Renfrewshire parents encouraged to consider childminding

The local campaign is part of a national recruitment drive led by the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) and is funded by the Scottish Government.

It is open to everyone and aims to support individuals contemplating a career change or first step into employment.

Renfrewshire Council and the Renfrewshire Local Employability Partnership are supporting the initiative.

(Image: Scottish Childminding Association) Childminding offers parents the convenience of working from home and choosing their working hours.

The recruitment programme provides a minimum of £750 as a business start-up grant, free induction training, and three free childminder training courses.

Candidates are also aided in registering with the Care Inspectorate and receive the first year of SCMA membership 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."

Graeme McAlister, chief executive of the 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."

For those interested in more information, an upcoming information session is scheduled for November 25 at 1pm in the Russell Institute, Paisley.