Brown, Glenda Child Minding Inverurie

Transcription

1 Brown, Glenda Child Minding Inverurie Inspected by: Charlotte Hanson-Hall Type of inspection: Announced (Short Notice) Inspection completed on: 8 November 2012

2 Contents Page No Summary 3 1 About the service we inspected 4 2 How we inspected this service 5 3 The inspection 8 4 Other information 16 5 Summary of grades 17 6 Inspection and grading history 17 Service provided by: Brown, Glenda Service provider number: SP Care service number: CS Contact details for the inspector who inspected this service: Charlotte Hanson-Hall Telephone enquiries@careinspectorate.com Brown, Glenda, page 2 of 19

3 Summary This report and grades represent our assessment of the quality of the areas of performance which were examined during this inspection. Grades for this care service may change after this inspection following other regulatory activity. For example, if we have to take enforcement action to make the service improve, or if we investigate and agree with a complaint someone makes about the service. We gave the service these grades Quality of Care and Support 4 Good Quality of Environment 4 Good Quality of Staffing 3 Adequate What the service does well The childminder provides a caring, supportive and stimulating environment for the children in her care. Children have access to a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities and outings within the local community. What the service could do better The childminder needs to update her training in child protection, food hygiene and first aid, and update some of her policies and procedures. What the service has done since the last inspection The childminder continues to provide a good care service to both the children and their parents. Conclusion The childminder offers a safe and caring service to children, and provides lots of opportunities for fresh air and outdoor play. Who did this inspection Charlotte Hanson-Hall Brown, Glenda, page 3 of 19

4 1 About the service we inspected The Care Inspectorate regulates care services in Scotland. Prior to 1 April 2011 this function was carried out by the Care Commission. 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 1st April Glenda Brown provides a childminding service in rural Aberdeenshire and 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. Requirements and Recommendations If we are concerned about some aspect of a service, or think it could do more to improve its service, 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. * A Requirement is a statement which sets out what is required of a care service to comply with the Public Services Reforms (Scotland) Act 2010 and Regulations or Orders made under the Act, or a condition of registration. Where there are breaches of the Regulations, Orders or conditions, a Requirement must be made. Requirements are legally enforceable at the discretion of the Care Inspectorate. Based on the findings of this inspection this service has been awarded the following grades: Quality of Care and Support - Grade Quality of Environment - Grade Quality of Staffing - Grade 3 - Adequate This report and grades represent our assessment of the quality of the areas of performance which were examined during this inspection. Grades for this care service may change following other regulatory activity. You can find the most up-to-date grades for this service by visiting our website or by calling us on or visiting one of our offices. Brown, Glenda, page 4 of 19

5 2 How we inspected this service The level of inspection we carried out In this service we carried out a low intensity inspection. We carry out these inspections when we are satisfied that services are working hard to provide consistently high standards of care. What we did during the inspection This report was written following a short notice announced visit from 1pm to 3.30pm on Tuesday 6 November 2012, by inspector Charlotte Hanson-Hall. Feedback was given via a telephone conversation on Thursday 8 November from 9am to 9.45am. During the inspection we looked at a range of documentation, we observed the childminder's practice and we observed the environment. We also gained the views of parents prior to the inspection through the use of questionnaires. We looked at a range of documentation, policies and procedures and these included: - Children's records - Risk assessments and safety checks - Daily diary - Child protection, medication and pet policy and procedures - The aims of the service - Accident and incident records - Activities records. Three children were present during the inspection visit. Grading the service against quality themes and statements We inspect and grade elements of care that we call 'quality themes'. For example, one of the quality themes we might look at is 'Quality of care and support'. Under each quality theme are 'quality statements' which describe what a service should be doing well for that theme. We grade how the service performs against the quality themes and statements. Details of what we found are in Section 3: The inspection Inspection Focus Areas (IFAs) In any year we may decide on specific aspects of care to focus on during our inspections. These are extra checks we make on top of all the normal ones we make during inspection. We do this to gather information about the quality of these aspects Brown, Glenda, page 5 of 19

6 of care on a national basis. Where we have examined an inspection focus area we will clearly identify it under the relevant quality statement. Fire safety issues We do not regulate fire safety. Local fire and rescue services are responsible for checking services. However, where significant fire safety issues become apparent, we will alert the relevant fire and rescue services so they may consider what action to take. You can find out more about care services' responsibilities for fire safety at Brown, Glenda, page 6 of 19

7 The annual return Every year all care services must complete an 'annual return' form to make sure the information we hold is up to date. We also use annual returns to decide how we will inspect the service. Annual Return Received: Yes - Electronic Comments on Self Assessment Every year all care services must complete a 'self assessment' form telling us how their service is performing. We check to make sure this assessment is accurate. Every year all care services must complete a 'self assessment' form telling us how their service is performing. We check to make sure this assessment is accurate. We did not receive a self assessment from the childminder for this inspection due to confusion over submission dates. Taking the views of people using the care service into account Three young children were present during the inspection. They seemed very happy, playing with their toys, cuddling the childminder when they needed comfort and making requests when they were thirsty. They told us that they liked visiting the childminder because of the toys, the snacks, and the fun that they had when they were there. Taking carers' views into account We sent three questionnaires to parents prior to the inspection service. All gave very positive feedback. The following comments were made: - The childminder 'is now like part of our family. She has had both of my children and my older one still loves it when he gets a chance to see her. I cannot speak highly enough of Glenda, she really has been the perfect choice for my children' - 'I am confident that my children are happy and well looked after' by the childminder - 'Glenda always makes time to listen and talk to the children and has built up an extremely positive relationship with them'. Brown, Glenda, page 7 of 19

8 3 The inspection We looked at how the service performs against the following quality themes and statements. Here are the details of what we found. Quality Theme 1: Quality of Care and Support Grade awarded for this theme: Statement 1 I ensure that parents and families participate in assessing and improving the quality of care and support provided by the service. Service strengths The service maintained its grade of good in relation to this Quality Statement. The childminder stated that she had developed positive relationships with the parents of minded children, which allowed for ongoing discussion and feedback during dropoff and pick-up times. This was confirmed by the parents who responded to our questionnaires, all of whom agreed that the childminder listened to and acted upon their views about their child's development needs, culture, interests and personality. The parents also agreed that they had a positive relationship with the childminder, which was demonstrated by the large number of thank you cards they had sent to the childminder. The childminder explained that she shared information with parents on a daily basis at drop-off and pick up times. She also made use of the telephone, s and text messaging to share information and keep in contact with parents. For example, at the time of the inspection the childminder took a photo of a child who had made a face out of toy bricks, in order to share the accomplishment with the child's parents. A selection of the minded children's artwork and photographs were on display on the parents' notice board, along with the service registration certificate. The notice board gave the parents updated information as to their child's activities and artwork. During the inspection the childminder interacted very positively with the three children present, giving choices and responding to their requests for help. The childminder evidenced that she had a good knowledge of their needs and interests. The childminder told us that she had consulted parents on their wishes regarding how they received information about their child. She offered the parents daily diaries which would provide key information regarding their child's day, but the parents Brown, Glenda, page 8 of 19

9 chose not to have diaries and instead to continue with detailed verbal handovers at pick-up time. All parents confirmed in our questionnaires that they felt well informed regarding their child's day. Areas for improvement The childminder should continue to consider meaningful ways to engage and involve parents in the assessment and improvement of the care service. The childminder told us that she would start to record in her diary the suggestions and views of parents, and the actions she had taken in response to those requests. The childminder should develop a participation statement, which sets out how she intends to involve parents and children in the assessment of the service (please see Recommendation 1). Grade awarded for this statement: Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 1 Recommendations 1. The childminder should develop a participation statement, which formally sets out how she intends to involve the parents and children in the assessment and improvement of the service. National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16: Standard 13 - Improving the Service. Statement 3 I gather information about the child and their needs. Service strengths The service operated at a good level in relation to this Quality Statement and routinely gathered information about the children and their needs. We looked at the service's records and spoke to the childminder. We found that the childminder had 'contact details' forms which included information regarding the child's: - likes and dislikes - allergies - medical needs - emergency contact details - nutritional needs and - care needs, for example, if they required toilet training or if they used nappies. From discussion and observation it was clear that the childminder had a very good Brown, Glenda, page 9 of 19

10 understanding of each child, their personality and character, their individual needs and their likes and dislikes. The children were observed to have a good relationship with the childminder, often laughing and playing with her, and going to her when they required comfort. Areas for improvement The childminder had gained parental consents for a range of issues, such as for photos, transport, use of the trampoline, outside play and emergency medical assistance. However, many of the consents were gained when the children started the service, which in some cases were two to three years ago. We advise that the childminder keep these consents under regular review to ensure that they remain current and that there has been no change in the parents' wishes or child's needs. Grade awarded for this statement: Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Brown, Glenda, page 10 of 19

11 Quality Theme 2: Quality of Environment Grade awarded for this theme: Statement 1 I ensure that parents and families participate in assessing and improving the quality of the environment within the service. Service strengths Please see Quality Theme 1 Statement 1. Areas for improvement Please see Quality Theme 1 Statement 1. Grade awarded for this statement: Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Statement 2 My home is safe, hygienic, smoke free, clean and tidy for children using the service. Service strengths A tour of the premises by the inspector and a review of the relevant documentation and records demonstrated that the service was performing at a good level in relation to this Quality Statement. We found that the childminder's home was welcoming, clean and tidy, and maintained to a high standard. The property was in a good state of decoration and repair. The children had access to a large enclosed garden to the rear of the property. Plenty of space was available for the number of children currently using the service. In order to keep the environment safe and hygienic the childminder: - cleaned the toys regularly - we observed them to be in a very good condition - operated a no smoking policy, which ensured that the environment remained pleasant and safe - kept the property visibly clean - tested the smoke alarms on a weekly basis and taught the children what they should do if the fire alarm sounded - completed some environmental risk assessments, which helped her to identify any potential risks and take Brown, Glenda, page 11 of 19

12 the necessary actions to make the environment safer for the children (please see Areas for Improvement section below) - had access to a first aid box if required. Areas for improvement The childminder lives on a farm and has a number of farm animals (sheep and cows) and pets. The dog was not in the home at the time of the inspection. The childminder needs to further develop some of the risk assessments (please see Recommendation 1). Following discussion with the childminder it was clear that she fully understood the risks associated with cleaning solutions, pets and farm animals, and took appropriate action to keep the children healthy, safe and well. However, it is important that the information is recorded and regularly reviewed, so that any changes can be appropriately managed. Grade awarded for this statement: Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 1 Recommendations 1. The childminder needs to further develop some of the risk assessments. This should include: - the cleaning solutions kept under the kitchen sink, in case some children may be able to open the bottles - identification of all the potential risks of children interacting with pets and farm animals, and the control measures put in place to remove or minimise those risks. National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16: Standard 2 - A Safe Environment. Brown, Glenda, page 12 of 19

13 Quality Theme 3: Quality of Staffing Grade awarded for this theme: 3 - Adequate Statement 1 I ensure that parents and families participate in assessing and improving the quality of the service. Service strengths Please see Quality Theme 1 Statement 1. Areas for improvement Please see Quality Theme 1 Statement 1. Grade awarded for this statement: Number of recommendations: 0 Number of requirements: 0 Statement 2 I understand my role and responsibilities in relation to child protection and provide a service that promotes the health, nutrition and safety of the children in my care. Service strengths From our discussions with and observations of the childminder it was clear that she had an in-depth knowledge of childcare and how to keep children safe and well. Some aspects of her paperwork and training needed updating, and for this reason an adequate grade was awarded. However, this did not detract from the very good interactions and positive relationships she had with the children and parents. Following discussion it was clear that the childminder understood how to recognise the signs of abuse, and her responsibilities in accordance with the North East Scotland Child Protection Committee guidelines. From our observations, the childminder treated the children in her care with respect and kindness, and provided stimulating age-appropriate activities (please see Areas for Improvement section below). The childminder provided healthy and varied snacks and lunches, in consultation with the parents and children (please see Areas for Improvement section). We signposted the childminder to the latest Scottish Government guidance regarding nutrition, 'Nutritional Guidance for Early Education and Childcare Settings for Children aged 1-5'. Brown, Glenda, page 13 of 19

14 At the time of the inspection, no children registered with the childminder required medication. The childminder had a medication book in place that was ready to record key information, such as the name of the medication, the time that it was required, the dosage and parental consent (please see Areas for Improvement section). The environment was observed as clean, and the childminder explained that she regularly cleaned the toys. The childminder was aware of the importance of hand washing and actively taught the children good hygiene practices, so as to prevent an infectious outbreak. The childminder told us that if children were ill she asked the parents to keep them at home due to the risk of the infection spreading. We signposted the childminder to Health Protection Scotland's guidance, 'Infection Prevention and Control in Childcare Settings (Day Care and Childminding Settings)' and 'Exclusion Criteria for Childcare and Childminding Settings', which can be used to further develop her infection control procedures. Areas for improvement Although the childminder is very knowledgeable and experienced, she needs to update her training in child protection, first aid and food hygiene (please see Recommendation 1). We strongly recommend that the childminder registers with the local Environmental Health Office if she wishes to continue providing food for the children, other than basic snacks (please see Recommendation 2). Although the childminder had a medication procedure in place, we recommend that it is further developed in line with the Care Inspectorate's guidance: 'Health Guidance the Management of Medication in Daycare and Childminding Services' (please see Recommendation 3). This should include reference to the childminder not giving the first dose of a new medication, in case the child has an adverse reaction. Grade awarded for this statement: 3 - Adequate Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 3 Recommendations 1. We recommend that the childminder update her training in child protection, first aid and food hygiene National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16: Standard 12 - Confidence in Staff. 2. We recommend that the childminder registers with the local Environmental Health office if she intends to continue providing food, other than basic snacks. Brown, Glenda, page 14 of 19

15 National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16: Standard 2 - A Safe Environment. 3. We recommended the childminder further develop her medication policy and procedure in line with the Care Inspectorate's guidance: 'Health Guidance the Management of Medication in Daycare and Childminding Services'. National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16. Standard 3 - Health and Wellbeing. Brown, Glenda, page 15 of 19

16 4 Other information Complaints No complaints have been upheld, or partially upheld, since the last inspection. Enforcements We have taken no enforcement action against this care service since the last inspection. Additional Information Action Plan Failure to submit an appropriate action plan within the required timescale, including any agreed extension, where requirements and recommendations have been made, will result in SCSWIS re-grading the Quality Statement within the Management and Leadership Theme as unsatisfactory (1). This will result in the Quality Theme for Management and Leadership being re-graded as Unsatisfactory (1). Brown, Glenda, page 16 of 19

17 5 Summary of grades Quality of Care and Support - Statement 1 Statement 3 Quality of Environment - Statement 1 Statement 2 Quality of Staffing Adequate Statement 1 Statement Adequate 6 Inspection and grading history Date Type Gradings 20 Feb 2012 Announced (Short Notice) Care and support Environment Staffing Management and Leadership Not Assessed 5 - Very Good Not Assessed 24 Nov 2010 Announced (Short Notice) Care and support Environment Staffing Management and Leadership Not Assessed Not Assessed Not Assessed 23 Mar 2010 Announced (Short Notice) Care and support Environment Staffing Management and Leadership Not Assessed Not Assessed 5 Mar 2009 Announced (short notice) Care and support Environment Staffing Brown, Glenda, page 17 of 19

18 Management and Leadership Not Assessed All inspections and grades before 1 April 2011 are those reported by the former regulator of care services, the Care Commission. Brown, Glenda, page 18 of 19

19 To find out more about our inspections and inspection reports Read our leaflet 'How we inspect'. You can download it from our website or ask us to send you a copy by telephoning us on This inspection report is published by the Care Inspectorate. You can get more copies of this report and others by downloading it from our website: or by telephoning Translations and alternative formats This inspection report is available in other languages and formats on request. Telephone: enquiries@careinspectorate.com Web: Brown, Glenda, page 19 of 19