Parents and carers living in Renfrewshire looking for a flexible job that supports their family needs are being encouraged to look into a career in childminding.
The local campaign is part of the national recruitment drive—Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future, led by the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) and funded by Scottish Government—and is supported by Renfrewshire Council and Renfrewshire Local Employability Partnership.
It is open to everyone in Renfrewshire and aims to support people thinking of changing careers or taking a step into employment, and builds on the work Renfrewshire Council’s Invest in Renfrewshire team have done to support parents and carers earn more money in balance to their family’s needs.
The programme also supports increasing the availability of accessible, affordable and high-quality childcare for families as part of the early years agenda.
As a childminder, parents can have flexibility over when they work and can work from home.
The recruitment programme offers a minimum of £750 as a business start-up grant. Free induction training and three free childminder training courses are also provided, and candidates are supported to register with the Care Inspectorate. The first year of SCMA membership is provided free.
Councillor Andy Steel, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, said: “Finding work as a parent which fits into family life is crucial for folk looking to earn as much as they can, in a way that meets their needs. Becoming a childminder brings that flexibility, giving them control over when they can work and of course being able to do it from home.”
“Childminding is a rewarding career and contributes to the development of children’s learning and wellbeing, while families using childcare benefit from the flexibility childminding provides to them.
“I’d urge anyone who has considered becoming a childminder to get in touch with the Scottish Childminding Association team to find out more—this support is a great opportunity.”
Photo: Childminder with child at a table outdoor
Photo Credit: Image supplied by Scottish Childminding Association
Graeme McAlister, Chief Executive of Scottish Childminding Association, said: “This programme is a fantastic opportunity for people considering getting back into work, or looking for a change of career which supports a better work-life balance, to access a wealth of support in setting up their own sustainable childminding business and to begin a new, rewarding career working with children.”
Natalie Don MSP, Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise, said: “Childminders provide vital support to children and parents and are an important part of Scotland’s thriving Early Learning and Childcare sector.
“The support provided by the pilot projects to date has made a real difference for the families they help. This investment will not only help us grow the childminding workforce, but it will also support existing childminders, which is essential as we look to increase the workforce.”
People can get started with childminding on the childminder recruitment website.
Anyone interested in finding out more can also attend an information session on childminding on Monday 25 November at 1pm in the Russell Institute, Paisley.
Headline Photo: Childminder with children at a play park
Photo Credit: Image supplied by Scottish Childminding Association