Funded Time Off the Floor Retention Trials Are Proving Invaluable to Childminders
Innovative workforce retention measures intended to support the childminding workforce are being trialled in targeted areas as part of the Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future.
The three key strands of work include Quality & Learning, Mentoring and Funded Time Off the Floor (TOTF) – which is the first of its kind in the UK. As the majority of childminders are sole practitioners, it’s difficult to get time away from core business hours minding the children in their setting to carve out focused time to deal with the business side of childminding, which has often meant childminders dedicating time to run their business outwith core working hours. The pilot has been trialing support for childminders with funded
time away from their day-to-day business to undertake CPL, self-evaluation or complete
paperwork. Tammy Knox, a childminder from Orkney, has been taking part.
Tammy has been childminding full time for eight years and knows the commitment required to run a successful setting. It’s not just about providing fantastic, high-quality childcare, but also about undertaking the necessary administration tasks associated with being self-employed, and ensuring she has time to stay up-to-date with any continuous professional learning.
In the past, Tammy would often dedicate Saturday mornings to completing tasks she couldn’t get to during her working days. When she had the opportunity to take part in SCMA’s Funded Time Off the Floor (TOTF) pilot, she knew it would be a huge support to her.
“How wonderful to be paid for the hours I was already taking out of my schedule to do paperwork. It sounded too good to be true – but it’s not!”
SCMA’s Retention Manager, Claire Shepherd, ensures all childminders taking part in the pilot feel supported and listened to and is there to help childminders with any queries they may have.
“Claire has made it really easy – she’s so warm, open and knowledgeable. She never makes me feel silly for asking questions and I can chat about anything that I’m not sure about.”
Claire said, “The TOTF pilot is new to us all, so approaching this in a sensitive and supportive manner allows us all to work in partnership and learn together. We’ve created an environment with open communication that supports childminders to ask questions and share their true reflections of the positive impact this pilot is having on their professional and personal development and growth. These conversations are significant to capture when reporting to Scottish Government and when sharing updates with our childminding workforce. It is a pleasure to support all the childminders on the TOTF pilot.”
Tammy explains, “Sometimes, the work I do outside of being with my ‘mindees’ can feel a bit like a chore – or homework- especially since I used to end up doing it in my own free time. Being paid as part of these trials has made me feel much more appreciated and worthwhile professionally. This type of work is crucial to running my childminding business so it feels great that I’m being rewarded for it – when you feel seen and appreciated, it makes everything a little bit easier!”
Enabling childminders to continue to be paid when completing vital paperwork can help to increase feelings of motivation, appreciation and overall job satisfaction.
“I feel more motivated to complete paperwork since joining the pilot. By the time you’ve tidied up after a busy day it can be well into the evening. Something I might have normally put off for a while is now at the top of my list as I know I’m being paid monthly for it.”
The Funded TOTF pilot has increased feelings of community for Tammy and her childminding colleagues. With regular check-ins with Claire, the childminders in Tammy’s community are part of a social media group and can chat to each other about the pilot or about any tasks they’re completing during their paid time off the floor or ask Claire any questions.
“We already have a great childminding community in Orkney, but this pilot has strengthened that. Everyone is lovely to talk to and I’ve also been able to chat to childminders from other areas of Scotland who are on the trials too.”
Being a part of the Funded TOTF pilot has positively impacted on many parts of Tammy’s childminding business and is increasing her sense of community with the families she works with too.
“I’ve got proper time now to go over different aspects of my business more regularly and I feel I’ve been able to better connect and communicate with the parents and guardians who use my service.”
Currently, Funded TOTF is live in Aberdeen City, Glasgow, Orkney and Shetland. SCMA hopes to expand the pilot to more areas in Scotland soon so that more childminders can benefit from dedicated, paid time away from their day-to-business. Tammy would urge childminders to join the Funded TOTF community when it’s available to them.
“I think every childminder should access Funded TOTF. You’re already spending time doing paperwork or completing CPL so why not get paid for it! It will help you in so many ways, both professionally and personally. It’s wonderful way for us all to come together and to take childminding into the future!”