SCA - Suffolk Childcare Agency
NATIONAL CHILDCARE AGENCY FOR CHILDMINDERS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS WORKING IN THE CHILDCARE SECTOR.
OUR PURPOSE
We are a Childminder Agency that aims to offer parents high-quality childcare by - Registering quality Childminders and Assistants on domestic and non-domestic premises.
Providing regular support, training, and networking opportunities to SCA registered childminders and other professionals working in the childcare sector
OUR QUALIFICATIONS
SCA is registered with and inspected by Ofsted (registration number: CA 000026). Our last Ofsted inspection was in 2021 when we were graded as effective in all areas.
The government first muted the idea of childminder agencies back in 2014 and we were one of the first to be registered in 2016. We offer an alternative to registering with Ofsted; we believe a much better alternative, but we would say that!
All our childminders are self-employed but sit under our overarching umbrella. We provide support, guidance and training and inspect them yearly. We work nationally and although some of our work is online, we still physically visit the premises of the childminder at least once a year.
OUR HISTORY
SCA is managed by a team of Early Years Professionals with over 38 years of experience in childcare, which includes managing a large childminding setting. Suffolk Childcare Agency, known as SCA, was established in Suffolk in 2016 and has now expanded to cover a large area of the country.
OUR VALUES
We are dedicated to providing comprehensive, efficient and valuable support to these childminders to enable them to offer the best possible childcare for children and their families. For us, this is exceptional pastoral care that promotes the well-being and personal development of children, alongside a high-quality education which builds on children’s abilities, targets the next steps and prepares them for their eventual move to school.
By joining SCA you ensure you have access to a phone line providing you with advice or someone to talk to during office working hours. As well as this you will be designated an Agency Manager for your area who you can contact via email. Your agency manager is there to support you as you begin your journey and check in with you each month. They can arrange to help you via Zoom or phone when required.
SCA has an extensive list of documents available for you to access on the portal and edit to suit your business. This covers everything from Policies, Contracts and Legislations too.
SCA are available to help you set up Tax-Free Childcare, Universal Credit support, and Funding and they have an In-House Accountant who is available to organise your business accounts.
When you register with SCA you are given access to a training platform which covers over 120 CPD-approved courses for you to access within your registration fee, and each one comes with a certificate at the end too!
SCA provide weekly support groups for you to attend which contribute as practice hours, covering a wide range of different topics, and discussion groups so you never feel alone during your role as Childminder.
Upcoming group topics include discussions with a Health Visitor, DfE, Pensions and Accountant advice!
SCA do not take a % from your income each month
There are no fees for parents.
Just one fixed monthly fee!
And if you choose to leave SCA there is no 'Get out Clause'
SCA are there to support you, 1:1, a service to you which means you never feel alone.
SCA are on Facebook SCA. Click on the link to see the latest information for the sector.
We also have a page specifically for Childminders who are registered under our Agency.
Join other Childminders, get to know each other, chat and gain support, celebrate one another and share ideas and knowledge!
Now could be a good time for you to consider it as the Childminder start-up grants scheme will be open for applications from Thursday 30th November 2023 (and are not scheduled to close until 31st March 2025)!
Those registering with an agency (as opposed to Ofsted) will be eligible for £1200 which will be given in two instalments:
· The first £600 following registration.
· The second £600 once they're operational and caring for at least one child.
Use this link for more information: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early- education-entitlements-and-funding
Families entitled to Funding support
The government currently funds the following early years entitlements for parents of young children:
Families receiving some additional forms of government support, such as certain benefits or credits, may be eligible to access 15 hours of childcare for their 2-year-old
All parents of 3 and 4 year-olds can access 15 hours of childcare per week, regardless of their immigration status or whether they are working
Eligible working parents of 3 and 4 year-olds can access an additional 15 hours of childcare, known as the ‘30 Hours’ entitlement
At the Spring Budget 2023, the Government announced that funded childcare will be expanded to working parents of eligible children over the age of nine months. Changes will start from April 2024.
The Government are introducing the expansion gradually, to make sure that providers can meet the needs of more families. The changes are set out below:
From April 2024, working parents of two-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours of funded childcare a week
From September 2024, working parents of children from the age of 9 months will be able to access 15 hours of funded childcare a week
From September 2025, working parents of children from the age of 9 months up to school age will be able to access 30 hours of funded childcare a week
Tax-Free Childcare
For working families, including the self-employed, in the UK
Earning under £100k and an average of £167 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage) each over three months
Who aren't receiving Tax Credits, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers
With children aged 0-11 (or 0-16 if disabled)
For every £8 you pay into an online account, the government will add an extra £2, up to £2,000 per child per year
Universal Credit Support
For working families, in the UK
With children under 16 (or under 17 if disabled)
70% of childcare costs, up to a cap
If you would like to find out any other information or make an enquiry to join our Agency you can do so in a number of ways;
Telephone: 01728 746970 - Our Offices are open 9am - 5pm
Email: hello@scachildcare.co.uk
You can also visit our website and fill out an enquiry on our Contact Us page!
