<![CDATA[Pressat Main Newswire]]> https://pressat.co.uk/rss/ <![CDATA[Pressat Main Newswire]]> https://pressat.co.uk/media/site/logo.png https://pressat.co.uk/rss/ en-gb Copyright: (C) Pressat Pressat <![CDATA[ Childminding services decline as the ELC expansion progresses towards 2020 ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/childminding-services-decline-as-the-elc-expansion-progresses-towards-2020-d6f0d67038d4dde5653c5f6481fd9b6a/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/childminding-services-decline-as-the-elc-expansion-progresses-towards-2020-d6f0d67038d4dde5653c5f6481fd9b6a/ Tuesday 27 November, 2018

“At 31 December 2017 there were 5,426 childminding services registered in Scotland. The drop of 4.3% in the number of childminders (243 fewer services than the previous year) was in large part due to a reduction in the number of new services registering in 2017. In addition, there is an apparent upward trend in the number of childminding services cancelling their registration within the first 12 months of operation.”

These are key findings in relation to the childminding sector as detailed in the latest Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Statistics 2017 Report published today (27 November 2018) by the Care Inspectorate. It is daunting news for parents as it reduces their choices and daunting news for the childminding sector which should currently be experiencing a period of growth in readiness for 2020 and the expansion of ELC. Commenting on the findings Maggie Simpson, Chief Executive of SCMA said: “This report is dismaying and a testament to what SCMA has been clearly stating over the past couple of years. Childminding is in danger of slowly being eradicated from the ELC sector.

“It is not surprising that there are fewer childminders entering the sector when the majority of those currently in post are being excluded from working in partnership with local authorities. The report acknowledges that the total capacity in childminding services decreased while capacity in daycare of children services increased in 2017, largely due to an increase in capacity in nurseries and out of school care services. These services are being commissioned to deliver funded ELC, so their future is more secure. And for those who have successfully registered their service with the Care Inspectorate, they are now cancelling their registration within their first year of operation. Why? Possibly because they are just unable to find sustainable work.

“Once again I would urge local authorities to engage with the high-quality childminding services operating right on their doorstep to ensure this professional sector can continue to thrive towards 2020 and the expansion of ELC.”

Other key findings in the report include:

The number of children registered with childminding services increased from 33,440 in 2016 to 33,659 in 2017 (an increase of 0.7%). This is despite a decrease in the number of childminders operating compared to last year (5,426 services compared to 5,669).The quality of services remained high overall with 92% of childminders found to be good or better for all quality themes compared to 88% of daycare of children services. This equates to more than nine out of every ten childminders.In almost half of all childminders (48%) the quality was found to be of the highest standard (excellent or very good in all themes assessed).In around 97% of childminders, the quality of care and support and the quality of environment was found to be good or better.Most childminders are registered for a maximum capacity of 6 children, which is the most they can look after at any one time. Some childminders however employ assistants which may allow them to have a maximum capacity greater than 6. The average number of places per childminder increased to 6.2 in 2016 and has remained at this level in 2017, indicating an increased use of assistants in childminding services compared to pre-2016 levels.Of all types of early learning and childcare services, childminding services had the second highest set of evaluations behind children and family centres.

“The original and still the main aim of the Scottish Government ELC expansion plan is to make Scotland the best place to grow up and to achieve transformational change in the way ELC is delivered.” added Maggie Simpson. “SCMA whole heartedly support this vision but it remains a stark reality that potentially childminders childminding will be badly damaged unless local authorities engage with their high-quality services. The report clearly shows worrying trends in the decline of childminding services and we need to ensure these stop.”

CLICK HERE to read the full Early learning and childcare statistics 2017 Report that details the provision and use of registered daycare of children and childminding services in Scotland as at 31 December 2017. Published November 2018 by the Care Inspectorate.




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http://www.childminding.org 27 Nov 2018 17:43:02 GMT Charities & non-profits Children & Teenagers Education & Human Resources Public Sector & Legal
<![CDATA[ Dispelling childminding myths ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/dispelling-childminding-myths-6bcaff9fb3193ba16449ee4369740140/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/dispelling-childminding-myths-6bcaff9fb3193ba16449ee4369740140/ Wednesday 31 October, 2018

On the day that spells are traditionally being cast, five leading childminding organisations within the United Kingdom and Ireland have joined forces to launch a campaign that dispels some controversial childminding myths circulating within the childcare sector.

The Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY), PACEY Cymru, the Northern Ireland Childminding Association (NICMA), Childminding Ireland and the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) are working together to highlight the essential work that professional childminders deliver whilst busting myths and promoting key facts about their childcare services.

“There are many myths surrounding using a childminder for childcare which are totally unfounded,” said Claire Protheroe, National Manager for Wales, PACEY Cymru. “Negative assumptions about working in childcare can be frustrating for childminders, who know only too well the commitment and dedication that goes into the work they do. Whilst speaking as a peer group it was concluded that these frustrations and myths were common to us all. So, we joined together to develop a campaign that dispels childminding myths for those considering using a childminder.”

The Childminding Myths campaign consists of a full colour brochure detailing specific myths together with the actual facts, and nine myth busting cards to be shared through social media to support the launch.

Commenting on the launch of the campaign, Maggie Simpson, Chief Executive of SCMA said: “Early Learning and Childcare is continually changing. By 2020, in Scotland, families will be entitled to 1140 hours of funded childcare so now is the right time to do some myth busting surrounding childminders and the professional services they provide. Working from their own homes, childminders provide an unrivalled continuity of care, offering unique and flexible approaches to professional childcare whilst looking after small groups of children in a family setting. Childminders provide the best start if life for children and it is hoped that our myth busting campaign will lay to rest some common misconceptions about the essential childcare services they provide.”

This campaign has huge relevance for Irish families and childminders as the country’s childminding sector is on the cusp of change and the Department of Children & Youth Affairs are working on an action plan for childminding. Bernadette Orbinski Burke, Chief Executive of Childminding Ireland explains ‘With an estimated 35,000 childminders working nationally, childminding is the cornerstone of the childcare sector. Parents, in their thousands, choose childminders, as they want a home-from-home environment for their children. We are pleased to be involved in this myth busting campaign. Childminding must get the recognition it deserves.’

Key myths that the campaign aims to dispel include:

Childminders are just babysitters, children just play and don't learn as much with a childminderChildminders are not regulated or inspectedChildminders can look after as many children as they want at any one timeChildminders are unqualifiedChildminding is only for womenA childminder will replace the parent/s in a child's affectionA childminder works for me (the parent)I can't use a childminder to help with childcare costs

On each fact card the myth is stated, for example: Childminders are just babysitters, children just play and don't learn as much with a childminder. Underneath this statement is the fact to dispel the myth, for example: Play is an essential ingredient to support children to think and make sense of the world around them. The value of play is understood by childminders who will have a daily routine in place to ensure children's learning and development needs are being met.

This includes a range of stimulating activities, including creative play, messy play, outdoor play, reading, storytelling, role play and music. Childminders may take children on regular trips; depending on the hours a child attends a setting; and participate in groups and activities within the local area.

Each card highlights the logos of the five leading childminding organisations who are supporting the campaign. CLICK HERE to find out more about the campaign and follow it on social media using #childcarechampions #ChildmindingVoices #childmindingmyths.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

SCMA Helen Forrest, Marketing and Communications Manager Telephone: 01786 434953 or email helen.forrest@childminding.org.

PACEY Holly Clarke, Communications Officer Telephone: 020 8290 2537 or email media@pacey.org.uk

PACEY Cymru Telephone: 0845 880 1299 or email paceycymru@pacey.org.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) is the national voice of childminding and Scotland’s only charity dedicated to supporting childminding in Scotland. Founded in 1985, SCMA is a national charity and membership organisation that promotes childminding as a quality childcare service, through its Vision for childminding, which is: “Quality childminding… building confident children within a family childcare experience”. SCMA has over 4,500 members, which represents around 83% of childminders in Scotland. Some 33,440 children attend a childminding service in Scotland and 92% of members achieved good or better grades from the Care Inspectorate.PACEY is the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years. Formed in 1977, we are a charity dedicated to supporting everyone working in childcare and early years to provide high quality care and early learning for children and families. We provide training, practical help and expert advice to practitioners working throughout England and Wales. We also provide peer support and encouragement through our nationwide network of PACEY Local volunteers. Our mission is to support everyone working in childcare and early years to provide high quality childcare and early learning; and champion the vital role practitioners play in helping prepare children for a bright future.Childminding Ireland is the national representative body for childminders, the voice of childminding within the Irish childcare sector. At Childminding Ireland, we offer support to childminders so that they can provide best quality childcare in a home-from-home setting for the benefit of children, their families and their communities. Our vision is of an Ireland in which childminding flourishes resulting in profound benefits for children. A childcare environment in which childminders have parity of esteem, access to supports and training and equitable inclusion in policy and in practice. Childminding Ireland is a Registered Charity and is part funded by the Department of Children & Youth Affairs.


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http://www.childminding.org 31 Oct 2018 07:57:24 GMT Charities & non-profits Children & Teenagers Education & Human Resources Halloween Opinion Article Women & Beauty
<![CDATA[ Childcare sector welcomes new Worked Based Award ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/childcare-sector-welcomes-new-worked-based-award-1922d6dc590166fb5d99ee4df21aa746/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/childcare-sector-welcomes-new-worked-based-award-1922d6dc590166fb5d99ee4df21aa746/ Monday 23 April, 2018

Six steps form one giant leap towards an accredited qualification.

Over 5,500 childminders across Scotland, and those entering the childcare sector, now have access to an accredited Work Based Award that recognises and values the unique form of childcare they provide, thanks to the launch of the Complete Childminding Learning Pathway. The Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) working with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) have developed the Work Based Award that is credit rated at Level 7 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.

Dr Janet Brown, SQA Chief Executive, said: “This new Work Based Award will give childminders the opportunity to be recognised for the skills and knowledge they developed throughout their careers. The new qualification will also help to raise the profile of childminders and the vital role they play within Scotland’s early learning and childcare landscape.”

SQA officially launched the Work Based Award on Saturday 21 April at their offices in Glasgow and learners are likely to be those interested in becoming a professional childminder or wishing to widen and develop their knowledge and skills for continuous professional learning. Speaking about these learning opportunities, James Dornan MSP, and Convener on the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee said: “It is well known that education is the defining mission of our government. Lifelong learning is a huge part of this and the launch of the Complete Childminding Learning Pathway is now ensuring that childminders have a recognised route that very much supports the unique form of childcare which they provide. It is excellent news that childminders taking part in the Award will gain accreditation of their prior learning and, of course, it will be the children in their care who will be the main beneficiaries. The whole focus is on the needs of children and I welcome this Work Based Award within the Early Learning and Childcare sector.”

Six Work Based Units make up the steps that form one giant leap towards an accredited qualification and commenting on its launch, Maggie Simpson, Chief Executive of SCMA said: “SCMA has worked closely with SQA to launch this Work Based Award that has now established a learning and development pathway for childminders. It supports the commitment of the Scottish Government in the Blueprint Action Plan, to help secure a role for childminders, and will allow them to gain accreditation for their prior learning whilst working towards a recognised qualification.

“This is good news and ultimately will help to professionalise our sector in line with proposals in the Blueprint for 2020 Expansion of ELC in Scotland - ELC Service Model for 2020 which is currently out for consultation.”

The Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Service Model for 2020: Consultation Paper, aims to set out the ‘Funding Follows the Child’ approach for funded ELC and the Scottish Government is now consulting widely on the proposed National Standard, which will set out quality criteria for all services that provide funded ELC.

Minister for Childcare and Early Years Maree Todd, said: “I’m very pleased to welcome the launch of this Work Based Award for childminders. We are committed to making Scotland the best place to grow up, with every child given the best chance to succeed and fulfil their potential, and childminders have a key role in that.

“They support many children and families across Scotland and will also play an important part in the delivery of the expanded funded Early Learning and Childcare provision in the years to come.

“This Work Based Award will help ensure that more childminders are recognised professionally for the high-quality service they provide.”

Barbara Dennistoun, who is a childminder and Convener of SCMA is set to start her journey on the pathway. She added: “During my career I have always actively engaged in learning, so I am really pleased that this qualification is accredited and will recognise my prior learning. As a childminder, my work is always focused on the needs of the children in my care to ensure the best possible start in life for them. My work is still all about children, but the Childminding Learning Pathway will help professionalise my career and reflect the excellent service provided by childminders throughout Scotland.”




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http://www.childminding.org 23 Apr 2018 18:45:26 GMT Charities & non-profits Children & Teenagers Education & Human Resources
<![CDATA[ Childminders develop a child's mind ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/childminders-develop-a-childs-mind-ace02f8b31959334ac1daf426bc4ae56/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/childminders-develop-a-childs-mind-ace02f8b31959334ac1daf426bc4ae56/ Tuesday 3 October, 2017

Nearly 200 childminders gathered together in the Carnegie Conference Centre, Dunfermline on Saturday 30 September 2017 for the SCMA Annual Conference. Designed on the theme of Childminding develops a child’s mind, the conference combined enthralling presentations, a keynote address from the Minister for Childcare and Early Years and a range of innovative and inspiring workshops to make it once again a resounding success.

Commenting at the event childminder Lisa France said: “It's days like today that make me even more proud to be a childminder! Thanks to SCMA and the other professionals for believing in us and supporting the work that we do. What a fantastic, well organised event -with two informative workshops to challenge my thinking and practice. Looking forward to next years already! It's been a long day but I wouldn't have it any other way.”

Dr Elizabeth Kilbey who is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, TV Celebrity and star of Channel 4’s hit series The Secret Life of 4, 5 and 6 Year Olds, wowed the audience with an interactive presentation on the Use of Observation in Relation to Child Development. During her career, Elizabeth has helped families to tackle everything from toddler tantrums to teenage meltdowns as well as more complex and challenging mental health difficulties. In a truly inspiring format she shared some of the learning outcomes of this work with the delegates.

“I specialise in early years and child development and it has been an absolute pleasure to come to Scotland to meet the delegates and talk to them about the amazing work they do with young people,” said Elizabeth. “I do feel really passionate and genuinely believe that childminders have a vital role to play in the development of children and young people, because they are in that unique situation to offer home based care in such an attentive and hands on way that I don't think you can parallel in other settings. It has been so interesting to hear delegate questions and really get a sense of how they are working with children and young people. It is really challenging times for childminders and early learning providers and I do think childminders have a key role to play in the development of young people, particularly across Scotland.”

Following Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, childminders welcomed exciting news on a new joint venture between SCMA and SQA - the SCMA Complete Childminding Learning Pathway - a Work Based Award.

“We have been working alongside SQA to develop the Complete Childminding Learning Pathway that will enable all childminders to gain an SQA accredited work place award,” said Anne Condie, Head of Childminding Services at SCMA. “SQA chose the conference to present on this exciting new development for childminders which I know will be welcomed within our sector.”

The afternoon commenced with a Keynote Address from Mark McDonald MSP, Minister for Childcare and Early Years. Commenting on his attendance at the event, the Minister said: “I welcomed the opportunity to come to this conference so that I could speak with childminders about Scottish Government plans for expanding Early Learning and Childcare and the role we see childminders playing as a part of that expansion. Conferences like these are so important as they bring like-minded people together so that they are able to hear from a range of professional speakers about some of the national policies and frameworks that are being developed. I enjoy hearing directly from childminders on issues that matter to them and, as suggested at the event, would encourage them to contact me directly on MinisterCEY@gov.scot should they want to raise their concerns regarding Early Learning and Childcare.”

Henry Mathias of the Care Inspectorate delivered the final presentation at the conference on key developments within the Care Inspectorate, including the publication of the new Health and Social Care Standards. During the presentation delegates learned more about My Childminding Experience, which aims to clarify the often misunderstood nature of childminding whilst showcasing the positive experiences of children and their families. Henry also highlighted ‘Your Childminding Journey: a Learning and Development Resource’, which is a new online resource to support the learning and development of childminders as they progress through their careers. Henry finished with a review of the new Health and Social Care Standards which are now radically different in many ways on the previous version.

In addition to receiving certificates, childminders who attended the conference will also be invited via email to apply for an SCMA Annual Conference Open Badge. Open Badges are digital records of achievements and skills that recognise both formal and informal learning. Achieving an Open Badge for the conference will involve writing a short reflective statement on what you have learned and how you have put this learning into practice.

Save the date

A key highlight in the SCMA events calendar, the date has now been set for the 2018 event! We look forward to welcoming childminders to the Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow on Saturday 29 September 2018 and of course any suggestions on workshops or content would be really appreciated.




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http://www.childminding.org 03 Oct 2017 16:15:30 GMT Charities & non-profits Children & Teenagers Education & Human Resources Government Lifestyle & Relationships Media & Marketing Women & Beauty
<![CDATA[ Parents - childminders need your help! Pledge your support today. ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/parents-childminders-need-your-help-pledge-your-support-today-66a299598452fe0cdfa41284dc794570/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/parents-childminders-need-your-help-pledge-your-support-today-66a299598452fe0cdfa41284dc794570/ Wednesday 27 September, 2017

Save Our Services: #SOSChildminding is a brand-new pledge website from SCMA, who is looking for parents across Scotland to make a pledge to help save childminding.

#SOSChildminding follows the success of the SCMA Mandate for Change which was massively supported within the childminding sector. The aim is to further boost the Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Childminding campaign by gathering the voices of parents, childminders and other key supporters.

Unbelievably, 98% of childminders are not commissioned to deliver funded ELC. This is a worrying trend, as we now appear to be losing a vital childcare workforce, alongside the quality services they provide to children and their families.

Your actions now can help save childminding services in Scotland and there are a few ways to get involved:

Pledge your support; upload your pledge message and a photo to the SCMA Pledge Wall. Choose to use a pre-prepared pledge or get creative and support childminding in your own words!Ask everyone you know to get involved – the organisation especially want to hear the voices of parents. Support from families is particularly important to dispel the myth that "parents don't want to use childminders for their ELC". Please encourage parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, Health Visitors - anyone who is willing to support childminders to sign The Pledge and support childminding in Scotland.Share the message far and wide on social media using #SOSChildminding. The more Pledges which are gathered the better so share on Facebook and retweet on Twitter.Please make a pledge today and show your support for childminding in Scotland - make a pledge today


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http://www.childminding.org 27 Sep 2017 09:30:07 GMT Business & Finance Charities & non-profits Children & Teenagers Education & Human Resources Government Media & Marketing Opinion Article Public Sector & Legal
<![CDATA[ SCMA Annual Conference 2017: Childminding develops a child’s mind ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/scma-annual-conference-2017-childminding-develops-a-childs-mind-6a1fefe3e8b355fde48c0df61cb91bd6/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/scma-annual-conference-2017-childminding-develops-a-childs-mind-6a1fefe3e8b355fde48c0df61cb91bd6/ Tuesday 26 September, 2017

One TV celebrity, the Minister for Childcare and Early Years, and one very special announcement are all set to ensure that the forthcoming Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) Annual Conference, developed purely for childminders, remains an unmissable event within the childcare sector.

The theme for 2017 is Childminding develops a child’s mind and final preparations are now well underway for this key event which promises to be packed full of innovative and inspiring ideas.

Commenting on the conference, Maggie Simpson, Chief Executive of SCMA said: “We have a really fabulous conference programme planned for delegates this year and I am thrilled to announce that Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and star of Channel 4’s hit series The Secret Life of 4, 5 and 6 Year Olds, will deliver the first presentation on the Use of Observation in Relation to Child Development. I’ve been fortunate to have sneak peek at the presentation and I know our delegates will enjoy it immensely.”

Following Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, delegates will be the first to hear an exciting announcement on a joint new venture between SCMA and SQA - the SCMA Complete Learning Pathway for Childminders.

“We have been working alongside SQA to develop the Complete Learning Pathway for Childminders that will enable all childminders to gain an SQA accredited work place award,” said Anne Condie, Head of Childminding Services at SCMA. “SQA has chosen the conference to present on this new development for childminders which I know will be welcomed within our sector.”

In the afternoon a full line up is planned which starts with Mark McDonald MSP, Minister for Childcare and Early Years delivering the Keynote Address, followed by Henry Mathias of the Care Inspectorate talking through what the new Health and Social Care Standards mean for our members and their work.

During the day a range of inspiring workshops will be delivered based around multisensory activities, with practical ideas on how to use materials and imaginations to keep their children engaged. In addition to exploring childminding issues from highly informed and respected perspectives, there will also be plenty of opportunities for delegates to network with professionals in a relaxed environment – perfect for allowing attendees to share ideas and make new connections. This year all the workshops will come with Certificates of Attendance and the conference itself will be Open Badged.

To find out more about the #scmaconf17 CLICK HERE.




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http://www.childminding.org 26 Sep 2017 13:17:21 GMT Business & Finance Charities & non-profits Children & Teenagers Education & Human Resources Government
<![CDATA[ SCMA launch new Early Learning and Childcare Campaign to protect the future of childminding services ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/scma-launch-new-early-learning-and-childcare-campaign-to-protect-the-future-of-childminding-services-6d8c015a4597ba8e27c582481770b2cd/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/scma-launch-new-early-learning-and-childcare-campaign-to-protect-the-future-of-childminding-services-6d8c015a4597ba8e27c582481770b2cd/ Wednesday 7 December, 2016

Outside of the childcare sector, childminding is probably one of the least understood services, often thought of as little more than complimentary to all the other more recognised services. Childminders don’t quite fit – working alone in their own homes and unable to integrate with other early years services. However with over 5,336 childminders in Scotland caring for over 32,000 children, childminding is without doubt an essential early years’ service which needs protected to help give children the best start in life.

This is the message SCMA is taking forward in our new Early Learning and Childcare Campaign to ensure that childminding remains an option for funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) in 2020.

The first part of this campaign was to ask for the support of the SCMA membership to sign a Mandate for Change and our members are doing it in style with now over 53% pledging their support. This mandate has given us the authority to lobby on behalf of our membership for childminders to become partner providers in local authority areas throughout Scotland. Thank you to all those who have pledged their support and there is still time to sign if you haven’t already .

Maggie Simpson, our CEO, is now in the process of writing to the Chief Executive of every local authority to lobby for change and request a meeting to ensure that childminding remains a viable option for parents in 2020. Through the ELC campaign, SCMA is trying to ensure that:

Parents, particularly of two year olds, are given childminding as an option for their funded hours of ELC.The Scottish Government partners with SCMA and local authorities to run a positive promotional campaign for the use of childminding services for a blended approach to ELC.Parents using a childminding service are empowered with the right to be able to continue with that service for funded hours of ELC with that cost funded by local authorities.

A new SCMA ELC microsite is now live to give you the latest updates on our new ELC campaign. To check it out CLICK HERE.

Childminders and the services they deliver, matter and SCMA will continue to do their utmost to protect these services to ensure the best start in life for children.




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http://www.childminding.org 07 Dec 2016 10:52:54 GMT Business & Finance Charities & non-profits Children & Teenagers Education & Human Resources Government Media & Marketing Opinion Article
<![CDATA[ Childminders top of the class for delivery of quality services ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/childminders-top-of-the-class-for-delivery-of-quality-services-ecd8a73ffbbd523a2ddde91511f40d1e/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/childminders-top-of-the-class-for-delivery-of-quality-services-ecd8a73ffbbd523a2ddde91511f40d1e/ Wednesday 30 November, 2016

‘Childminders provide higher quality services than other daycare of children services’ is one of the key findings in the Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Statistics 2015 Report, published today (30 November) by the Care Inspectorate. The report states that 44% of childminders were found to have grades of very good and excellent compared to 41.5% of daycare services. Other key findings include:

The quality of care and support provided by childminders achieved the highest grades of four quality themes at 64.4%.In around 92% of childminders, the quality of care, environment and management (and staffing where applicable) was found to be good or better at 31 December 2015. Of all categories of ELC, childminding had the second highest set of grades after children and family centres.93.1% of childminders operated during core hours throughout holidays.92.3% of childminders provide meals in their services.

Commenting on the statistics, Maggie Simpson, CEO of SCMA said: “It is really pleasing to know that the quality of Early Learning and Childcare which childminders provide has remained high over the past year and remained better than any of the other types of service registered with the Care Inspectorate, including nurseries. Childminders are registered under the same legislation and meet the same standards as all other Early Learning and Childcare providers. They simply deliver the curriculum in a different way and report against the wellbeing indicators. Their quality and low adult to child ratios are particularly important to raising attainment and to support families with their home learning environment. These results are first class for childminders and SCMA will continue to work with our membership to ensure the continued delivery of quality services.”

During inspections, the Care Inspectorate assesses ‘quality themes’ which cover the main areas of a service’s work. How well the service performs in these areas will indicate how good the service is. The four quality themes are:

Quality of care and support: how well the service meets the needs of each person who uses itQuality of environment: where the service is delivered: for example, how clean, well maintained and accessible it is, the atmosphere of the service, how welcoming it is.Quality of staffing (applies to services who employ someone): the quality of the staff, including their qualifications and trainingQuality of management and leadership: how the service is managed and led and how it develops to meet the needs of the people who use it.

Each of the themes is evaluated using a six point scale:

6 – excellent5 – very good4 – good3 – adequate2 – week1 – unsatisfactory

“The Scottish Government is committed to increasing the entitlement of funded Early Learning and Childcare to 1140 hours per year by 2020, and high quality will be at the heart of this provision” added Maggie. “Currently, with very few local authorities engaging with childminders to deliver quality childminding services, there is work to be done to ensure that childminders remain a viable option for the future and we do not lose these high quality services.”




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http://www.childminding.org 30 Nov 2016 09:46:16 GMT Charities & non-profits Education & Human Resources Government Health Public Sector & Legal
<![CDATA[ Scottish childminding conference shaping up for success ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/scottish-childminding-conference-shaping-up-for-success-3bb93766ab49a4902b92a8bd20479166/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/scottish-childminding-conference-shaping-up-for-success-3bb93766ab49a4902b92a8bd20479166/ Wednesday 28 September, 2016

Delegate bags are bursting at the seams with merchandise, and final preparations are well underway, for the SCMA Annual Conference: Where next? Shaping the future of childminding, which is taking place on Saturday 1 October 2016 at the Carnegie Conference Centre, Dunfermline.

Childminding is on an ever-evolving journey and this year we are taking a look at the bigger role childminding plays, asking ‘What does the future hold for Early Learning and Childcare services?’

“We look forward to giving a warm welcome to all delegates attending our conference this weekend,” said Maggie Simpson, Chief Executive of SCMA. “Childminders are central to the Scottish Government ambition for a massive expansion of Early Learning and Childcare, so we are pleased that Mark McDonald MSP, Minister for Childcare and Early Years will be speaking at our Conference. The focus will be firmly on the bigger role that childminding plays so we are also delighted that Dr Suzanne Zeedyk, a research psychologist whose work focuses on the interaction of parents and infants will be the keynote speaker. We have designed the conference to be both informative and enjoyable and I am sure it will be successful in stimulating a good deal of discussion on shaping the future of childminding in Scotland.”

Throughout the day there will be a variety of exhibitors to visit in the Market Place areas – the networking hub of the conference – and workshops for delegates to attend that include:

Shaping the future of child and family transitionsHow good is your early learning and childcare service?Outdoor playChild led participationHow hellos and goodbyes shape children’s brains

One of the major factors that will affect childminding in the future will be the expansion of funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC), so the afternoon will finish with a networking session on the subject. Working collectively, childminders will take a look at the bigger role they play in the local community, asking ‘What does the future hold for ELC services?’

“SCMA champions childminders who can offer a blended approach to childcare,” adds Maggie Simpson. “Parental choice and flexibility are vitally important to ensuring the best start in life for children and it is our belief that a childminding service is the ideal setting for children to experience their funded hours. Changes in our sector mean childminding has reached a cross-road and the conference is a perfect opportunity to help shape the future of our vital service.”




Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ ]]>
http://twitter.com/ScotChildmind Pressat helen.forrest@childminding.org
http://www.childminding.org
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http://www.childminding.org 28 Sep 2016 13:08:54 GMT Charities & non-profits Children & Teenagers Education & Human Resources Government Media & Marketing