Jasmine recently became the first childminder to register with tiney on the Isles of Scilly, marking a significant step in addressing the urgent need for childcare across the islands.
Here’s a look at her journey and how tiney is helping to bring quality childcare back to this unique and remote community.
The Challenge
The Isles of Scilly have faced a severe decline in childcare provision over the past decade. Once served by ten childminders, the islands are now down to just one, following the closure of a second service due to social housing issues. This shortage has left parents struggling to find care for their children, impacting their ability to work and affecting their mental health and well-being.
The Local Authority had been searching for solutions to reverse this trend and support the rising demand for childcare, so tiney was a perfect fit. With lots of successful relationships with Local Authorities across England, including a recent expansion across other areas of the South West, we instantly saw that bringing the childminder agency model to Scilly could make a real difference.
Jasmine’s Journey with tiney
For Jasmine, becoming a childminder was a natural fit, but living on the Isles of Scilly presented unique challenges. Fortunately, her training journey with tiney was smooth and straightforward. “The app is so helpful and guides you every step of the way with tasks that need doing in order,” Jasmine explains.
Despite the challenges of studying with three children of her own, Jasmine found the training process manageable and rewarding. “I really enjoyed the little tests after each section; they helped confirm my knowledge as I went along. If I had a question, I could reach out to my advisor, and they would get back to me super quickly.”
Jasmine’s island location also meant adapting to different circumstances compared to other childminders. “I already know all the children I could be caring for, so there’s less need for advertising. And instead of cars, we’ll be using boats sometimes to get from A to B.”
A Community Solution
Jasmine’s story is just the beginning. The Isles of Scilly are crying out for more childminders, and with tiney’s support, there’s hope that more will follow in Jasmine’s footsteps. The local council and children’s services have been instrumental in Jasmine’s setup, providing extra grants and support, which she describes as “a huge help.”
Jasmine’s early success with tiney has already inspired others. “I’ve already recommended tiney to others and have someone signed up using my referral code already, so I would call that a success!”
The Bigger Picture
This initiative on the Isles of Scilly is part of a broader effort by tiney to support communities in need. Working with local authorities and passionate advocates like Ann Van Dyke, we’re looking to replicate this success in other regions facing similar challenges.
Jasmine is set to open her doors in September, ready to apply all the knowledge she’s gained. Her journey not only highlights the potential for childcare on the Isles of Scilly but also demonstrates how tiney’s innovative approach can help rebuild vital services in communities that need them most.
Looking Forward
As Jasmine prepares to welcome her first children, she’s optimistic about the future. “I look forward to applying all of my newly learned knowledge and making a difference in my community,” she says.
With tiney’s continued support, Jasmine’s success is paving the way for a brighter future for childcare on the Isles of Scilly—a future that could serve as a model for other communities in need.
