more than one language, are an arts and crafts expert or love the outdoors, we can help you create a nurturing setting for children in Scotland! To find out more about becoming a childminder in East Dunbartonshire, or anywhere else in Scotland, and the support available, visit: Become A Childminder in Scotland.