Uhrova, Monika Musselburgh Inspection completed on 23 July 2015
Service provided by: Uhrova, Monika Service provider number: SP2009975545 Care service number: CS2009232652 Inspection Type: Announced (Short Notice) 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 0345 600 9527 www.careinspectorate.com @careinspect page 2 of 14
1 Introduction The Care Inspectorate regulates care services in Scotland. Information about all care services is available on our website at www.careinspectorate.com. Ms Uhrova referred to as 'the childminder' in this report - is registered to provide a care service to a maximum of 8 children at any one time under the age of 16, of whom a maximum of 6 will be under 12, 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. Mr Jan Uher is employed as an assistant. The service operates from Ms Uhrova's house in Musselburgh, East Lothian. The areas used for childminding are the play room, living room and supervised access to the kitchen and downstairs bathroom. The aims and objectives of the service includes the following: * To provide a welcoming, attractive, secure, stimulating, safe, warm and friendly family home for all the children in my care. * To encourage all children in my care to play, communicate, co-operate and develop their confidence. * To promote children's positive behaviour by raising their self-esteem. * To communicate with parents on a regular basis and with any outside agencies in the community that may be involved with the children's learning. * To ensure I have a wide range of educational and developmental toys to meet each individual's needs and keep children in my care stimulated. * To ensure children in my care receive good healthy nutritional meals. * To ensure that all areas used within my home and garden are safe and secure for all children within my care. * Through personal professional development, extending my knowledge and skills which will move me forward in a positive manner. The Care Inspectorate is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of all children receiving a care service to ensure they have the best start in life, are ready to succeed and live longer, healthier lives. The Care Inspectorate has an important role to play in supporting this approach in inspecting care services for children. page 3 of 14
The Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) approach is underpinned by the principles of prevention and early intervention. It's a consistent way for people to work with all children and young people. The approach helps practitioners focus on what makes a positive difference for children and young people - and how they can act to deliver these improvements. Getting it right for every child is being threaded through all existing policy, practice, strategy and legislation affecting children, young people and their families. In Scotland, the Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) approach puts wellbeing at the very heart of its approach. The eight 'indicators' of wellbeing that form the basis of GIRFEC are- safe, healthy, achieving, nurtured, active, respected, responsible and included - often referred to as 'SHANARRI'. What we did during our inspection We wrote this report following an unannounced inspection, which took place on the morning of Thursday 23rd July 2015. We issued questionnaires to parents of children who used the service and three of these were returned, showing that parents were very happy with the quality of care and support provided. As part of the inspection, we took account of the completed annual return and self assessment forms that we asked the childminder to complete and return to us. In this inspection, we gathered evidence from various sources, including the relevant sections of policies, procedures, records and other documents, including: *observation of the childminder working with the minded child *watching how the child engaged in the activities provided *speaking with the childminder about the service she delivers *reference to records recording children's needs and progress *review of the accommodation in relation to safety and cleanliness Views of people using the service There were two children present at the time of this inspection. Both were too young to give their views, however they both appeared happy and content in the childminder's care. We observed interactions between the childminder and page 4 of 14
the children which confirmed that the childminder was responsive to the needs of the children and that she knew the children well. 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. The childminder submitted a good self assessment. We discussed with the childminder how she should complete future self-assessments taking into account the SHANARRI (Safe, Healthy, Active, Nurtured, Achieve, Respected, Responsible and Included) indicators to demonstrate how she improving outcomes for children using this model. What the service did well The service has continued to provide a good standard of care and support to children. Parents like the informal but detailed feedback that they get every day about their child's activities and progress. The childminding environment was bright and welcoming, and there was a good range of resources available to stimulate children. What the service could do better The childminder should demonstrate how she will support the children's health, wellbeing or safety needs. These should be reviewed at least every six months or before if required. The childminder should familiarise herself with the national best practice document 'Building the Ambition' and use this to develop and inform her practice. 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 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. page 5 of 14
Quality of care and support Quality of environment Quality of staffing Quality of management and leadership 4 - Good 5 - Very Good 3 - Adequate 4 - Good 3 Quality of care and support Findings from the inspection The childminder provided a very good standard of care and support to children and their families. We assessed this through looking at how the childminder provided positive outcomes for children using the SHANARRI (Safe, Healthy, Achieving, Nurtured, Active, Respected, Responsible and Included) outcomes which were developed by the Scottish Government. Information on SHANARRI can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/topics/people/young-people/ gettingitright The childminder described how communication was the key to getting to know the families who used her service. She told us it was really important to build up a trusting relationship with parents so that they felt at ease sharing personal information about their child with her. This allowed her to provide their child with an appropriate level of care, which took into account their personal circumstances. Children would feel nurtured and safe as a result of this. Chatting to parents at drop off and pick up times provided opportunities for them to pass over everyday information, such as how their child had slept the night before, if they had eaten breakfast; or any other information that they felt may impact on their child's day in the childminder's care. This contributed to children feeling safe and nurtured. The children were included in the decision-making, for example, through requesting activities and choosing toys to play with. We saw the childminder was responsive to children's requests and ideas for fun games and experiences. Formal questionnaires had been provided for parents to gain their views on the service provided. The childminder informed us that she would take on board any ideas or suggestions that would improve her service. This helped parents feel page 6 of 14
included in the service. The childminder told us that it was very important to work alongside parents in caring for their child. Newsletters kept the parents further informed of important dates and any activities or outings planned by the childminder. A parent commented "Monika is very easy to communicate with, open for any comments and suggestions". Each child had a folder with a contact, all about me form, photographs and a profile of how the child is progressing. We felt this provided information to inform the care plan for each child. However, to promote children's learning further, the childminder should begin to keep a basic record of the progress children are making and demonstrate how she has promoted their development and what their interests are. This information should be discussed with parents and updated regularly. (See recommendation 1) Children were provided with a home cooked lunch. The childminder had contacted the Food Standards Agency to inform them that she provided food from her premises. Children participated in baking activities and they enjoyed the results for snack. Grade The quality of care and support is graded 4 - Good Requirements Number of requirements - 0 Recommendations Number of recommendations - 1 1. We recommend the childminder ensures all information regarding minded children and their care needs is reviewed at least once every six months. She should begin to show how children's development needs are planned for using next steps in their files. This will help to ensure that an appropriate personal plan is in place and remains up to date. National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16: Standard 3 - Health and wellbeing Standard 6 - Support and Development. page 7 of 14
4 Quality of environment Findings from the inspection We saw that the premises were clean, bright and well maintained. The children had a separate playroom with a good variety of toys and games on offer to them. They could also use the living room where they could relax with a book or play a board game. The service kept risk assessments that included general premises risk assessment as well as specific ones for journeys to and from school and nursery, as well as for local outings. The childminder also completed daily risk assessments. We discussed with the childminder that they may wish to stop documenting daily checks and complete a risk assessment policy that detailed how she would keep the children safe in her home, on regular walks and in the garden. She should include how she will supervise the children when they use the large equipment in the garden. For example the trampoline, swings and playhouse. The children could access both a front and back garden. These were enclosed and had a good range of toys. Children were also encouraged to stay active and healthy by accessing fresh air and exercise. They went on regular walks and outings especially in the holidays. The childminder talked to the children about being healthy and active. She uses the 'National guidelines' to ensure she is proving children with a variety of healthy foods. She is aware of the allergens information and will ask parents to provide her with any allergy information at registration. Keeping parents informed about any accidents or incidents meant that children were kept safe. We felt that the forms should have more information available to parents. This should include what type of injury and where on the body has it occurred. The childminder agreed to update this information. (See recommendation 1) The childminder had a good understanding of keeping children free from germs and bugs. She told us that children washed their hands after playing outside, page 8 of 14
visiting the toilet, before food and after activities. She told us the procedure to minimise the spread of infection within her service. For example the environment and resources were regularly cleaned. There was a very good range of toys and equipment for children to use. Through the course of our visit the childminder interacted in children's play supporting them in their play activities. She also informed us that she was extremely careful when she had younger children in her home. She ensured that toys were suitable for the age and stage of the children attending and were in very condition. All three parents who returned their questionnaires were happy with the environment. One parent commented "She keeps the children busy, they always stay active" Grade The quality of environment is graded 5 - Very Good Requirements Number of requirements - 0 Recommendations Number of recommendations - 1 1. We recommend that the accident and incident forms are completed with more information. This would provide parents with more information about the type of injury sustained and exactly where on the body it occurred. National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16: Standard: 2 - A Safe Environment. Standard 3 - Health and wellbeing 5 Quality of staffing We only assess this where the childminder employs an assistant. page 9 of 14
Findings from the inspection The childminder had an assistant. This was her husband who sometimes minded the children. The childminder had a whistle blowing policy that her assistant was aware of. She told us that she regularly discussed child protection issues with her assistant. We discussed with the childminder that her assistant should have access to regularly training opportunities. The childminder agreed to do this. The childminder told us that she regularly monitored her assistant's practice. Grade The quality of staffing is graded 3 - Adequate Requirements Number of requirements - 0 Recommendations Number of recommendations - 0 6 Quality of management and leadership Findings from the inspection The childminder was experienced and enthusiastic. Her friendly, reassuring and professional manner meant that she provided a quality service that was supportive and caring to the families she works with. The importance of working in partnership with the children and their families was valued. Good information was gathered on each child which helped the childminder to meet children's care, support and health needs. She now needed to update the information held on children every six months and create next steps for the children. This will ensure the documenting of children's progression is clear. (See recommendation in quality theme: Care and Support) The childminder demonstrated an awareness of child protection and the action page 10 of 14
she would take to safeguard children. She stated that she had found it difficult to access child protection training but she had begun to explore various other ways in which to update her knowledge. We discussed using the NSPCC website to access an introduction to child protection that could be completed online. http://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/get-expert-training/childprotection-introduction/ The childminder kept up to date with new legislation and good practice ideas by reading the 'Care news' and 'SCMA magazine'. We suggested that our website especially 'the hub' had a good source of literature and guidance which she may find useful. Speaking with the childminder we found she had some knowledge about 'Getting it Right for Every Child' and the supporting best practice document 'Building the Ambition'. However, she identified that she could further develop her service by implementing some of the ideas highlighted in this document. Doing this would help to make sure she worked with children, families and other professionals in a consistent way to support positive outcomes for children. (See recommendation 1) Grade The quality of management and leadership is graded 4 - Good Requirements Number of requirements - 0 Recommendations Number of recommendations - 1 1. We recommended the childminder use the National document 'Building the Ambition' to inform and improve their practice. National Care Standards for Early Education and Childcare. Standard 5 - Quality of experience, Standard 14 - Well managed service, Standard 12 - Confidence in staff. page 11 of 14
7 What the service has done to meet any recommendations or requirements we made at our last inspection Previous requirements 1. It is a requirement that the childminder develop a system to review each child's needs and update their personal plan. This is to comply with SSI 2011/210 (5)(2)(b) - a provider of a care service must review the personal plan when (i) requested to do so by the service user or any representative (ii) when there is significant change in a service user's health, welfare or safety needs (iii) at least once in every six month period whilst the service user is in receipt of the service. Timescale: The childminder must confirm to SCSWIS the system that they will put in place to review children's personal plans. This requirement was made on Previous recommendations 1. We recommend that Ms Uhrova develop a participation statement. National Care Standard 13, Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16, Improving the service. This recommendation was made on 8 Complaints There have been no complaints upheld since the last inspection. Details of any older upheld complaints are published at www.careinspectorate.com. page 12 of 14
9 Enforcements No enforcement action has been taken against this care service since the last inspection 10 Other issues None 11 Inspection and grading history Date Type Gradings 21 Jun 2011 Announced (Short Notice) Care and support Environment Staffing Management and Leadership 5 - Very Good Not Assessed 5 - Very Good Not Assessed 30 Jun 2010 Announced (Short Notice) Care and support Environment Staffing Management and Leadership 5 - Very Good 5 - Very Good 5 - Very Good Not Assessed page 13 of 14
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 enquiries@careinspectorate.com 0345 600 9527 www.careinspectorate.com @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 c?nain eile ma nithear iarrtas. page 14 of 14