Childminders will receive free training in Scotland, in the lead-up to the near-doubling of free early learning and childcare for families from August 2020. 

The move is part of a drive to increase the amount of funded childcare from 600 hours to 1,140 hours for three and four-year-old children, as well as some two-year-olds.

Concerns have been expressed about a shortage of nursery staff in the run-up to the changes.

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Announced by children’s minister Maree Todd today, the new scheme will offer nine different online training modules to the 5,000 childminders working in Scotland.

As part of the expansion, childcare providers will have to meet strict criteria in new national standards. The modules will be available to anyone working in the childcare sector.

The new training will address a number of different issues, including dealing with children who have additional support needs, delivering learning in Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects and monitoring the progression of children.

At the annual conference of the Scottish Childminding Association in Stirling today, Ms Todd was expected to say: “Childminders play an invaluable role in providing a nurturing setting for young children, helping them to have the best possible start in life.

“The expansion of funded early learning and childcare goes hand in hand with improving quality in the sector, and continuous professional learning is essential to maintain skills and awareness of best practice.”

“These resources will support all of the fantastic staff in our early learning and childcare sector, helping them to develop in their role and continue to provide our children with high-quality care and learning.”