Childcare - childminding information
To become a childminder - if you are interested in becoming a childminder you must contact Social Care & Social Work Improvement Scotland (SCSWIS), formerly known as the Care Commission, who register and oversee all childminding activities in Scotland.
Grants of up to £250 are available for individuals who need financial support in order to meet the SCSWIS requirements of registration as a childminder.
To find out more download our leaflet.
Childcare Information Service (CHIS)
West Lothian Council operates the Childcare Information Service which provides information about the types of childcare available in the area, e.g. childminders, private nurseries, out of school care, wraparound care, playgroups and parent and toddler groups.
The service can also help you if you are considering a career in childminding.
Please contact CHIS on 01506 280044.
To source a local childminder - similarly if you wish to engage the services of a local childminder you can obtain this information from the Care Inspectorate, formerly known as the Care Commission. Alternatively, information can be obtained from Scottish Childcare. Links to the websites of both these organisations can be found to the right of this page.
Other childcare services in West Lothian
The council's Children & Families teams provide statutory child protection services and also focus on the importance of preventative work with young families to help them cope with the pressures of parenting. day carers provide care and support to pre-school children in need and their families. Carers provide care in their own homes and are registered as childminders. For more information contact your local social work centre (see below).
Contact the Children & Families Team at one of these social work centres;
Livingston Social Work Centre
New Cheviot House
Almondvale Boulevard
Livingston
EH54 6QN
Tel. 01506 282252
Broxburn Social Work Centre
Strathbrock Partnership Centre
189a West Main Street
Broxburn
EH52 5LH
Tel. 01506 775666
Bathgate Social Work Centre
69 Whitburn Road
Bathgate
EH48 1HE
Tel. 01506 776700
Barnardo's provide a support service for families with children aged 11 and under. It provides individual assessment, family assessment, therapeutic work with children, advice on parenting and groups for children, parents and families. See their weblink to the right for more information.
Barnardo's Family Assessment & Support Service
6-8 Hazel Grove
Livingston
EH54 5JW
Tel. 01506 438666
Sure Start West Lothian aims to provide children aged 3 and under the best possible start in life by offering tots exercise, craft groups, parent support groups and parent/child development groups. See their weblink to the right for more information.
Sure Start
Suite 9
Lomond House
Beveridge Square
Livingston
EH54 6QF
Tel. 01506 774440
Parenting West Lothian recognises the pressures on parents today and the need they have for information, strategies, support and exchange about a whole range of issues that they have to deal with. See their weblink to the right for more information.
Toy Libraries can be run by parents, volunteers or other groups. For more information contact the Scottish office of the National Association of Toy Libraries (see below) or see their weblink to the right.
National Association of Toy & Leisure Libraries
First Floor
Gilmerton Community Centre
4 Drum Street
Edinburgh
EH17 8QG
Tel. 0131 664 2746
updated: 12/09/11
