A New Chapter in Childminding for Arisaig
Heather Cameron is a registered childminder from Arisaig, who also works part time in the local high school.
Heather began her childminding journey by taking the first step in July 2025. After carrying out her own research, she found the Scottish Childminding Association, (SCMA), and the Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future (PSCF). She decided to “send an email to find out more, and see what happens.” From there, SCMA supported Heather through every step of her childminding journey, to her now becoming a registered childminder who registered with the Care Inspectorate in April 2026 and is choosing to open her new setting in summer 2026.
Heather will provide local families with a childcare option at a time when demand is high, and when many working families struggle with childcare across the holiday periods. Alongside childminding, she will continue to work part-time in the local high school allowing her to maintain a balance between her existing job and her new business. This demonstrates the flexibility of a childminding career, particularly in rural areas where choosing to childmind part time can enable new entrants to the workforce to supplement income. Heather’s aim is to create a flexible and welcoming setting that will meet the needs of families, including the option of weekend childcare.
Arisaig is a small coastal village on the West Coast of the Scottish Highlands, where there are currently limited childcare options available. Heather explained that she thinks “providing local childcare will have a really positive impact on children and their families.”
She continues “I think it will provide a sense of relief to the area as many locals currently rely on their family and friends for childcare. I hope to be able to provide a childcare service that will be really valuable in the community .” Heather hopes to care for up to five children at one time, including one of her own, ranging in age from six months to 12 years, creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children of all ages.
The Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future, (PSCF), provides a fantastic package of support to become a childminder. This includes a minimum of £750 business start-up grant, access to training, and one-to-one support from a dedicated SCMA Workforce Officer.
Heather shares that at times she found the process daunting, but being able to pick up the phone and speak to Claire, her dedicated SCMA Workforce Officer, helped to keep her on track. Each candidate who begins their childminding journey through PSCF is assigned one Workforce Officer to be a point of contact throughout their journey, who provides support and guidance at each stage.
Claire Ward, SCMA Workforce Officer for Highland, says; “It is an absolute joy and privilege to work with the wonderful, enthusiastic group of new and upcoming childminders throughout the Scottish Highlands. The candidates I work with have such a love and understanding of their local communities, as only locals can, so have put a lot of work into developing services to meet the unique and versatile needs of Highland families. I am continually impressed by their vision and commitment to providing services that exceed the needs and hopes of parents for their children.”
Heather said: “I was able to go through the stages at my own pace and in my own time. I would say to anyone considering becoming a childminder that with the support in place from the Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future - now is a great time to become a childminder. Do your own research too to make sure it’s right for you and chat to others who have been through the journey!”
Heather is thinking ahead about where she wants to take her childminding business and may decide in the future to become a partner provider with Highland Council, which would enable her to deliver Early Learning and Childcare funded hours for families.
Highland Council is one of 30 local authorities in Scotland working in partnership with SCMA to recruit new childminders through the Scottish Government funded Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future.
Tracy Connerton, Client Services Officer with Highland Council, finds the impact of recruiting new childminders particularly encouraging, she says; “This partnership is supporting unemployed or underemployed individuals to move into sustainable self-employment, giving them greater financial independence, flexibility for their own families and the confidence that comes with building their own business.
At the same time, communities benefit from increased access to high-quality, home-based childcare, helping more parents to return to work, training, or education. It’s a ripple effect, supporting families, strengthening the workforce, and creating stronger local economies.”
If you would like to find out more about becoming a childminder in Highland visit: https://getstarted.childminding.org/highlands-and-islands/