Early Learning and Childcare Business Support Programme
Skills Development Scotland (SDS), in partnership with Scottish Government, is delivering a fully-funded programme of business support. This is designed specifically for private and voluntary sector providers of funded Early Learning and Childcare.
Based on our Skills for Growth model, the programme offers specialised consultancy support to Early Learning and Childcare employers. We'll review your business' challenges, prioritise actions you can take and point you towards services that'll enhance every area of your organisation.
We have 30 places available! We'd love to hear from early learning and childcare providers who think they'd benefit from the programme. There's no cost to your business – all you need is a little time and an open mind.
What will you get from our programme?
- A dedicated SDS specialist. They'll be your single point of contact throughout the Skills for Growth service.
- Specialised business consultancy. This'll focus on the 'people and skills' activity within your organisation.
- A detailed skills action plan that analyses your current position and recommends areas you could develop.
- Ongoing support from SDS. We’ll connect you with publicly funded or commercial services to help you carry out the improvements in your skills action plan.
What do we need from you?
- Up to two days of virtual and in-person access to your key staff for interviews. These interviews typically last one or two hours for managers and 20 to 30 minutes for frontline employees. You should select employees from a variety of roles and levels across your organisation. Interviews must take place between September and December 2025.
- A growth mindset! Sometimes, staff engagement activities can throw up unexpected themes that owners and managers find challenging to hear. In the spirit of ongoing growth and development, you should enter this programme with an open mind.
Skills for Growth case study – Balgillo Nurseries, Dundee
“Taking part in this programme was extremely worthwhile. Skills Development Scotland tailored the support to us. They took time to really get to know our business, our team and the challenges we were facing.
"Their advice helped us focus on the areas that would make a big difference in a fast-changing early years environment. It was a very positive experience from start to finish."