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Army HIVE Christmas and New Year Closures

The majority of Army HIVEs will be closed after duties on Fri 19 Dec 25 and will reopen on Mon 5 Jan 26. There may be localised variations to these dates for individual HIVEs.

Army HIVE HQ is also closed during the festive fortnight, so any enquiries submitted via the ‘If you need further information’ MS Forms function on our UK, Cyprus or Overseas blogs will be answered when we return in the New Year.

We will periodically cover private messages on our Army HIVE Facebook platform (and X/Instagram where possible) whilst we are closed. However, this will not be 24/7 and should not be relied upon for anything that requires an urgent response.

To support our customers with more immediate requirements however, the Army HIVE HQ email will provide a comprehensive out of office autoreply, detailing points of contact that are either 24/7, emergency providers, or open over the festive leave fortnight. To receive this autoreply, please email:
RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Individual HIVEs will also provide localised contact details for Christmas and New Year cover wherever possible in their automated replies. Therefore, if you email your closest HIVE, which you can find on HIVE’s page on the Army website, their autoreply may be of additional assistance.

Army HIVE wishes all of its Service community customers, and our internal and external stakeholders, a very happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to continuing our support and engagement in 2026.


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July 7, 2025

Scotland: Scottish Childminding Association - Will your little one soon be eligible for ELC funded hours?

If you haven't chosen a childcare setting already, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what is the best option for you and your family when there are so many choices ๐Ÿ˜•

For some families, this may be the first time your child has been looked after in a professional setting, for others you may be looking to prepare them for the routine of school. 
It's a big decision.

Here are some reasons why a childminder could be perfect for your family:
๐Ÿ’ Tailored support - Childminding has the lowest adult-to-child ratios of all childcare options
๐Ÿ’ Quality, home-based setting - Evidence has shown childminding can enhance a child’s early learning, confidence and social development
๐Ÿ’ Flexible, blended and wraparound care options to fit around family life
๐Ÿ’ Mix of ages which enhances social skills, development and confidence

❓Did you know
๐Ÿ’ Depending on what's available in your area, you can opt for a mix of childcare to suit you and your child's needs. 

๐Ÿ’ You can split the funded hours between a childminder and nursery place.

๐Ÿ’ปFor more information on the options available to you, visit our dedicated webpage ๐Ÿ‘‰ 
Home Page - Scottish Childminding Association

*ELC funded hours are available to all 3 and 4 year olds, and eligible 2 year olds in Scotland, funded by The Scottish Government

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE