Tots and their childminders set off on a toddle walk around the James Hamilton Heritage Park to celebrate Childminding Week.
Looking good in fancy dress, the group put their best foot forward to highlight the important role childminders across South Lanarkshire have in stimulating children’s learning, development and wellbeing and helping them to achieve their full potential.
Linda Fabiani MSP showed her support by joining the walkers along the way last Friday morning.
Event host Lisa France, Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) childminding development officer for South Lanarkshire, told the East Kilbride News: “Now is a crucial time for childminders across Scotland.
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“SCMA want their vital role within the Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) – and the years beyond – to be highlighted, recognised and valued for their unique form of high-quality, professional childcare provision.
“Childminders in South Lanarkshire are working in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council to provide funded ELC for families ahead of the 1140 hours ELC expansion in 2020 and we hope this will continue to grow.”
Childminders offer high-quality flexible childcare options for families across South Lanarkshire and beyond. While socialising with their peers in small groups, they encourage children to learn, grow and develop as they experience the world through every day activities.
They also provide a constant support to families and children through transitions, providing a ‘seamless’ day for children.
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Linda Fabiani said the walk proved “really interesting” as she got to talk to childminders as they walked around the loch.
She added: “The commitment to their job and their care for the children they looked after was obvious. This is an extremely important profession which gives parents choice in how their children are looked after when they go out to work.
“There must be a recognition of this importance in the plans of both the Scottish Government and South Lanarkshire Council for the extension of childcare hours.”
