Childminder inspection report. Gillies, Wendy Banchory

Transcription

1 Gillies, Wendy Banchory Inspection completed on 14 April 2015

2 Service provided by: Gillies, Wendy Service provider number: SP Care service number: CS Inspection Type: Unannounced Care services in Scotland, including childminders, cannot operate unless they are registered with the Care Inspectorate. We inspect, award grades and set out improvements that must be made. We also investigate complaints about care services and 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. Contact Us Care Inspectorate Compass House 11 Riverside Drive Dundee DD1 4NY enquiries@careinspectorate.com page 2 of 20

3 1 Introduction The Care Inspectorate regulates care services in Scotland. Information in relation to all care services is available on our website at This service was previously registered with the Care Commission and transferred its registration to the Care Inspectorate on 01 April Requirements and recommendations If we are concerned about some aspect of a service, or think it could do more to improve, we may make a recommendation or requirement. - A Recommendation is a statement that sets out actions the care service provider should take to improve or develop the quality of the service but where failure to do so will not directly result in enforcement. Recommendations are based on the National Care Standards, relevant codes of practice and recognised good practice. - A Requirement is a statement which sets out what is required of a care service to comply with the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 and Regulations or Orders made under the Act, or a condition of registration. Where there are breaches of Regulations, Orders or conditions, a requirement must be made. Requirements are legally enforceable at the discretion of the Care Inspectorate The childminder is registered to provide a care service to a maximum of 6 children at any one time, under the age of 16, of whom no more than 3 are not yet attending primary school and, of whom no more than 1 is under 12 months. Numbers are inclusive of children of the childminder's family. In addition the childminder may have 4 children under school age from April 2015 to August 2015 when the numbers will revert back to original condition. The childminder provides her service in the family home, an extended cottage in the village of Strachan in Aberdeenshire. The house is close to the local primary school and park. The childminder's aims include: page 3 of 20

4 'To create a safe, caring home environment in which children can play and learn'. 'To promote positive behaviour and challenge bullying and discrimination'. What we did during our inspection We wrote this report following an unannounced inspection, which took place between 8:15am and 12:45pm on Wednesday 14 April One inspector carried out the inspection. We gave feedback to the childminder on 14 April. The Care Inspectorate received a fully completed self-assessment document from the provider. We were satisfied with the way the provider completed this and with the relevant information included for each heading that we grade services under. We sent six Care Standards Questionnaires (CSQs) to the childminder to distribute to the parents. Three parents returned a completed questionnaire. We spoke with two parents by telephone following inspection. During the inspection process, we gathered evidence from various sources, including the following: We spoke with: Five minded children The childminder One of the childminder's children. We looked at: Parent questionnaires returned to the Care Inspectorate before the inspection Service questionnaires issued by the childminder Health and safety records Accident and incident records Medication records Service policies and procedures Parent information booklet page 4 of 20

5 Twelve children's records Equipment and the environment Certificates of the training undertaken by the childminder. We observed: Observation and discussion with five minded children Discussion with the childminder Observing interactions between the childminder and the children. Views of people using the service There were five minded children present during the inspection. It was during the school holidays and the group included three primary school aged children and two pre-school aged children. We observed the children to play companionably together and to also enjoy time playing on their own. Some children had brought their own activity which the childminder assisted them to undertake, supporting and encouraging them to complete as much of it as possible by themselves. The children were happy to include us in their activities and interacted with us, appropriate to their stages of development. We observed them to be comfortable in the childminder's home and when communicating with the childminder and her children. The children played companionably together and we observed the childminder to manage the children's behaviour effectively. We sent out six CSQs to the childminder to distribute to parents. Three parents returned completed questionnaires. The childminder currently had twelve children from seven families using her service. The parents indicated that they were happy with the quality of care their child received in the service. Written comments included: "Wendy does a great job. The playroom is great for my child to potter about in. I have recommended Wendy to friends in the area who need page 5 of 20

6 childminding". "My child settled very quickly into Wendy's care. Wendy makes excellent use of local amenities, taking children to local groups, coffee mornings, the library bus and the local park. I often arrive to find Wendy reading to the children as they become more tired. Wendy has been very thoughtful and considerate towards the needs of my children". "My child is very happy going to Wendy's". We were unable to speak with parents during the inspection. We spoke with two parents by telephone following inspection. Parent comment has been included in the body of the report. Self assessment Every year all care services complete a 'self assessment' telling us how their service is performing. We check to make sure this is accurate. We received a completed self-assessment document from the childminder. We were satisfied with the way the childminder completed this and with the relevant information included for each heading that we grade services under. What the service did well The childminder had a large dedicated playroom for the children. This contained a comprehensive selection of activities from which the children could choose. We observed the children to be relaxed in the surroundings and to play companionably together, or on their own should they wish. What the service could do better The childminder must ensure that she adheres to effective infection control procedures during nappy changing, in line with current recognised best practice guidance. This to include the appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 2 The grades we awarded We grade the quality of care and support, the quality of the environment and the quality of management and leadership. If the childminder employs an page 6 of 20

7 assistant, we also grade the quality of staffing. In each case, we award a grade on a scale from 1 to 6, where 1 is unsatisfactory and 6 is excellent. Quality of care and support Quality of environment Quality of staffing Quality of management and leadership 4 - Good 3 - Adequate 3 - Adequate 3 Quality of care and support Findings from the inspection The childminder was caring for five children on the day of inspection. As it was a school holiday, there were three primary school aged children and two preschool aged children using the service. The childminder had some information and understanding of the national framework 'Getting it Right for Every Child' (GIRFEC). GIRFEC is a framework which helps practitioners focus on what makes a positive difference for children and promotes the improvement of outcomes for children and families (Scottish Government 2013). The framework can be used to support childminders in the assessment and planning for children's individual needs. Within the framework, the wellbeing Indicators, Safe, Healthy, Active, Nurtured, Achieving, Respected, Responsible, Included (SHANARRI), promote recognised desired outcomes for children. A breakdown of the 'Childminding wellbeing indicators' may be accessed from the Care Inspectorate website. Further information may be accessed from the Scottish Government website. We observed that the childminder's practice supported some areas of SHANARRI and we were able to gather evidence to support this. (Please see Quality of Management and Leadership, Recommendation 1). We observed the children to play companionably together and to have relaxed and caring relationships. The older and younger children played together cooperatively, enjoying each other's company. The childminder supported the children to take turns and share and, where appropriate, she effectively page 7 of 20

8 managed their behaviour in a manner which respected each child's dignity. We observed the childminder to show awareness of each child's individual personality, likes and dislikes, as she encouraged children to make choices, consistent with their individual stages of development, from the activities available. Records indicated that the childminder exchanged relevant information with the parents about the children and the service before the children started with the service. The childminder indicated that this information was then used to support the settling in process and each child's initial planned experiences in the service. A parent told us that their child had settled quickly with the childminder and was comfortable in the service. At the last inspection we made a requirement that the childminder must have a personal plan in place for each child showing how their needs will be met. This was to be completed within one month of the inspection report being finalised on 8 July Documentation reviewed and discussion with the childminder and parents, indicated that the childminder had recently begun to review the information held about one of the twelve children currently registered with her service. This requirement had not been fully met within timescale and will be restated. (Please see Requirement 1). Most parents indicated that the childminder gave an informative handover at pick up time which included information about sleeps, meals, nappies and children's general demeanour that day. (Please also refer to Quality of Management and Leadership, Recommendation 2). The childminder and parents communicated on a daily basis and this was supported by phone calls when appropriate. This promoted good ongoing care and support for the children. We observed the children having snack during this inspection. The children were offered healthy choices which included a selection of fruit and vegetables with milk or water to drink. They enjoyed the choices available and the childminder encouraged conversation and good manners whilst the children were together at the table. We discussed that the childminder would now review and revise her menus in accordance with the revised nutritional guidance 'Setting The Table'. All childminders had received a copy and it was also available to download at: page 8 of 20

9 Parents confirmed that the childminder made good use of community resources to extend their child's learning and play and promoted regular access to fresh air. This included regular visits to local parks, shops and toddler groups and walks in the local area. The children had fortnightly access to the local library van, when they would exchange their books. Of the parents who returned the CSQs, one parent 'agreed' that the childminder monitored their child's development and used this information to plan their child's care. Two parents 'didn't know'. Parents 'agreed' that their children had a positive relationship with the childminder. Please also refer to Quality of Environment and Quality of Management and Leadership, for further information relative to this section. Grade The quality of care and support is graded 4 - Good Requirements Number of requirements The childminder must ensure that she maintains an accurate personal plan for each child which indicates how she will meet the ongoing health, welfare and safety needs of individual children. She must review the plans at regular intervals but specifically when there are any significant changes and at least every six months. The plans are to be reviewed together, with parents and children (where appropriate). This is in order to comply with Scottish Statutory Instrument 2011/210 Regulation 4(1)(a) - Welfare of Users, and Regulation 5 - Personal Plans. Timescale: Within one month of receipt of this report. Recommendations Number of recommendations - 0 page 9 of 20

10 4 Quality of environment Findings from the inspection We observed parents and children to be welcomed into the childminder's home when the children were being dropped off and the children to be comfortable and relaxed in the setting. The minded children were familiar with the layout of the home and the morning routine and had initially settled in the sitting room at the back of the property before moving through to the designated playroom once most of the children had arrived. The layout of the main play room provided the children with safe and easy access to a range of activities which were suitable for the children's different ages and stages of development. The childminder encouraged the children to take care of the activities and described an effective cleaning routine in respect of the resources; we observed the resources to be clean. One of the doors to the playroom opened onto the street and the other into the property. The childminder ensured that both doors were effectively secured in order that the children may not exit the room unsupervised. This promoted the safety of the children. Whilst moving from the sitting room through the house to the playroom we smelled cigarette smoke particularly in the kitchen area of the house. The childminder confirmed that her husband smoked at the rear entrance to the property. We discussed with the childminder the need for children to be cared for in an appropriate, smoke free environment. (Please see Recommendation 1 & 2). The childminder was aware of the differing ages and individual requirements of the children. We observed the childminder to effectively manage children's behaviour and encourage children to assess and manage hazards and challenges in the play environment, in accordance with individual levels of development and understanding. This promoted the development of children's knowledge and skills needed to keep themselves safe. The childminder had two dogs which children and parents were introduced to before the children started with the service. We observed during inspection that the dogs did not have access to the play room and were mostly separate from the children. The childminder stated that the children were not left alone with page 10 of 20

11 the dogs and that the garden was checked for fouling before the children played outside. We observed the childminder to have an appropriate knowledge and practice within the home, in relation to risk/benefit regarding her pets. At the last inspection we made a recommendation that recorded risk assessments be reviewed regularly, to take into account the individuality of the children using the service. The childminder stated that the risk assessments had been reviewed. However, not all of the recorded risk assessments indicated the last date of review or the childminder's observation of the individual needs/ risks to the children currently using the service. This recommendation had not been appropriately actioned and will be re-stated. (Please see Recommendation 2). During inspection we observed the children to undertake effective hand washing after toileting and before snack. We observed the childminder to effectively clean the table before snack and after messy play activities. This promoted the prevention and control of infection and a safe environment. However, we observed the childminder to change a child's nappy without using appropriate PPE. The childminder did not wear disposable gloves or apron whilst changing the nappy. This did not promote the prevention and control of infection. (Please see Requirement 1). Infection prevention and control guidance may be downloaded from Health Protection Scotland: Infection Prevention and Control in Day Childcare Settings. infection-prevention-control-childcare.pdf This guidance is currently under review. Safety equipment in place in the kitchen included a fire blanket which was easily accessible. We observed that cleaning chemicals were stored, unsecured, in an under sink cupboard. The hazardous substances were potentially accessible to the minded children. (Please see Requirement 1). The three parents who returned the CSQs 'agreed' that there was enough space for the children to play and get involved in a range of activities, and that there was regular access to fresh air and energetic physical play for the children. page 11 of 20

12 Grade The quality of environment is graded 3 - Adequate Requirements Number of requirements The childminder must ensure that she makes proper provision for the health, welfare and safety of the minded children. In order to do this she must: Store all hazardous items, including cleaning chemicals, securely at all times. Implement appropriate procedures, at all times, which prevent and control the spread of infection. This to include, but not exclusively, ensuring the effective use of PPE when exposed to bodily fluids. This is in order to comply with The Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Services) Regulations 2011 (SSI 2011/210) - regulation 4(1)(a) and regulation 10(1)(2)(a). National Care Standards for Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16 - Standard 2: A Safe Environment; Standard 14: Well-Managed service. Recommendations Number of recommendations In accordance with nationally recognised best outcomes for children, the childminder to ensure that children are cared for in a safe, secure, hygienic, smoke free, pleasant and stimulating environment. National Care Standards for Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16 - Standard 2: A Safe Environment; Standard 14: Well-Managed service. 2. The childminder to ensure that she maintains comprehensive and effective, recorded risk/benefit assessment for all areas of her service. This to include, but not exclusively, ensuring a smoke free environment, outings and transport of the children by car. This is in order to minimise the risk to children's health and of accidents involving the children within and outside the home. All recorded risk/ benefit assessments to be shared with parents and, where appropriate, the children. page 12 of 20

13 National Care Standards for Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16 - Standard 2: A Safe Environment; Standard 14: Well-Managed service. 5 Quality of staffing We only assess this where the childminder employs an assistant. 6 Quality of management and leadership Findings from the inspection The childminder was a member of the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) and advised that she found their services useful; these included their public website and telephone assistance. We discussed other sources of information including Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC): and the Care Inspectorate: which included 'The Hub', an online knowledge resource for Scotland's care and social work professionals. The childminder had completed her early learning and childcare qualification, Scottish Vocational Qualification, Childcare Learning and Development, Level 3, in May 2014 and felt that this had supported her to gain confidence in her knowledge and practice in relation to childminding. We discussed that now the childminder has completed her qualification, she must continue to ensure that she undertakes regular, comprehensive, training and development in accordance with current legislation and good practice guidance. This is in order to regularly update her knowledge and influence her practice, promoting good outcomes for children. (Please see Recommendation 1). The childminder had a little information and understanding of the national framework GIRFEC (for further information please refer to Quality of Care and Support). We advised that the childminder improved her knowledge of the implementation of GIRFEC and the Wellbeing Indicators in order to support her to promote good outcomes for children and families. (Please see Recommendation 1). page 13 of 20

14 Records reviewed indicated that the childminder had undertaken first aid training in March 2013 and in discussion, the childminder indicated that she had appropriate knowledge of the administration of first aid for minor injuries. The childminder indicated an appropriate knowledge of keeping children safe and the process she would follow should she have a child protection concern, and had undertaken child protection training in October We observed appropriate practice in relation to the preparation and serving of snack and the childminder had undertaken food hygiene training in October This was in accordance with good practice guidance which indicates that this core training be undertaken at least a minimum of every three years in order to regularly update knowledge, influence best practice and promote good outcomes for children. We observed the childminder's practice to be appropriate during inspection; she treated the children in her care with dignity and respect and knew them well as individuals. As a result of regulatory activity we made a requirement that in order to ensure children are kept safe and protected at all times, the provider must; (i) Not exceed the registered number of children cared for at any one time. (ii) Maintain a record of children's attendance at the service at any one time. At this inspection the childminder was caring for three children of school age and two children under school age. The number of children was within that indicated in her conditions of registration. At the time of writing this report, the childminder had obtained a variation to her conditions of registration to allow her to care for four children under school age from April 2015 to August 2015 when the numbers will revert back to the original condition. The childminder had maintained a record of children's attendance from 9 March page 14 of 20

15 to 13 March 2015 inclusive. Documentation reviewed at this inspection, indicated that the childminder had not kept a record of attendance since 14 March We received an appropriately completed Action Plan from the childminder on 29 April 2015 in which the childminder confirmed that she now maintained an appropriate daily record of children's attendance. Parents told us that the childminder discussed their child's day with them on a daily basis, at drop off and pick up times. The childminder also kept in touch with parents by telephone should this be appropriate. Most parents were happy with the detail of the daily discussion. Some parents indicated that they would like more detailed information about their child's day and regular updates about their child's ongoing development and progress. (Please see Recommendation 2). The childminder had, in the past, gathered parent and child feedback about her service by issuing service questionnaires. The feedback had been positive with no suggestion for improvements. We discussed that it would be beneficial for the documentation to be dated. We discussed the importance of ensuring that children and parents were regularly involved in the assessment and improvement of the overall service and the ways in which the childminder might obtain regular parent and child feedback about her overall service. The three parents who returned the CSQs 'agreed' that, overall, they were happy with the quality of care their child received in the service. Please also refer to Quality of Care and Support and Quality of Environment for information relative to this section of the report. Grade The quality of management and leadership is graded 3 - Adequate Requirements Number of requirements - 0 page 15 of 20

16 Recommendations Number of recommendations The childminder to ensure that she has an effective system for identifying and monitoring her training and development needs; training should be carefully planned and evaluated in accordance with national and local guidelines and the needs of the children in her care. National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16 - Standard 4: Engaging With Children; Standard 6: Support and Development; Standard 12: Confidence in Staff; Standard 14: Well-Managed service. 2. The childminder to ensure that she works effectually with parents, carers and children to support each child's individual development and learning. The childminder to develop partnerships with individual parents and carers in which this information is effectively shared. National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16 - Standard 4: Engaging With Children; Standard 5: Quality of Experience; Standard 14: Well-Managed Service. page 16 of 20

17 7 What the service has done to meet any recommendations or requirements we made at our last inspection Previous requirements 1. The childminder should have a personal plan in place for each child showing how their needs will be met. This is to meet The Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Services)Regulations 2011, (SSI 2011/ 210: regulations 5 - Requirements for personal plans. Timescale: 1 month from the date of this report. This requirement was made on Tuesday 27th May 2014 Please refer to the Quality of Care and Support for progress on this requirement. Not Met Previous recommendations 1. Risk assessments need to be reviewed regularly to take into account the children using the service. National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16 - Standard 2: A Safe Environment. This recommendation was made on Tuesday 27th May 2014 Please refer to Quality of Environment for progress on this recommendation. page 17 of 20

18 8 Complaints Please see Care Inspectorate website ( for details of complaints against the service which have been upheld. 9 Enforcements No enforcement action has been taken against this care service since the last inspection 10 Other issues No other issues identified at this inspection. 11 Inspection and grading history Date Type Gradings 27 May 2014 Announced (Short Notice) Care and support Environment Staffing Management and Leadership 4 - Good 4 - Good Not Assessed 5 - Very Good 1 Oct 2013 Announced (Short Notice) Care and support Environment Staffing Management and Leadership 5 - Very Good 4 - Good 5 - Very Good Not Assessed 10 May 2013 Re-grade Care and support Not Assessed Environment Not Assessed Staffing 2 - Weak page 18 of 20

19 Management and Leadership Not Assessed 14 Dec 2011 Announced (Short Notice) Care and support Environment Staffing Management and Leadership 6 - Excellent Not Assessed 6 - Excellent Not Assessed 14 Sep 2010 Unannounced Care and support 5 - Very Good Environment 4 - Good Staffing Not Assessed Management and Leadership Not Assessed 24 Nov 2009 Unannounced Care and support 4 - Good Environment Not Assessed Staffing 5 - Very Good Management and Leadership Not Assessed 23 Sep 2008 Announced (short notice) Care and support Environment Staffing Management and Leadership 4 - Good 4 - Good 4 - Good 4 - Good page 19 of 20

20 To find out more This inspection report is published by the Care Inspectorate. You can download this report and others from our website. You can also read more about our work online. Contact Us Care Inspectorate Compass House 11 Riverside Drive Dundee DD1 4NY 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 c?in eile ma nithear iarrtas. page 20 of 20