Carrie's Childminding
Child Minding
Type of inspection: Unannounced
Inspection completed on: 8 November 2016
Service provided by:
Grant, Carrie
Care service number:
CS2013316949
Service provider number:
SP2013984842
Inspection report
The service
Introduction
Carrie Grant is referred to as the childminder in this report and is registered to provide a care service to a
maximum of six children at any one time under the age of 16, of whom no more than three are not yet attending
primary school, and of whom no more than one is under 12 months. Numbers are inclusive of the childminder's
family. Minded children cannot be cared for by persons other than those named on the certificate. Overnight care
will not be provided.
The service is provided from the childminder's home within the Deans area of Livingston, close to the local
school and other community amenities. The areas of the accommodation to be used for childminding are the
lounge, kitchen, bathroom and front garden.
There were three minded child present during the inspection, aged one, two and four years old.
The childminder's aims included the following: 'I aim to provide a warm, safe, friendly environment for the
children in my care. I will ensure that each child feels at home while away from their parents/carers'.
What we did during our inspection
We compiled this report following a short notice announced inspection, which took place between 11.30am and
2.15pm on Tuesday 8 November 2016. The inspection was carried out by an Early Years Inspector.
During this inspection we gathered evidence from various sources:
We spoke to:
- The childminder
- The children
We looked at:
- The service's most recent self-assessment
- Observations of the childminder and her interaction with the children
- Observations of the children at play
- Discussions with the children
- A sample of children's records of learning
- A sample of other documentation relevant to this inspection
- Certificate of registration
- Certificate of insurance
- Examination of equipment, resources and the environment
The Care Inspectorate is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of all children receiving a care service.
We want to ensure they have the best start in life, are ready to succeed and live longer, healthier lives.
We check services are meeting the principles of Getting it Right for Every Child (also known as GIRFEC). Set up by
Scottish Government, GIRFEC is a national approach to working in a consistent way with all children and young
people. It is underpinned by the principles of prevention and early intervention. The approach helps services
focus on what makes a positive difference for children and young people and what they can do to improve.
Getting it right for every child is being woven into all policy, practice, strategy and legislation that affect children,
Inspection report for Carrie's Childminding
page 2 of 11
Inspection report
young people and their families.
There are eight wellbeing indicators at the heart of getting it right for every child. They are: safe, healthy,
achieving, nurtured, active, respected, responsible, and included. They are often referred to as the SHANARRI
indicators. We use these indicators at inspection, to assess how services are making a positive difference for
children.
Views of people using the service
The children present were comfortable, relaxed and having fun during the inspection. They were warmly
welcomed by the childminder and had developed strong attachments. Children were confident in exploring the
resources and making use of the whole down stairs areas. They were comfortable with routines and one child
was happy to chat to the inspector and told her what she liked doing at Carrie's and all about things that
happened at her nursery.
We issued four care standards questionnaires to the childminder to hand out to the parents of the children who
used her service. One completed questionnaire was returned to us. The response from this demonstrated that
they 'strongly agreed' that overall they were happy with the quality of care their child received. Some additional
comments were made which demonstrated they were very satisfied with the level of care provided.
Self assessment
We requested a self-assessment from the childminder but did not receive one. We have not received a
completed self assessment since 2014. We discussed this further with the childminder who advised she would
complete this as soon as possible. The childminder should ensure that she completes this to support her in
providing evidence of areas of strength. This would also support her to quality assure her service and identify
areas for improvement.
What the service did well
The childminder continued to offer a flexible, warm and welcoming service. Children present were secure and
confident in the setting and enjoyed a range of fun activities. Health and wellbeing was promoted effectively
through regular access to fresh air and exercise.
Inspection report for Carrie's Childminding
page 3 of 11
Inspection report
What the service could do better
We made two requirements and four recommendations within this report for best practice. All but one of these
were carried forward from the previous inspection.
These focused on the following:
- Review of personal care plan information
- Disclosure check of adults living in the home
- Suitability of resources for all children
- Risk assessments
- Children's records of development
- Organisation of the service
From this inspection we graded this service as:
Quality of care and support
Quality of environment
Quality of staffing
Quality of management and leadership
4 - Good
5 - Very Good
not assessed
3 - Adequate
Quality of care and support
Findings from the inspection
The childminders regular discussions with parents supported continuity in approaches to children's development,
for example, during toilet training and learning to walk. This contributed to children's successes and positive
development.
Children experienced positive mental wellbeing as the childminder cuddled children, warmly welcomed them and
praised their efforts. These responses and the positive approach to behaviour management supported children's
self-esteem and contributed to development of self-regulation and conflict management skills.
Children were kept hydrated and encouraged to develop healthy eating habits as the childminder encouraged
them to bring their own water bottles or provided these. Although children brought packed lunches the
childminder also supplemented children's dietary intake with fruit and other healthy options if children were still
hungry.
A system for the administration of medication was in place however parents were not signing forms after
medication had been given. Parents should also be confirming they have given the first ever dose and that there
have been no adverse reaction.
The resources and activities for older children still did not meet their needs and interests. These should be
expanded on to ensure they provide choices, are engaging and appropriate to age and stage of development of
all minded children This was a recommendation at the last inspection and has been made again. See
recommendation one.
Basic checklist records of children's progress using the SHANARRI wellbeing indicators were in place. However,
Inspection report for Carrie's Childminding
page 4 of 11
Inspection report
these were not reflecting individual progress or next steps. We discussed this with the childminder who agreed
to develop these. See recommendation two.
Requirements
Number of requirements: 0
Recommendations
Number of recommendations: 2
1. The childminder should review the current resources and extend these to ensure the needs and interests of
older children are being met fully. This should include activities which promote quieter times. This would
enhance children's enjoyment and better meet their needs and interests.
National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16. Standard 5 - Quality of experience.
2. The provider should further develop the records on children's progress to capture individual achievements and
next steps. This would support planning for provision of appropriate activities and help share progress with
parents.
National Care standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16. Standard 6 - Support and
development.
Grade: 4 - good
Quality of environment
Findings from the inspection
Children were cared for in an environment that was suitable and welcoming because the premises were well
maintained, comfortable and well lit. There was adequate space for the children to rest and play. Layout of
furniture supported very young children to cruise Standards of cleanliness and hygiene were satisfactory and
appropriate safety equipment was in place. The resources seen were clean and in good condition. The pet dog
was kept away from children for most of the day and all the dogs belongings were kept out of reach, minimising
the risk of cross infection.
Children had variety in their environment as the childminder made regular use of the local community. Children
visited local parks, the library and soft play. The childminder had also discovered and spoke enthusiastically about
taking the children to an early years 'teaching' classroom which had been set up in the local college and was
planning to make regular use of this new resource. This was set up like a nursery for early years students and
would provide children with different activities and resources along with opportunities to socialise with their
peers.
Children enjoyed regular opportunities for exercise as the childminder walked to school with children most days
and encouraged outdoor play in the garden. Children were keen to look after their plants in the garden and were
learning to be responsible for them by watering them every day.
The childminder had not yet completed risk assessments for children's outdoor play in the front garden and for
Inspection report for Carrie's Childminding
page 5 of 11
Inspection report
general outings. The recommendation made at the last inspection has been made again. See recommendation
one.
Requirements
Number of requirements: 0
Recommendations
Number of recommendations: 1
1. The childminder should complete additional risk assessments to ensure children's continued safety and
wellbeing when in the garden and on outings. These should also address the issue of the son and his friends
smoking at the front door. This would enhance children's outcomes and minimise their risk of harm.
National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16. Standard 2 - A safe environment.
Grade: 5 - very good
Quality of staffing
This quality theme was not assessed.
Quality of management and leadership
Findings from the inspection
The childminder held a good understanding of children's development and learning. She shared how her current
study for an HNC in childcare had enhanced her practice as it allowed her to relate theory to her observations of
children. She had also completed core training in first aid and child protection which supported children's
continued wellbeing. The childminder followed online blogs of early years professionals to support her
knowledge of children's development. She should now draw on her learning to further develop experiences for
children, for example, supporting schemas.
The childminder displayed her certificate of registration. This allowed parents to assess whether the service was
compliant with the conditions of registration as detailed within the certificate.
The displayed certificate of insurance was out of date. The childminder should ensure that she has appropriate
business insurance in place. This would provide some reassurance and protection to people who use the service,
in the event of any accidents.
The childminder had still not addressed the previous requirements made regarding obtaining a Disclosure
Scotland check for her son and review of personal care plans. These requirements have been made again. See
requirements one and two.
We discussed the childminder's organisation and advised of developing this to support quick access. Being more
Inspection report for Carrie's Childminding
page 6 of 11
Inspection report
organised would support the childminder to keep systems under review. A number of policies required to be
reviewed to ensure they reflect current best practice and legislation. These included; complaints, confidentiality
and emergency procedures. See recommendation one.
Requirements
Number of requirements: 2
1. The provider must review all personal care plan information when the provider is requested to do so by the
service user or if there is any significant change to a child's health, welfare or safety needs and at least once in
every six month period. These should be dated to support regular review.
This is in order to comply with The Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care
Service) Regulations 2011 SSI 2011/210 Regulation 5 (2) (b) (i) (ii) (iii) Personal Plans
and
National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16. Standard 3 - Health and wellbeing.
Timescale for completion: Within four weeks of receipt of this report.
2. The childminder must ensure that all persons living at the premises aged 16 years plus are fit to be within the
proximity of children. As such, the childminder's own son should be checked through the Disclosure Scotland
Scheme. This is to ensure the continued safety of minded children.
This is in order to comply with The Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care
Service) Regulations 2011 SSI 2011/210 Regulation 12 (1) (2) (a) Child minding.
and
National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16. Standard 14 - A well-managed service
and Standard 2 - A safe environment.
Timescale for completion: Within four weeks of receipt of the report.
Recommendations
Number of recommendations: 1
1. The provider should develop an organised system of record keeping for her service, to support ease of access
and availability. This should include regular review of policies and procedures to ensure they reflect current best
practice and legislation.
National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16. Standard 14 - A well-managed
service.
Grade: 3 - adequate
Inspection report for Carrie's Childminding
page 7 of 11
Inspection report
What the service has done to meet any requirements we made at
or since the last inspection
Previous requirements
Requirement 1
The provider must review all personal care plan information when the provider is requested to do so by the
service user or if there is any significant change to a child's health, welfare or safety needs and at least once in
every six month period. These should be dated to support regular review.
This is in order to comply with The Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care
Service) Regulations 2011 SSI 2011/210 Regulation 5 (2) (b) (i) (ii) (iii) Personal Plans and
National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16. Standard 3 - Health and wellbeing.
Timescale for completion: Within four weeks of receipt of this report.
This requirement was made on 11 December 2014.
Action taken on previous requirement
We found no evidence to demonstrate that care plan information had been reviewed in line with legislation.
Some plans were dated as April 2015. This requirement is not met and has been made again.
Not met
Requirement 2
The childminder must ensure that all persons living at the premises aged 16 years plus are fit to be within the
proximity of children. As such, the childminder's own son should be checked through the Disclosure Scotland
Scheme. This is to ensure the continued safety of minded children.
This is in order to comply with The Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care
Service) Regulations 2011 SSI 2011/210 Regulation 12 (1) (2) (a) Child minding and
National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16. Standard 14 - A well-managed service
and Standard 2 - A safe environment.
Timescale for completion: Within four weeks of receipt of the report.
This requirement was made on 11 December 2014.
Action taken on previous requirement
The childminder's son had left the home and recently returned therefore still requiring a Disclosure Scotland
check to be carried out. We had sent two copies of this form prior to the inspection but had not received
confirmation of this being completed. We reminded the childminder of the need to complete this as soon as
possible. This requirement is not met and has been made again.
Not met
Inspection report for Carrie's Childminding
page 8 of 11
Inspection report
What the service has done to meet any recommendations we
made at or since the last inspection
Previous recommendations
Recommendation 1
The childminder should review the current resources and extend these to ensure the needs and interests of older
children are being met fully. This should include activities which promote quieter times. This would enhance
children's enjoyment and better meet their needs and interests.
National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16. Standard 5 - Quality of experience.
This recommendation was made on 11 December 2014.
Action taken on previous recommendation
There was still a limited amount of appropriate resources and activities for the older children who attended the
service. This recommendation is not met and has been made again.
Recommendation 2
The childminder should complete additional risk assessments to ensure children's continued safety and
wellbeing when in the garden, on outings and around the pet dog. These should address the issue of the son
and his friends smoking at the front door. This would enhance children's outcomes and minimise their risks.
National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16. Standard 2 - A safe environment.
This recommendation was made on 11 December 2014.
Action taken on previous recommendation
The risk assessments for the pet, outings and garden had not yet been completed. This recommendation is not
met and has been made again.
Complaints
There have been no complaints upheld since the last inspection. Details of any older upheld complaints are
published at www.careinspectorate.com.
Enforcement
No enforcement action has been taken against this care service since the last inspection.
Inspection report for Carrie's Childminding
page 9 of 11
Inspection report
Inspection and grading history
Date
Type
Gradings
26 Oct 2015
Unannounced
Care and support
Environment
Staffing
Management and leadership
4 - Good
4 - Good
Not assessed
3 - Adequate
11 Dec 2014
Unannounced
Care and support
Environment
Staffing
Management and leadership
4 - Good
4 - Good
Not assessed
3 - Adequate
Inspection report for Carrie's Childminding
page 10 of 11
Inspection report
To find out more
This inspection report is published by the Care Inspectorate. You can download this report and others from our
website.
Care services in Scotland cannot operate unless they are registered with the Care Inspectorate. We inspect, award
grades and help services to improve. We also investigate complaints about care services and can take action
when things aren't good enough.
Please get in touch with us if you would like more information or have any concerns about a care service.
You can also read more about our work online at www.careinspectorate.com
Contact us
Care Inspectorate
Compass House
11 Riverside Drive
Dundee
DD1 4NY
[email protected]
0345 600 9527
Find us on Facebook
Twitter: @careinspect
Other languages and formats
This report is available in other languages and formats on request.
Tha am foillseachadh seo ri fhaighinn ann an cruthannan is cànain eile ma nithear iarrtas.
Inspection report for Carrie's Childminding
page 11 of 11