Island Life, New Career: How One New Childminder Is Supporting Working Families on Arran
A new childminder on the Isle of Arran is making a real difference to local families while reshaping her own working life and long-term career.
Lynsey’s move into childminding highlights the impact of the Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future, which is led by the Scottish Childminding Association, (SCMA), is having -supporting new entrants to the childminding workforce. The package provides a minimum £750 start-up grant, dedicated one-to-one support, and free training to help get started.
Before starting her new career, Lynsey worked as a receptionist at the Island’s Auchrannie Spa, balancing weekend shifts with family life while her husband worked during the week, and knows only too well how challenging childcare is in Island communities. “There is no childcare provision for children under three years old, except for childminding and I’m aware of cases locally where some families have chosen to leave the Island due to a lack of childcare.”
Although the arrangement worked practically, it left little time for the family to enjoy island life together. Looking for a more flexible and meaningful role, Lynsey decided to explore childminding as a way to be more present for her own children while also increasing her earning potential and saw an opportunity to build a brand new, rewarding career working with children.
Dedicated, Tailored Support Throughout
Lynsey had no background in childcare prior to starting her journey, but this is not a barrier to entry. With the support of a dedicated Workforce Officer—available for new childminders from first enquiry through to registration – she was guided through each stage and was able to ask any questions that arose. Lynsey describes this support as essential, particularly when it came to developing the required policies and documentation for her setting as part of the Care Inspectorate registration process.
“I knew I was always able to speak to Lisa, my Workforce Officer with any questions, I felt like she was by my side throughout the whole process.”
Lynsey also benefited from additional group support facilitated by her SCMA Workforce Officer, including an online session with other candidates at the same stage in the process as her. This was in preparation for her home visit with the Care Inspectorate, an integral part of the registration process as a childminder in Scotland, and the session provided Lynsey with reassurance, shared learning, and the opportunity to build confidence ahead of her visit.
Lynsey said: “This combination of personalised and peer support made a really significant difference during what could have otherwise felt like a daunting process. In the end, my home visit was really straightforward and when it was complete, it felt like another step forward on my journey,” she says.
Impact for Children and Families
Now fully registered, Lynsey is building her business steadily, operating four days per week from her home in Lamlash, one of the larger villages on the Island.
Lynsey already has two children in her setting, with plans to expand on this, and on her hours to five days per week, once her own four-year-old daughter starts school in August 2026. She will also be providing before and after-school care, responding to what she describes as strong demand from local families. The impact of her new setting is already being felt in the community. In Island communities, where staffing shortages can be more acute and options more limited, childminding plays a critical role in sustaining the local workforce and economy – enabling young families to stay on the Island they want to make their home. This makes childminders a vital part of the local infrastructure
One mum who is a nurse and currently on maternity leave, has already secured a place within Lynsey’s setting for her new baby, and he will start in January 2027. When mum returns to work at the hospital in Lamlash – she knows her child is being cared for in a safe, home-from-home, nurturing environment.
Work/Life Balance
Lynsey has embraced the opportunities that come with Island childminding. She spends much of her day outdoors with the children, making full use of the environment. With the beach and local park just a short walk away, she encourages outdoor exploration, play, and learning outdoors, taking advantage of all the Island has to offer.
Reflecting on her new role, Lynsey said:
“I’ve loved developing relationships with my mindees and their families, it’s such a rewarding role. It’s amazing to see the children come on in leaps and bounds."
“One wee one was anxious during his settling-in visits at first—we gradually built up the time he would spend with me, and the change in him is amazing, he stays for full days and is so happy and confident. I think one of the great benefits of childminding is that children of mixed ages can be together to play and learn -my own children have benefitted from having other children around too. I’m so glad I continued down this new career path, to see my setting come to fruition, providing vital childcare locally, makes me really proud.”
Lynsey would encourage others to consider childminding as a career, particularly those looking for flexibility and meaningful work. “It’s meant I can be here for my own wee ones too, and we have our weekends back as a family, so it feels that I have also improved on our own family time through being able to work flexibly. I’m so excited to see how my new business grows and develops.”
Graeme McAlister, Chief Executive, SCMA said: “The Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future is creating a sustainable, practical childcare solution in recruiting more childminders. This is particularly crucial in rural and Island areas where access to childcare provision often has a direct impact on the ability for families to stay living there, to stay in employment, and enable them to contribute to the wider economy, ultimately, supporting and strengthening communities.”