Kate’s Story

Kate is 35 with 3 children aged 12, 10 and 2 years old. She previously worked 3 days a week as a Nursery Nurse and looked after her friends’ children 2 days a week. After the arrival of her youngest son, Kate reduced her working hours as she struggled to find local childcare and keep up with increasing energy prices due to the growing cost of living.

Kate registered with DG Works and was assigned a key worker. After meeting her key worker and chatting about her passion for children, interest in childhood development her key worker signposted a funded programme for parents delivered by the Scottish Childminding Association. Kate understood there was a demand for childcare in her local area and knew by completing this programme she would be able to deliver this service fully insured as a recognised, qualified Childminder.

Kate was eligible for No One Left Behind funding, and with the support of her key worker (DG Works) and workforce officer (SCMA) completed an induction programme and online training. The online training was flexible and fit around the needs of Kate and her family. 

“My favourite part of the SCMA course was attending the webinars. I got to talk and listen to others experiences. The webinars were useful as they were live, you got to ask questions and ask others how they did things. I got to share my knowledge of food hygiene and first aid and other training with other people completing the course”.

Once qualified, Kate was visited by the Care Inspectorate.

“My inspection was laid back. My inspector came in and had a cup of tea and a chat. 
I showed her all my paperwork, my house and the garden. I received my certificate less than a week later and I was able to use the start-up grant to develop my outdoor learning space in my garden”.

Kate is now a childminder for 3 children from the comfort of her home. She recommends others in the area to pursue a career in childminding.

“It’s perfect for those who are great with kids and looking to start a career working with them. It’s flexible, you choose when you work, what hours. It’s a job that works perfectly for my family”.