Become a Childminder in Highland
Make a difference in your community
Fàilte! We’re here to support you on your journey to becoming a childminder. More childminders are needed in your area. Childminders provide crucial childcare that helps parents in Highland seek and stay in work. It’s possible to become a childminder and provide a safe, nurturing home-from-home environment for children to thrive and grow.
Online Discovery Sessions
Attend our Childminding Discovery Sessions to find out more about becoming a childminder in Highland! Meet our friendly team, ask questions and find out about the support available.
When?
- Tuesday 22nd September, 10am – 11am
- Wednesday 23rd September, 7pm – 8pm
- Saturday 26th September, 10am – 11am
Where?
Online via Microsoft Teams
Priority areas include:
Melvich and Farr
Tongue
Brora
Golspie
Helmsdale
Lairg
Rogart
Durness
Kinlochbervie
Scourie
Crossroads
Dunbeath
Keiss
Newton Park
Noss
Thrumster
Beauly
Kinmylies
Kirkhill
Cannich Bridge
Glenurquhart –
Cawdor
Millbank
Rosebank
Acharacle
Ardgour
Kilchoan
Lochaline
Strontian
Bualnaluib
Kinlochewe
Poolewe
Kinlochleven
St Bride’s
Ballachulish
Arisaig
Mallaig
Auchtertyre
Glenelg
Kyle of Lochalsh
Kyleakin
Lochcarron
Plockton
Broadford
Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Righ
Bun-sgoil Shlèite
Carbost
Dunvegan
Edinbane
Elgol
Kilmuir
Skye
Macdiarmid
Raasay
Staffin
Achiltibuie
Lochinver
A flexible and rewarding career
With a fantastic package of support, funding and training available, get ready to take the first steps towards establishing your new childminding business.
Is childminding right for me?
Experienced childminder, Laura, sought a flexible career that would help her earn an income whilst caring for her own children. Hear her story below:
“I hope to be able to provide a childcare service that will be really valuable in the community.”
Heather's Story
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.
“My favourite thing about being a childminder is welcoming the children into my home and creating a really nurturing environment"
Samantha from Thurso, Highland tells her story
Samatha and her family live in Thurso, Caithness, which is the most northerly town on the mainland of Scotland. Moving to Thurso a few years ago with a role in employability, Samantha experienced first-hand the lack of childcare there is in Highland – and how it is a common barrier to people choosing to move into the area.
With a lifelong career working with children, Samantha decided to support other families in the community and took her first step as a childminder – and she’s not looking back.
“My favourite thing about being a childminder is welcoming the children into my home and creating a really nurturing environment.”
Helen and Karen’s Story
After working in early years education for most of their careers, including nurseries, Helen and Karen both decided to take the plunge and become registered childminders on the Island of Mull. Both were helped along by the support package on offer during the first phase of SCMA’s innovative recruitment campaign targeting specific rural areas.
Becoming registered childminders at the same time has meant that Helen and Karen are able to enjoy taking part in local activities and groups together with their mindees.
They go to the beach and go for walks for learning and play opportunities including STEM activities outdoors and visit the aquarium on Mull regularly! Read their full story here
“I felt so supported by SCMA throughout the process.”
Skye's Story
Skye Jolly, 34, lives in the small village of Aberlour in Moray. Having previously worked in the NHS, she’s new to childminding.
Skye said: “When I first decided to become a childminder, I didn’t have a clue where to start, I did some research online and quickly found help available from SCMA to get started. This was so helpful and was a fantastic overview of what to expect of childminding in general such as getting started and how long it might take me to become registered as a childminder, it helped to give me a good grounding and really confirmed to myself that working with children was what I wanted to do.”
“I’d thoroughly recommend childminding. If you’ve got a passion for working with children, you can make a really great business.”
Elaine and Robyn
With over 40 years of childcare experience between them, Elaine Bruce and Robyn Gaughan from Dundee have seen the value and difference that childminding brings to their community.
Both childminders have felt greatly supported by the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) throughout the process of setting up their businesses, from the start of their journey, to any on-going support required.
“Something just clicked, and I knew this was right for me.”
Linsey’s Story
Linsey had often thought about working with children and when she looked into childminding further, she was delighted to find that it ticked all of the boxes on her career wish list.
Linsey said “My friends and family always encouraged me to think about working with children. They kept saying I’d be really good at it and it was always something I thought I might try but I had no idea how to get started.
I cannot believe how much has changed in a relatively short space of time – in just six months I have a completely new career, I’m self-employed and running my own business. Working with children is something that I knew I would love and I’m delighted that I finally found my route into this!”
“It feels good being able to bring home an income through a job that is so rewarding. Setting up and running my own business has made me feel more confident and independent, and I love being my own boss.”
Robyn’s Story
After working as a primary school teacher for 9 years, and the birth of her second son, Robyn began working part-time in the showroom at her husband’s kitchen and bathroom business. While this provided Robyn with time to work around her own children’s nursery times, she soon started to miss the creativity and job satisfaction that came with working with children.
Becoming a childminder has meant she can be there for own children while providing a vital service to other children and families in Dumfries and Galloway. Helped along with a support package from SCMA, Helping Hands Childcare is now a thriving business that supports children’s learning and development through child-led play!
What our childminders love about childminding
Childcare in my area, Helmsdale, is very limited.
I think my childminding business has given people in my community a reason to stay and continue living here, and they feel comfortable leaving children in the home-from-home environment my childminding setting provides.
Megan, Childminder in Helmsdale, Highland
I would recommend childminding to anyone.
I love the work-life balance it gives me and my family. I have four sons and three are neurodiverse. Childminding means I can choose my own hours and I can be there for my own children. My younger mindees also love my older boys and sons are great with the wee ones. It’s really nice to see the mix of ages interacting with each other.
Lisa, Childminder in Fort William
I feel so lucky to have a thriving business where I can work with such lovely families in my community.
I have a waiting list of other families looking for childcare, and I know other local childminders do too, so more childminders are definitely needed in Highland.
Lisa, Childminder in Fort William
How does
it work?
Take the first steps towards becoming a childminder. It’s simple to get started.
First steps
Explore all the information on this page then get in touch through our website today and we’ll email you.
Watch the recorded information sessions to get a better understanding of the programme.
Reach out to us using the ‘chat’ or ‘get started’ links in the email.
We’ll help you check if you’re eligible for the programme.
Eligibility
If you’re eligible, we’ll send you an SCMA Candidate Agreement to sign.
Once you sign and return it, you’ll officially join the programme.
We’ll send you the Childminding Induction Support Programme materials and the Strong Foundations Pack to help you get ready.
Training & support
Watch our videos, join fun group sessions, and get personalised help from an expert.
Download and read the Care Inspectorate’s guide to registering as a childminder.
Create your Care Inspectorate account (registration may take around 6 months).
After submitting your application, enjoy free online childminding courses.
Funding
Once registered as a childminder, you’ll receive a minimum £750 start up grant to help kick-start your business!
Your first year of SCMA membership is free, which also includes practitioner insurance.
When registered, you receive a certificate and unique registration number from the Care Inspectorate.
Need to know more? Read our FAQs
More childminders are needed in Scotland!
Make a career in childminding work for you
With free training, one-to-one support and a start-up grant available, what are you waiting for?
I’m interested!
What happens now?
We provide dedicated, one-to-one support and can answer all your questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started with the Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future
Check our list further up this webpage to see if your area is one of the 27 participating local authority areas taking part in the Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future. If so, the best place to get started on your journey to becoming a childminder is to download our free guide and let us know you’re interested!
The programme offers a minimum £750 start-up grant, training and one-to-one support from a dedicated Workforce Officer.
Is there any eligibility criteria?
To become a childminder via this programme, candidates should live in one of the local authorities listed and, where appropriate, within one of the specific communities being targeted. Due to the way the programme is funded, there may also be eligibility criteria stipulated in some participating local authorities linked to the funding they have contributed. SCMA’s dedicated Workforce Officers support candidates on a one-to-one basis and will discuss elements such as eligibility following your application to become a childminder via the programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future.
What can the Business Start-up Grant be used for and when will I receive this?
As a participant on the PSCF, once you have completed registration with the Care Inspectorate and HMRC, you’ll have access to a minimum £750* business start-up grant which can be used to help with any start-up costs and to reimburse you for purchases. It is good practice to keep receipts to provide proof of purchase.
*£750 minimum – value may vary in some local authority areas.
Additional information on applying for the start-up-grant is available via your Workforce Officer and through our support sessions which you will have access to as a candidate on the programme.
Is there any other financial support available in Highland to help me get started in childminding?
In addition to the minimum £750 start-up grant offered through the Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future, you may also be able to access additional financial support from registering with the Work Life Highland service.
Once you’ve submitted your enquiry, and if you meet the eligibility criteria to begin the programme, a key worker from Work Life Highland will contact you to discuss your individual circumstances.
How long do I have to apply to the Programme for Scotland's Childminding Future?
Places on the programme for eligible candidates are allocated on a first-come-first served basis so please make sure you complete the required information as quickly as possible.
What do I receive as part of the Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future?
- Childminding induction training and your first year of SCMA membership
- One-to-one tailored support throughout
- Start-up package of three childminding specific training courses
- Minimum £750* Business Start-Up Grant (the value of this may vary throughout local authority areas)
My area isn’t listed here, how do I get started?
If you live in a local authority area not currently listed on our webpage, don’t worry, it is still possible to become a childminder. While the approach is different and the same funding is not available, you will receive expert support from SCMA.
- Click the ‘Get Started’ button on our webpage
- Add your information & details
- Choose the option ‘my local authority isn’t listed’
- We’ll send you our helpful ‘becoming a childminder’ guide
We recommend that you enrol onto the Scottish Childminding Association’s Childminding Induction Support Programme, which will help you with the childminding registration process and establishing your childminding business with confidence. Please call SCMA on 01786 445377 ‘option two’ for more information on our induction support and to make your booking with a credit or debit card.
You may be able to look at a business grant and/or support through local agencies.
If there is any change to your local authority area not participating in PSCF we will get in touch to let you know.
You can also call the SCMA Helpline on 01786 449063 to discuss becoming a childminder with one of our friendly team.
Common Childminding Questions
Do I need experience of working with children to become a childminder?
Childminders often come into the workforce with a valuable range of life experience and skills. While many childminders have worked with children in other settings such as schools or nurseries previously, many have also had entirely different and varied careers before – in marketing, law, teaching, and hairdressing to name just a few! You will no doubt have valuable life experience that can be transferred into your new role as a childminder.
You do need to be passionate about working with children and supporting their learning and development and confident that you can provide a safe, nurturing, supportive environment for children within your setting.
How many children can I care for at one time?
Childminders normally care for a maximum of six children at any one time under the age of 16, of whom no more than three are not yet attending primary school and of whom no more than one is under twelve months.
You should also consider your own children, and any children in your household, and their ages – as they are always included within the maximum number of children you can care for at any one time.
Can I childmind if I have pets?
Yes, of course! Many childminders have pets, and they are very much part of the family – and are certainly not a barrier to your childminding service. Childminders often observe that children find it easy to relate to animals, and they offer a further learning opportunity that children find fun and engaging. Children learn how to care for the animal, and it encourages them to take responsibility, become involved in the care of their own pets, and develop an understanding of risk and how to keep safe.
Can I childmind from a community venue?
No, the legal definition of childminding requires delivery on domestic premises and the specific unique nature of childminding is that it is home-based – and as a childminder, you will be providing childcare from a typical family home that is both nurturing and safe, and likely to be similar to the child’s own home. However, childminding involves a high element of outdoors play and activity and some childminders also meet up with other childminders to participate in local childminding groups. If you plan to provide a childcare service from a community venue, or another venue that is not a home – we would advise that you speak to the Care Inspectorate in advance and before you begin the registration process. This is because your chosen venue, or type of setting, is unlikely be classified as childminding, and you may need to register as a different form of childcare.
Do I need a PVG to become a childminder?
Yes – membership of PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) is required. You will automatically apply for PVG membership, as part of the Care Inspectorate registration process. In addition, people living in your house aged 16 or older will need to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure, as part of your childminding application.
How long will it take to become registered?
Once you have submitted your application for registration to the Care Inspectorate, registration could take an average of up to 6 months. This is dependent on you submitting all the relevant information for your application to be processed.
What does SCMA Membership include?
More than 80% of childminders in Scotland are SCMA members – it includes a range of exclusive benefits which help to support your childminding career
SCMA is always looking to provide best value for members, and our membership is inclusive of SCMA Practitioner Insurance to cover your childminding activities.
- FREE Continuous Professional Learning; a host of resources and funded learning in your Membership Dashboard
- You’re part of a wider network of professional childminders – be part of something bigger!
- Exclusive access for members to advertise online via our online childminder search service
- Exclusive access to our Annual Conference, training & regular updates including our dedicated Childminding Magazine
- Access to our SCMA helpline and childcare and legal helplines for guidance
For more information on SCMA membership benefits, please visit our membership page.
Will My Home Be Suitable to Childmind From?
What type of homes are suitable to childmind from?
Childminders operate from a range of house types! As long as you provide a safe, nurturing place for children, your childminding business can operate from a detached or semi-detached house, bungalow, flat or any other type of home.
You don’t need a garden either, childminders are great at getting out and about and using public spaces to ensure children spend that all-important time outside.
If you have any concerns about whether your home is suitable, it is also possible to make a ‘pre-application request’ to the Care Inspectorate before starting the application to register as a childminder. Your dedicated Workforce Officer can also help advise and support you on making this request.
Do I need a dedicated playroom in my house?
There is no requirement for you to have a dedicated playroom or specific area for your childminding service. The unique nature of childminding is that it is home-based childcare. You will be providing childcare from a typical family home, that is both nurturing and safe, and likely to be similar to the child’s own home. If you do have a playroom, or a space that you wish to use specifically for childminding – this may be useful, but it is not essential nor necessary.
Regardless of whether you have a playroom or not, areas such as your living room, hallway, bathroom/toilet, kitchen, and garden (if available) will form your childminding setting. You may also decide that some areas are off limits, e.g., bedrooms or a formal dining room. This will all depend on your own home, which areas are suitable, and what space you want to open up to your minded children.
My home is quite small, and I don't have a garden, is this ok?
Ultimately the decision as to whether your home is suitable to be a childminding setting is for the Care Inspectorate to determine. However, it is important to bear in mind that they are simply looking for a typical home environment for your potential setting – they are not interested in your décor or whether you have lots of rooms to spare, or not if that is the case. The unique nature of childminding is that it is a home-based, family-centred childcare service – and this comes in all shapes and sizes, whether it be a two-bedroom flat in an urban area, or a large farm in the countryside. The Care Inspectorate will determine whether your home is suitable and will take this into account when deciding on the size and capacity of your future service. Having a garden is certainly a benefit for promoting outdoor play and learning; however, it is not essential. Provided you have and make use of outdoor space of some kind, whether it be a local park or nearby green space, this should be sufficient.
Can I become childminder if I rent my home?
Yes, you can childmind from a rented property, however, you will need to obtain written permission from your landlord, to ensure you are allowed to operate a childminding service from the premises, and have permission to do so. The written permission will be requested by the Care Inspectorate as part of the registration process.
Training
Do I need any specific qualifications or training?
There are no specific professional qualifications needed to become a childminder, however, it is good practice for all to complete SCMA’s Childminding Induction Support Programme and 12 hours of continued professional learning (CPL) per year to ensure the high quality of your childminding business. It is also essential that you have a passion for working with and supporting the learning and development of children.
You must register with the Care Inspectorate to become a childminder. SCMA will support you at every stage of registration and beyond, our dedicated staff are experts and here to help
If you are planning to deliver funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) as a partner provider with your local authority, you will need to adhere to the National Standard. One of the criteria is that you will have completed induction training, and also complete childcare practitioners qualification within 5 years. See our ‘Funded ELC’ FAQ for more information below.
Insurance
As part registration, I am asked about insurance – does SCMA supply insurance quotes?
Childminders are required to have valid Public Liability Insurance; however, at this early stage, where you are still completing the Care Inspectorate Application Form to become a childminder – you do not require to hold insurance as yet.
When prompted about insurance during your application with the Care Inspectorate, you can simply state that you don’t currently hold insurance; however, you are aware that it is a requirement for childminding, and you will ensure valid insurance is in place once your registration is complete.
Once your registration with the Care Inspectorate is granted, you should contact SCMA to setup and activate your membership, which includes SCMA Practitioner Insurance, arranged and administered by Morton Michel and underwritten by QBE UK Limited, so you can be sure that you, your business, and the children you care for are covered. SCMA membership costs £128 per year, or FREE when you complete our Childminding Induction Support Programme and the Care Inspectorate registration process to become a childminder.
Please call us on 01786 445377 if you have any further questions about SCMA Membership.
Childminders & Funded ELC
I’m thinking about offering funded ELC hours as part of my service – what do I need to do?
To be considered as a funded ELC partner provider by your local authority, you will need to meet the National Standard – a set of mandatory quality criteria set by the Scottish Government which includes the following: childminders delivering the funded hours must have obtained the benchmark qualification for ELC practitioners – which is an SVQ III in Social Services (Children and Young People).
OR
if you are still within your first five years of delivering funded hours, you must be working towards achieving this qualification.
The introduction of a minimum qualification requirement for childminders delivering the funded hours will provide reassurance, in respect of quality of provision, for parents and carers when they are making their choice of ELC provider as they will hold (or be working towards the same qualification level as a practitioner working in any other ELC setting.
If a childminder is unable to obtain a place on a qualification course and is, therefore, unable to start working towards their benchmark qualification, they must provide evidence of application and response from the training provider.
Read more HERE to find out more about the qualification you will need to hold or be working towards.
We are recruiting in the following areas:
Aberdeenshire
Aberdeen City
Argyll & Bute
Clackmannanshire
Dumfries & Galloway
Dundee
East Ayrshire
East Dunbartonshire
East Lothian
East Renfrewshire
Edinburgh
Falkirk
Fife
Perth & Kinross
Glasgow
Highland
Inverclyde
Midlothian
North Ayrshire
North Lanarkshire
Orkney Islands
Renfrewshire
Scottish Borders
Shetland Islands
South Ayrshire
South Lanarkshire
Stirling
West Lothian
Thank you to all funders and partners involved in the Programme for Scotland's Childminding Future
