HELLO TO ALL OUR MEMBERS

Happy May Day - our thoughts are with all those working in out of school care, furloughed, or providing key childcare, volunteering, studying, shielding and/ or caring for others, on this internationally recognised day for workers.

Unsurprisingly the focus of this newsletter relates to the current and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Although we know that most services are closed- a recent survey we conducted showed that 16% of services were operating- we shall continue to support the sector in all the ways we can, which of course includes the sharing of information and guidance. We are in regular contact with the Scottish Government's OSC team and share concerns about, and issues relating to, the current and future state of out of school care in Scotland.

Early in April we had a virtual meeting with Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Children and Young People, and we are reassured the government is aware of current issues and concerns, and are seeking ways to support OSC. Ms Todd also thanked everyone for their hard work and dedication, and acknowledged the importance of the OSC sector in supporting children and families.

Initially, we received a lot of communications from services worried about their survival. Hopefully with the initiatives that have been put in place by both the UK and Scottish governments- furloughing scheme, various business support grants/initiatives, 3rd Sector Resilience Fund- services are presently surviving. Having said that however, we know that some providers are not eligible for either the business support grants or other grant funding and are experiencing a worrying shortfall to cover continuing costs. And whilst we know of successful applications to the Resilience Fund, we are also aware there are some which have not been.

If you are still having financial difficulties and/or finding yourself knocked back from funding, please let us know so that we can raise these issues nationally. In our conversation with Ms Todd, she said she didn't want any OSC or childcare service to collapse because of the current situation.

And finally...

Irene, Andrew, Finlay and Greig are all well but like many, are trying to juggle homeworking with caring commitments- some days are better or more productive than others! We are also learning new skills and (nearly) turning into video-conferencing pros.

These are exceptional times and whilst focus is often on the needs of others, remember to be kind and take time for yourself. This Self-Care Starter Kit comes recommended from SOSCN Chair, Anne Dick.

Take care, stay safe and say healthy. #WeCanGetThroughThisTogether

Best wishes from Irene, Andrew, Finlay and Greig

NEWS FROM SOSCN

“Reflections on our journey and the way ahead” Blog Post

Irene Audain, SOSCN CEO, has written a blog reflecting on the current situation and the potential impact on both the medium and longer-terms for OSC in Scotland. If social distancing were to last for a considerable period of time- how could OSC look and operate? Irene shares some thoughts and encourages you to contact us with your own. Read the blog post:

https://soscn.org/blog/reflections-on-our-journey-and-the-way-ahead

Thoughts on the way ahead

Here are the views of service leaders captured this week in response to Irene's blog asking for their views on the future. Irene has collated all the information they sent in a rapid review so we can share their thoughts with you and the Scottish Government. Do have a read, it might help to see the thoughts of colleagues in the sector and we will keep gathering this information.

Download the report here: https://soscn.org/downloads/news/thoughts-on-the-way-ahead-from-service-leaders-rapid-review-29-04-2020.pdf

“How are you doing? Stories from the Frontline” Project

We are looking to collate stories from services which are currently delivering essential childcare.

We would like to share with others what it is like to provide a service during these exceptional circumstances- not just the difficulties but the positives as well. We are looking for input from staff, children and parents if possible. We are happy for submissions to be word docs/pdfs, videos, PowerPoints... any electronic formats that can be shared, and the more creative the better.

Further information about “Stories from the Frontline”:

https://soscn.org/news/news_75

Results from SOSCN's Quick Survey: OSC COVID-19 Status

Late March/early April we asked services to participate in a quick survey to see if services were open. A huge thanks to all of you who completed it- we had a great response. We received 139 responses from 30 local authorities.

Although most services were shut and waiting for the various financial and business support packages from the UK and Scottish governments, 16% of services which responded were either open as part of the local authority response or open by themselves.

Read the survey results here:

https://soscn.org/downloads/news/OSC-Status-Survey-responses-Members-Information.pdf

As part of Child Poverty Action Group, SOSCN CEO Irene Audain, co-signed a letter asking for the scrapping of the 2-child benefit cap on universal credit

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/21/universal-credit-two-child-limit-and-the-benefit-cap-must-end-now

New SOSCN Instagram Account

SOSCN has set-up an Instagram account - @soscn_activities

This is currently a work in progress but we are sharing practical ideas for physical, active and creative activities. Why not give us a follow and try out the activities? Let us know how you get on.

Social Media

As ever, we would encourage you to follow us on twitter and Facebook as this is how we are able to instantly share information and news, and ensure you are kept up-to-date with the current situation.

Twitter: @soscn Facebook: soscn

COVID-19 INFORMATION

We are well aware that there is a large amount of official information and guidance which appears to be updated on a weekly, and at some points, daily basis. It is vital that guidance changes as the scientific understanding grows of how to counteract the effects of COVID-19, however we do appreciate the amount of information can be overwhelming. Sometimes too much information can be as bad as too little. On our website you will find a COVID-19 webpage with links to information, guidance and support relating to wellbeing, funding, business support, online learning etc - https://soscn.org/coronavirus

Other links relating to COVID-19 Pandemic:

COVID-19 Scottish Government General Information/Advice

https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/

COVID-19 Information/Guidance for Care Inspectorate Registered Services

https://www.careinspectorate.com/index.php/coronavirus-professionals

COVID-19 Business Support Information

https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/coronavirus-advice

SCVO Coronavirus Third Sector Information Hub

https://scvo.org.uk/support/coronavirus