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Support For Providers Of School Age Childcare

19th March 2021

Providers of school age childcare affected by continued restrictions on their services due to coronavirus (COVID-19) can now access targeted financial support.

Up to £3 million is being made available through the Scottish Government's Temporary Restrictions Fund, which is now targeted solely at providers of school aged childcare following the full reopening of nurseries and other early learning and childcare (ELC) settings.

All open school age childcare providers will be able to access a support grant for each week in which they are open. Grants will vary between £144 and £2,800 depending on their capacity and how many weeks the setting was open.

In addition, all registered settings, whether open or closed, will be able to claim a restart grant of between £750 and £2,000 based on their capacity, to support reopening following the end of restrictions.

As outlined in the School Age Childcare Progress Report published today, Ministers have also confirmed funding for three childcare pilot projects to test different approaches to providing school-age childcare.

The Scottish Childminding Association will receive almost £250,000 as part of the Access to Childcare Fund to develop their Community Childminding model to deliver childminding placements that will support parents and carers to take up jobs.

Ayr United Football Academy will use £70,000 to set up an after school and holiday sports club for children at three local primaries and a secondary school.

The Mull and Iona Community Trust will receive £180,000 to develop and deliver school age childcare services on Mull as part of a project which will explore ways to provide childcare with the flexibility required in island communities.

Children’s Minister Maree Todd said:"We know that the last year has been challenging for many school age childcare providers, and I am pleased we can provide targeted financial support for the sector.

“School age childcare services play a vital role in providing children with opportunities to play and socialise, while also helping parents and carers to access work and training opportunities.

“These services will be crucial in supporting children, families and the wider economic recovery in the months ahead."