Nursery World - Epidemic costing childminders dear

Childminders in Dumfries and Galloway have lost business because of the foot and mouth epidemic. At least five childminders are out of work in Dumfries and Galloway, the worst-hit area in Scotland, because of the disease outbreak. Two childminders based on farms are unable to care for children because they live in foot and mouth exclusion zones. Parents have also removed children because they have lost their farming jobs or farm income and are not able to afford childcare costs for the foreseeable future.

At least five childminders are out of work in Dumfries and Galloway, the worst-hit area in Scotland, because of the disease outbreak. Two childminders based on farms are unable to care for children because they live in foot and mouth exclusion zones. Parents have also removed children because they have lost their farming jobs or farm income and are not able to afford childcare costs for the foreseeable future.

Angela McNae, Scottish Childminding Association development officer for Dumfries and Galloway, is looking into ways to support childminders through the crisis. She said, 'We are looking into how to support the childminders financially and have approached Scottish Enterprise Dumfries and Galloway for help.They are currently looking into the situation.

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