We have received some queries relating to a recent call for Expressions of Interest from a childcare provider who may be interested in establishing a base on the islands in order to offer holiday childcare.
We can confirm that the Penzance-based childcare provider that has made contact with the community via privately run social media groups, has also been in contact with the Council to seek information and advice about offering holiday childcare on St Mary’s. We have welcomed this approach in the hope that it may add to the level of provision already offered on the islands and help meet the needs of families who have expressed concern about childcare availability.
We would like to clarify that whilst all Expressions of Interest in accessing childcare from a particular provider must be submitted directly to the individual provider concerned, we are happy to signpost people to this individual if requested, and are doing everything we can to support all efforts to expand childcare availability across the islands.
If you would like further information about a childcare provider before submitting an Expression of Interest to them directly, please call the Children’s Services team on 0300 1234 105, option 5 or email adminchildrenservices@scilly.gov.uk
You can also contact us at the details above if you are interested in establishing or expanding a childcare business on Scilly. We can offer advice about the steps you need to take and, subject to the fulfilment of certain criteria, may even be able to assist you in applying for a start-up grant.
We appreciate how crucial high quality, reliable childcare is to our community and invite anyone with ideas, questions or concerns about childcare provision to get in touch with our Children’s Services team at any time.