MacFarlane, Angela Child Minding Type of inspection: Unannounced Inspection completed on: 30 August 2016 Service provided by: Service provider number: SP2010980115 Care service number: CS2010273675
The service Introduction The childminder lives with her family in a residential area of Inverness close to Muirton Primary School. The childminders home was on the one level and children had access to a spacious back garden. The childminder was registered on 8 April 2011 and can care for up to six children at any one time. The aims of the childminder were: "To offer a reliable friendly flexible service that meets parents and child's individual needs, while offering a safe warm environment for children to thrive in a non-smoking pet-free home with happy contented children. Safety is my main concern. I will always consider how to protect the children when out and make full use of reins and buggies when near roads with small children. I aim to give children a well-balanced daily routine of educational play in the form of jigsaws, number games and imaginative play etc. With plenty of books and art work depending on the child's age and ability. We will go outside as much as we can weather permitting. I have a fully enclosed garden with play equipment; sand pit, swing etc outside play will always be supervised. I believe communication with parents is very important and I will always take time to discuss the child's development with his or hers parents." 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, 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. What we did during our inspection We wrote this report following a short announced visit which took place on Tuesday 30 August 2016. Feedback was given to childminder by the Inspector on the 30 August. The inspector spent one and half hours at the service observing practice and examining records. The feedback included areas for improvement made as a result of this inspection visit. As requested by us, the service provider sent us an annual return. The provider issued questionnaires to users of the service and three questionnaires were returned directly to the Care Inspectorate. In this inspection we gathered evidence from various sources, including the relevant sections of policies, for MacFarlane, Angela page 2 of 8
procedures, records and other documents including: Observation of how the service was delivered Physical inspection of the rooms used for childminding and garden area Annual return Examination of records. Interview with childminder Examination of Policies and procedures Completed questionnaires from parents to the care Inspectorate Children's development folder Completed questionnaires from parents to the childminder Self assessment Views of people using the service One baby was present during this inspection. It was the child's first day and they were unsure of their surroundings. The childminder made every effort to comfort the child and by the end of the observed session the child was beginning to respond to the warmth and nurturing care that was being provided. No carers were present on the day of inspection though three questionnaires were returned directly to the care inspectorate by parents. "I have used Angela's childminding service for both my children and I am very happy with the service and care provided." "Angela has provided a great service to me and my child for the last four years. My daughter did not settle in a private nursery and took to Angela immediately. She loves her time there and is very settled and happy. The only slight criticism I have is not knowing her holidays 12 months in advance." (4 weeks notice given) This was discussed at the inspection and unfortunately the short notice relates to her husband's employment. "If I had any concerns I would speak to Angela directly. Angela is a very caring. Kind person who is very approachable." "Excellent range of toys and equipment. When playing outside the children are always supervised." Parents who had completed questionnaires were very complimentary about the childminding service: They found the childminder to be warm, caring and professional Their children enjoyed attending the service and were safe and secure within the service They enjoyed the activities and arts and crafts that were provided They found the childminder very approachable and trusted her They had no concerns about the environment They found the childminder to be a good communicator and would listen to their thoughts and ideas. Self assessment A carefully considered document was submitted when requested. for MacFarlane, Angela page 3 of 8
What the service did well Children were warmly welcomed to the childminders home who provided activities that were age appropriate and beneficial to children's physical and mental development. Children responded to the nurturing approach by being safe and happy when at the service. What the service could do better The childminder had provided diary sheets in the past for children under the age of 12 months. Reconsidering this for present children after discussions with parents may be beneficial and aid good communication. Consider providing questionnaires for newly registered children after a period of three months. From this inspection we graded this service as: Quality of care and support Quality of environment Quality of staffing Quality of management and leadership 5 - Very Good 5 - Very Good not assessed 5 - Very Good Quality of care and support Findings from the inspection When considering placing children for care parents were warmly welcomed to the childminder's house to meet her family and discuss how care would be provided. A settling in process was discussed and only when the child was comfortable and at ease did extended care commence. The childminder had a very good insight into the development and needs of children and provided a service that was attuned to their physical and emotional development. Written feedback from parents and children indicated that cared for children were provided with appropriate games and activities. Younger children were taken to play groups for socialisation. Outside play and walks to the woods and canal to feed the ducks and watch the boats was an activity that was enjoyed by younger children. Parents appreciated the way in which the childminder communicated with them. They also found her to be welcoming and approachable and would have no hesitation in raising any issues or concerns. Infection control procedures were in place and the latest nappy changing procedures were known and being followed. Parents were informed of exclusion periods for children who were unwell for the protection of other children. for MacFarlane, Angela page 4 of 8
Very good records on medication, accidents and incidents were retained along with an up to date register of children attending. 'All about me' records contained good information on the needs of children and parents were invited to update these documents on a regular basis. Requirements Number of requirements: 0 Recommendations Number of recommendations: 0 Grade: 5 - very good Quality of environment Findings from the inspection We discussed the risks involved when caring for children and how they need to be measured and appropriate. Involving children in risk assessments may encourage responsibility and assist developing problem solving skills. The premises were clean, hygienic and well maintained both inside and out. There was ample space for younger children to crawl about and in the kitchen diner children were able to take part in arts and crafts. The childminder had amassed a large collection of toys and play equipment over the years which were suitable for children of all ages. The outdoor play area had a variety of swings and slides which encouraged physical play. Children were encouraged to plant flowers and vegetables and the results were proudly shown in the garden. There was an area for bikes and trikes and again the childminder had a collection that was suitable for younger children. Frequent visits to the canal and play parks were also provided and as the childminder did not drive walks to and from school/nursery occurred each day. The childminder checked toys and equipment on a regular basis and any damaged/broken toys were removed. The childminder talked about spending most of the day outside and that trips out were enjoyed by the children. Requirements Number of requirements: 0 for MacFarlane, Angela page 5 of 8
Recommendations Number of recommendations: 0 Grade: 5 - very good Quality of staffing This quality theme was not assessed. Quality of management and leadership Findings from the inspection We found that the childminder had good systems in place to support and develop the delivery of her service. A synopsis of her policies and procedures were provided for each parent. They found her service responsive and appreciated placing children at short notice or at different times. Providing questionnaires for parents after a three month period of children being placed is a reasonable time to assess if the care taking place meets with their needs. The childminder had very good policies and procedures in place which explained to parents how her service was delivered. Parents were welcome to make suggestions or request specific activities for children when attending the service. Questionnaires were distributed on a regular basis and this assisted the childminder in evaluating and assessing the quality of the service provided. The childminder was member of the Scottish Childminding Association and looked to their website and magazine for up to date practice and childcare themes. Speaking with other childminders had also taken place and again sharing good practice and what local facilities for children offered were discussed. Though childminding for a number of years attending training to update practice was regarded as important for the childminder who had updated her child protection training over the last 12 months. Requirements Number of requirements: 0 Recommendations Number of recommendations: 0 Grade: 5 - very good for MacFarlane, Angela page 6 of 8
What the service has done to meet any requirements we made at or since the last inspection Previous requirements There are no outstanding requirements. What the service has done to meet any recommendations we made at or since the last inspection Previous recommendations There are no outstanding recommendations. 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 and grading history Date Type Gradings 18 Jun 2012 Announced (short notice) Care and support 5 - Very good Environment 5 - Very good Staffing 5 - Very good Management and leadership Not assessed for MacFarlane, Angela page 7 of 8
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 enquiries@careinspectorate.com 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. for MacFarlane, Angela page 8 of 8