Childminding in South Ayrshire
In 2024, the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) launched a three-year national childminder retention and recruitment programme called the Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future (PSCF) which aims to grow the childminding workforce in Scotland.
With 30 participating local authority areas across Scotland, including South Ayrshire Council, it 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. Candidates are assigned one Workforce Officer to be a point of contact throughout their journey, who supports those considering becoming a childminder, to take the next step into a new career.
Stacey Gardner – from Maybole in South Ayrshire, has been a childminder for 10 months, and received support from the Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future to get started. Stacey highlights the importance of the financial support provided:
“Knowing I had the financial support gave me peace of mind and helped cover the initial costs of setting up my business, it made the whole transition more manageable and gave me the confidence to get started.”
Stacey added: “Had it not been for SCMA and the support provided through the Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future, I don’t think I would have made the career change when I did and as quickly as I did, I was leaving a full-time job, where I worked in the child protection sector. I felt a fear of the unknown in moving on, but with the one-to-one support provided by my Workforce Officer, everything just started to fall into place”
Stacey now operates a thriving childminding setting from her home, providing high-quality childcare, five days per week for children of a range of ages. Her setting has a strong outdoor focus where her mindees can spend time learning outside, making full use of the fantastic outdoor environment in Maybole and its surrounding woodland walks.
Reflecting on her experience of PSCF, Stacey added:
“The Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future made my change in career so much easier. It supported me financially and offered me reassurance whenever I picked up the phone for advice. I can thoroughly recommend anyone thinking of becoming a childminder to access the same support.”
Lisa O’Hare, Workforce Officer at SCMA, works with potential new childminders from South Ayrshire:
“The support we provide is tailored and structured to ensure those completing the programme are confident to go ahead and launch a successful business. Having the option of a local childminder is a big asset in a community and we love raising the profile of childminding and promoting its benefits for children and families!”
Stacey’s experience highlights, how the Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future can ensure that childminders are supported in every step of their journey whether they are just starting out or are well on their way to becoming a registered childminder.
Councillor Chris Cullen, South Ayrshire Council’s Policy Lead for Leisure and Community Services, said: “I’m delighted South Ayrshire Council has been able to support the Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future.
It’s fantastic to hear success stories emerging within South Ayrshire. Childminding is a vital service for many members of our community, so I’m pleased we’ve been able to participate in this scheme that not only helps to upskill aspiring business owners, but will expand options for affordable childcare.”
To find out more about becoming a childminder in Scotland, and the support available, visit: Become A Childminder in Scotland | SCMA