Scottish Childminding Association

24/06/2026

Let's talk about transitions ⬇️

Whether you're supporting children with big transitions, such as moving to or from your service, preparing for school, or with every day changes little ones face - every experience of transition shapes how children feel, learn and cope with change.

Transitions can also affect you as childminders too.

Predictability in routine, strong relationships and environment all have a role to play.

When children feel safe, confident and prepared, this can make a huge difference in how they cope with change.

💻 If you're looking for new tips and techniques to introduce within your setting to help children during changes, take a look back at the recording from Nyree Cooper's session at this year's conference 'Bridge Builders: Practical Transitions in a Childminding Setting'.

You'll learn practical techniques and approaches to language that you can start using straight away!

Find this recording - and all the conference recordings from 2026 - on your Membership Dashboard under 'Conferences' tab on the left toolbar.

24/06/2026

Have you seen changes in your local playpark?

Take part in Play Scotland's survey to have your say in shaping the future of play in Scotland ⬇️💚

📢 Now Open: Scotland’s Play Park Survey!

Between 2022 and 2026, the Scottish Government’s Play Park Renewal Fund invested £60 million to improve play parks across Scotland.

We’re inviting everyone who uses local play parks to share their experiences to evaluate the impact of the fund.

Your feedback will help shape the future of play in Scotland.

🌳 Take part in the survey today and have your say: https://forms.office.com/e/FFXdjuSLfD

23/06/2026

Are you a childminder working towards your SVQ or are you considering an SVQ but not sure where to begin?

Look no further!

⭐Join SCMA's Quality and Learning Lead, Nyree Cooper at our SVQ support session on Monday 29th June, 7-8pm. You can find out more about what’s involved, the support available when working towards your SVQ, while also exploring how gaining an SVQ can benefit your practice.

No question is too big or small!💬

Can't make it this time? Don't worry we've got sessions on throughout the year, head to our website to find the right one for you: https://f.mtr.cool/vtmfdmfvte

23/06/2026

As we step into the last week of term for many, let's take a moment to appreciate the incredible work of childminders everywhere. This season can be a whirlwind of emotions as you prepare to send off the little ones you've nurtured with love and dedication. 🎓👶

Don't forget to enjoy this proud moment. You've played a vital role in shaping young minds, celebrating many milestones, and creating cherished memories... and many of you will continue to play a part in the lives of your mindees for many years to come - through primary school and beyond!

👉 Are any little ones graduating from your setting this week? We'd love to hear your stories in the comments below!

🏷️ Tag a childminder: Know someone who deserves recognition for their amazing work? Tag them and let them know how much they are appreciated!

We want to take this moment to celebrate the incredible journey childminders have shared with the children and the safe space you have created in their lives. Your dedication provides a solid foundation for children to continue growing and learning. Thank you for all that you do! 💖

19/06/2026

ICYMI - SCMA published our summer edition of Childminding magazine last week 🤩

So take some time, grab a cuppa and delve into the latest topics in Scottish childminding.

In this issue you can expect:

The latest from Graeme McAlister, and a warm welcome from SCMA to the new Minister for Children, Young People and the Promise

➡️ Have your say by joining the SCMA Board
➡️ Your top questions answered
➡️ Preparing for inspection, with tips from the Care Inspectorate
➡️ Real stories from childminders across Scotland
🩵 PLUS your regular favourites, including the latest CPL offering, Childminder Chat and Craft Corner

Let us know what you think of this season's issue of 'Childminding' magazine! You can find it on the homepage of your Membership Dashboard!

18/06/2026

New Podcast Episode Alert! Childminding Matters

Episode 2: Inspection Insights

SCMA’s second podcast episode for members is now available on your SCMA membership dashboard: https://f.mtr.cool/cmxgrxifyd

Join host Nyree Cooper, SCMA’s Quality and Learning Lead, alongside special guest Wendy Smith — a childminder from Falkirk - who also works part time as an SCMA Childminding Development Officer.

Wendy shares with us her love and enthusiasm for childminding, alongside her experience supporting other childminders. Wendy and Nyree touch on Wendy’s own experience of her last inspection back in October 2025 – and how although they’re a bit daunting, inspection is a valuable opportunity to showcase the amazing work you do in your setting, and demonstrate the high-quality childcare service you provide every day.

In this episode, you can listen to Wendy & Nyree on…

✅ What to expect on inspection day and common queries

✅ Practical examples and resources to help you confidently prepare for inspection - any time!

✅ Core Assurances, Improvement Plans and Personal Plan Paperwork

✅ 3 ‘Top Tips’ to help your inspection go smoothly (and help calm any nerves!)

Coming soon! A NEW e-Learning course ‘Inspection Insights’ to support a comprehensive understanding of the inspection process and how quality standards apply in practice. Ultimately, helping you to feel confident and fully prepared for your next inspection. More details will be shared soon…

Don’t forget to access your SCMA Summer Magazine with page 7 focusing on Care Inspectorate advice on preparing for an inspection.

Access the podcast today under the Webinars and Podcast section of your SCMA membership dashboard: https://f.mtr.cool/xntrrrljmn
We hope you enjoy!

18/06/2026

If you've been following us for a while, you'll know we LOVE a picnic!🧺

We especially love a picnic that involves teddies, songs and outdoor adventures 🧸🎶

In celebration of we're looking back at this year's BIG Teddy Bears' Picnic during Childminding Week on 13 May - where childminders from across Scotland came together to celebrate with their mindees, teddies and yummy food!

Are you celebrating International Picnic Day today? What's your favourite picnic activity?

We asked Charlie the Childminding Bear to tell us what he likes the most, and he told us he likes singing nursery rhymes with his friends (although he's not so keen on 'We're Going On A Bear Hunt' for some reason 🤔)

Thanks to everyone for tagging us and sharing your photos with us during Childminding Week! 🫶

17/06/2026

Reminder | Have your say in this groundbreaking survey, exploring neurodivergence in the childminding workforce.

We’ve had a great response so far but the more childminder experiences we can gather, the better we can understand how best to support you and your childminding business ✨

📧 Please refer back to the email we sent to members on 28 May to access the survey link.
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✅ The survey is completely anonymous, and any quotes or examples used in the final report will also be anonymised.

The closing date for the survey is 12noon on Friday 3 July 2026.

16/06/2026

Do you have questions about Personal Plans?

Our new e-Learning course on 'Personal Plans' can help!

👍 The course covers everything you need to know about the essential plans that YOU keep and maintain for all the children in your childminding service AND how they come together forming each child's comprehensive Personal Plan.

✅ Legislation for your practice
✅ Explore best practice
✅ Everything Personal Plans need to include
✅ How YOU can implement them - with confidence!
✅ ALL SCMA e-Learning courses are tailored specifically for childminders in Scotland

SCMA members should login to the Membership Dashboard to book and access this e-Learning course. All our e-Learning courses cost £25 each. If you require any assistance, please contact the Professional Learning team on 01786 445377 or email [email protected].

15/06/2026

👔 In the next few days, some retailers will begin their sales for back-to-school uniform (we know, we know - it does feel early to talk about, when summer hasn't started yet!)

It can be a stressful time budgeting for the return to school, whilst also planning summer activities for your family (not to mention the snack requirements🫣)... but, did you know - a lot of families are eligible for government grants to help with things like school uniforms, and don't know they're eligible to apply?

👉 Check out Parent Club Scotland's webpage to find out about the School Clothing Grant, as well as other financial support options your family may be able to apply for: https://f.mtr.cool/nzijushcfj

Applications can be made through your local authority, so check in with your local council to see eligibility criteria. Payments are usually made during July or August, but again, these can vary depending on your area.

📣 Don't forget to share this information with your networks!