Community Childminding
Delivered by:
Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA)
Last updated:
12/11/2025
Childminders provide a nurturing childcare experience within a home setting and are often seen as an ‘extended family’. They care for children, offering a range of stimulating activities, including creative play, outdoor learning, reading, storytelling, music and physical activity.
A placement is agreed, usually for an average of 12 weeks, and the childminder will provide support for 6-8 hours per week. Often, following the end of a placement, the relationship that has developed between the childminder and parent continues, and the parent has access to ongoing informal support.
Here are some typical examples of a Community Childminding referral:
- Supporting a parent with poor mental health who requires respite
- A child who has behavioural/attachment difficulties and parent is struggling to cope and use effective parenting strategies
- A bereavement or separation within the family
- Young/lone parent who lacks confidence in their parenting skills, has no family network and is isolated
Regions:
Children and Families
Parent and Family Support
Parents and Families
Contact information
You can use the information below to get in touch with Community Childminding