• Suffolk Advice and Support Service Helpline (SASS) 0800 068 3131 for information or support relating to finance, debt, benefits, housing or employment
• and the Home, But Not Alone (HBNA) 0800 876 6926 emergency phoneline

 Welcome to 'Childcare Premier Agency' known as 'SCA' 

The SCA aims to offer parents high quality childcare provision in the Eastern region by:

• Actively encouraging new recruits to the sector
• Providing regular support, training and networking opportunities to all childcare professionals

Whether you are looking for a new career in childcare or are a parent looking for help with childcare, visit our SCA website www.scachildcare.co.uk   

Why a childminder agency?

Why did the Government introduce Childminder Agencies? This is an extract taken from the Department of Education Consultation Document:

'Childminder agencies will be able to register childminders and provide them with training, business support, advice, and help to find parents seeking childcare .The Government wants to make more great childcare available for children, and to provide more choice and flexibility for parents . We are enabling the setting up of childminder agencies to encourage more people to take up childminding, to offer greater support for childminders, and to improve quality'.

In 2014 the Government amended the Childcare Act 2006 to enable those who would otherwise be obliged to register with Ofsted, to register with a childminder agency instead.

As an agency,  SCA is registered with and regulated by Ofsted (registration number: CA000026)

Childminder's registered with SCA are 'Inspected yearly' by SCA Quality Assurance Inspector's and have ongoing support through out the year to keep them up to date with all current paperwork and legislation, SCA provide minimum of 20 hours support yearly and continue with (CPD) continuous professional development within SCA along with further education

SCA also offer a FREE parent matching service. Visit: www.scachildcare.co.uk  to register your requirements under our parenting section....  

ALL SCA registered childminders and household members have an enhanced DBS and on the update service, SCA regularly check these to ensure their has been no changes..