Childminders work closely with families to provide a flexible, high-quality family childcare experience in a home-based environment, and evidence has shown childminding can enhance a child’s early learning, confidence and social development. A typical day with a childminder will include a range of real-life experiences and stimulating activities, including creative play, reading and storytelling, role play, outdoor trips and participating in activities within the local community.
Why should I become a childminder?
Childminding is a hugely rewarding career that provides you with the opportunity to:
- contribute to children’s development, learning and wellbeing
- provide a valuable, professional childcare service for your community
- develop new skills and qualifications
- be your own boss, from your own home
- earn money while working around your family’s needs
How do I become a childminder?
The first step to becoming a childminder is to visit the below link and read our ‘Becoming a Childminder’ step-by-step guide. More information can be found:
Early Learning and Childcare - Childminding (google.com)
To become a childminder you must, by law, register with the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care, the Care Inspectorate. Anyone offering a childcare service in their own home for more than 2 hours a day for children under 16 years must be registered.
You can now apply to register a care service online, using a new, secure system. The online application is simple to complete and only asks you questions that are relevant to your service type. More information can be found:
Register a childminding service (Care Inspectorate website)
Business Gateway
East Lothians Business Gateway can also help with the process of becoming a childminder including information on setting up as a new business and a start-up grant between £250-£500. More information can be found:
Business Gateway East Lothian website
Support from SCMA
SCMA is the only organisation in Scotland dedicated to supporting all aspects of childminding. They have one over-arching purpose, which is to support childminders in Scotland to provide the best service they can for children and their families.
They are here to support your new childminding journey every step of the way, and beyond. They can provide you with a range of tools, help and support from the moment you decide to join the profession and throughout your career.