A DRIVE is being launched to tackle a shortage of registered childminders in Port Glasgow.

The Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) is working in partnership with Inverclyde Council and other partners to recruit more individuals in the town.

The SCMA say the level of  demand from working families who need high-quality and flexible childcare is not being met.

Two members of association attended a jobs fair at the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock to promote the campaign.

Christina McGrotty and Karly Obhielo of the SCA have both been childminders themselves and say one of the aims of the new push is to help get more parents back to work.

Karly said: "Our recruitment programme is up and running.

"There is a particular shortage in Port Glasgow but there is a general shortage overall, there has been big decrease in people childminding over the years due to changes and restrictions.

"We are working to get more people into the industry and get out and about doing outreach work."

The association are offering a training programme which will be flexible and tailored to the needs of students.

An induction will be followed by group online sessions and support through every step of the way through the registration process.

Karly said: "It is basically a business looking after children, and people might have their own children or look after their grandchildren but have never run a business before.

"So it can be quite daunting, but we are here to support people along the way.

"People might feel they don't have the experience but may have transferable skills."

Karly says childminding has plus points for both the youngsters and the person looking after them, who can take them on trips and tailor activities to each individual child.

She added: "It also gives the childminder the freedom of when they want to work, it they only want to do school runs, or cover shift patterns, or weekends.

Christina said: "I came from a finance background and moved to a rural area where there was no childcare available for my children. I did it for five years and loved it, my whole career trajectory changed."

New childminders have access to up to £750 in start-up grants and a package of training courses.

Graeme McAlister, chief executive of the SCA said: “This form of high-quality childcare is a vital asset to families and the recruitment of more childminders is another important step towards addressing the urgent demand for high-quality childcare from parents and carers.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for people considering getting back into work, or looking for a change of career which supports a better work/life balance, to access a wealth of support in setting up their own sustainable childminding business and to begin a new career working with children.”

For more information, visit childminding.org/getstarted