From gloss to giggles! Amy’s journey from beautician to childminder has provided flexible working and the opportunity to learn new skills
After a busy and glamorous career working as a beautician for a TV company, Amy found herself facing a big decision about her career when she was on maternity leave. With three children – aged 10 and eight, and with a new baby – she knew returning a job in the same field couldn’t offer the flexibility or new balance she needed between home life and work.
With the experience of how quickly her older children had grown up firmly in her mind, Amy Watt from West Calder, began to explore how to become a childminder – a career that would allow her to work from home, be present for her children, and support other families in her community.
Her research signposted her to a special package of support available through the Progamme for Scotland’s Childminding Future. Led by the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) and in partnership with her local authority, West Lothian Council and Scottish Government – the start-up grant, free training and one to one support from a dedicated expert provided further motivation that now was the right time to switch career. Amy decided to go for it! With no formal background in childcare, she admits it was daunting at first, but she used all the support available to her through her Workforce Officer – and proudly become a registered childminder in January 2025. “The process was really smooth, and while there is a lot to consider, including writing policies for my new setting – the help I received from my dedicated SCMA Workforce Officer was instrumental in supporting me to plan and prepare and undoubtedly helped me progress through the process of registration with the Care Inspectorate.”
Today, Amy is thriving in her new career. She works four days per week and is already full within her setting – balancing work, family, and her wellbeing in a way that feels right for her. “It’s a delight to watch my own children developing wee friendships with the others,” she adds. “They’re love having new buddies to play with – I feel the mix of ages being together really helps them to grow socially and emotionally.”
Learning New Skills to Support Quality Childminding
While there are no formal qualifications required to become a childminder, you should be genuinely passionate about working with children and supporting their learning and development. Amy is also currently studying for an SVQ with West Lothian College, which will assist her in her journey to become a partner provider of funded ELC with her local authority. Although she hadn’t planned to begin formal qualifications so soon, she saw it as a valuable opportunity. “I just view it has having another string to my bow,” she says. “For me, I think it shows how important my professional development is to me, and that I want to keep improving on the quality of care I provide for children and their families.”
SCMA offers support to childminders embarking upon an SVQ, with monthly support sessions hosted by our Quality & Learning Development Lead, Nyree Cooper, on the last Monday of every month to explore the SVQ units. Childminders can ask questions, network with other childminders and find out more about the benefits of undertaking an SVQ. Amy is planning on attending some sessions and is looking forward to the opportunity to network with other childminders. “As childminders mainly work on their own, I think these opportunities to share experiences are really important.”
“I just view it has having another string to my bow. For me, I think it shows how important my professional development is to me, and that I want to keep improving on the quality of care I provide for children and their families."
SCMA offers support to childminders embarking upon an SVQ, with monthly support sessions hosted by our Quality & Learning Development Lead, Nyree Cooper, on the last Monday of every month to explore the SVQ units. Childminders can ask questions, network with other childminders and find out more about the benefits of undertaking an SVQ. Amy is planning on attending some sessions and is looking forward to the opportunity to network with other childminders. “As childminders mainly work on their own, I think these opportunities to share experiences are really important.”
Since starting out as a childminder, Amy has received a stream of enquiries from local parents, which speaks to the growing trust in her service. For anyone thinking about making a career change, Amy’s message is clear: “If anyone is thinking about how to become a childminder in Scotland, I’d say it provides the perfect balance – especially if you have children of your own and you’re trying to juggle work and childcare. No matter what age they are, this is a great way of being there for your own children, supporting others, and earning an income.”
Whether you’re looking for more flexibility, passionate about early years development, or searching for a new direction, Amy’s journey shows that it’s never too late to become a registered childminder – especially with the right support available from SCMA, every step of the way.
For more on SVQ support for childminders visit Workforce Retention or find out more about becoming a childminder.