A survey published today (Friday) by the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) has underlined the need for swift action on the part of the Scottish Government to support Scotland’s childminding businesses, Jackie Baillie MSP has said.

The SCMA’s survey of almost 900 childminders revealed that 46 per cent of these businesses stated that they do not believe that they will be financially viable in six months’ time without support, and that over a quarter (28 per cent) have been forced to run up debt on credit cards to supplement their income.

The SCMA state that all other childcare providers in Scotland have been able to apply for transitional support to help offset the additional costs, including staffing, arising from following the Scottish Government’s official guidance.

Jackie Baillie is today calling on the Scottish Government to treat childminding businesses equitably, by providing the transitional financial support that the sector need.

Commenting, Jackie Baillie MSP for Dumbarton, Vale of Leven, Helensburgh & Lomond said:

“ It is a cause of great concern to hear that nearly half of Scotland’s childminding businesses are in financial danger.

“Childminding plays a vital role in enabling many parents to go to work with the peace of mind that they have the childcare they need.

“If childminding businesses in West Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute are at threat then it puts the jobs of childminders and the working patterns of thousands of local parents and carers at risk too.

“Local childminders and the families that they support must not be forgotten in this crisis. The time has come for the Scottish Government to take swift action to see that this sector is protected from the financial shockwaves of the pandemic.”