Angie's Little Angels Leven Inspection completed on 14 January 2016
Service provided by: Williamson, Angie Service provider number: SP2014985705 Care service number: CS2014324004 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 0345 600 9527 www.careinspectorate.com @careinspect page 2 of 16
1 Introduction 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. The service, Angie's Little Angels, is provided from the childminder's own home in the town of Leven in Fife. The house is a terraced villa with an open garden to the front and a fully enclosed garden to the rear. Children using the service have access to the ground floor of the house. The living room is the main play area for the children. The kitchen has a dining table which is used for eating as well as arts and crafts activities. The minded children use a downstairs bathroom. Access to the back garden is through the kitchen. The garden has a grass area for games and a large raised deck. On the day of the inspection there was one young child using the service. The childminder has an additional five children who use her service on a part time basis. The childminder is registered to provide a care service to a maximum of seven children at any one time under the age of 16, of whom no more than six are under 12, and 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 children of the childminder's family. The childminder adhered to the conditions of her registration. page 3 of 16
What we did during our inspection We wrote this report following an unannounced inspection on 13 January 2016 between 10.30am and 11.30am. We returned to complete the inspection on 14 January 2016 between 9.30am and 11.15am. We gave feedback to the childminder at the end of the inspection. The inspection was a follow up to a previous one carried out in June 2015. The purpose of the follow up inspection was to look at the recommendations and requirements made at the last inspection and to ensure that progress was being made to improve the provision for the minded children. As part of the follow up inspection we gathered information from a range of sources; - a completed self-assessment from the childminder - a completed action plan from the previous inspection - observation of children during activities - observation of the childminder and her interactions with the children in her care - All about me information - daily diary - observation of the environment - accident and incident records - medication records - a full range of policies and procedures kept by the childminder - discussion with the childminder - toys and resources - aims and objectives - registration certificate Views of people using the service During the inspection we observed the childminder working with one very young child. The relationship between them was warm and nurturing. The child was happily playing and interacting positively with the childminder. page 4 of 16
We had feedback from parents following the inspection. They were happy with the service offered to their children. They told us, "My Daughter loves being in the care of Angie and I know she feels safe and happy with her. She has never given me any cause for concern and I have never been let down by her." "I'm happy with the activities Angie does with my daughter both in the house and outside." "Angie is an excellent childminder and my son loves going there, she always gives me lots of info about what they have been doing and what he had for lunch. Angie is very flexible and has always went out her way to help me if I need an extra day or an extra couple of hours." 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 had completed a self-assessment in advance of the inspection carried out in June 2015. What the service did well The service continued to provide a warm and nurturing approach to children. She had good informal links with parents. What the service could do better We looked at the progress made since the last inspection and considered that insufficient progress had been made to improve the service. page 5 of 16
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. Quality of care and support Quality of environment Quality of staffing Quality of management and leadership 2 - Weak 2 - Weak not assessed 2 - Weak 3 Quality of care and support Findings from the inspection From the evidence gathered during the inspection we found that the service was performing to a weak standard in this area. Progress was not sufficient to change the grades awarded at the last inspection. We concluded this after talking with the childminder and looking at supporting policies and individual records. During the inspection we saw the childminder working with one small child. The child was happily playing with a good selection of appropriate games and toys. The relationship between the child and the childminder was good. We were pleased to note that the childminder had completed a first aid course which contributed to the health and safety of the minded children. The focus for this inspection was to look at the recommendations and requirements made at the previous inspection. page 6 of 16
We were pleased to note that the childminder had reviewed her practice in nappy changing and was now much more aware of the privacy and dignity of the child being changed. Improved awareness of infection prevention was seen and she now used gloves and aprons while changing nappies. She told us that she encouraged the children to wash their hands after a nappy change. We discussed the issues that we considered needed to be improved. We saw that although the childminder had begun to establish personal files for each child, they contained limited information. The content of the files had not been updated with parents as required. We gave the childminder some suggestions as to what information should be available for each child. The files for the younger children needed to contain more detail than those of the children who only attended for short periods after school. See requirement 1. We saw that the childminder had a policy on the administration of medication. To protect the health and wellbeing of the minded children it is important that she is clear on how this would be implemented in her setting. We discussed the best practice guidance which was available on the Care Inspectorate website, www.hub.careinspectorate.com. She should ensure that her policy and paperwork reflect this guidance. See recommendation 1. We discussed the importance of having a consistent approach to managing children's behaviour. To be effective this is best done in consultation with parents. We would like to have seen evidence of discussions with parents and shared strategies for children. We would suggest that the childminder could involve the children in creating golden rules for the house. This would show that they were given responsibility and were being included. See recommendation 2. The childminder had begun to use a daily diary to record information about the children's day. We considered that this was a good beginning and talked about ways to develop this to show evidence of planning. Grade The quality of care and support is graded 2 - Weak page 7 of 16
Requirements Number of requirements - 1 1. To support the children to reach their potential the childminder must establish personal files that contribute consistently and fully to the children's individual learning and care. The personal plans of children must be reviewed with parents once every six months or more often as necessary. 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 5 Personal Plans. Timescale: By the end of February 2016. Recommendations Number of recommendations - 2 1. The childminder should review and update the service permission forms on the administration of medication to include all information necessary to ensure the health and wellbeing of the minded children. National Care Standards early education and childcare up to the age of 16 Standard 3: Health and wellbeing. 2. It is recommended that the childminder develops further her strategies and approach in behaviour management to support the children in a sensitive and caring manner so that they learn to regulate their own behaviour. National Care Standards early education and childcare up to the age of 16, Standard 7: A caring environment. 4 Quality of environment Findings from the inspection From the evidence gathered during the inspection we found that the service was performing to a weak standard in this area. We did not consider that sufficient improvements had been made to change the grades from the previous inspection. page 8 of 16
We concluded this after talking with the childminder and looking at supporting policies and records. We looked at the childminder's home and garden. During the last inspection we talked with the childminder about the need to carry out daily checks of her home and garden to make sure that they were safe for children. We saw that the childminder's home was clean and tidy. All of the toys were in a good state of repair. We were concerned that a previously identified issue about storing dangerous items on the deck area had not been addressed. We talked with the childminder about the action that she should take to meet the requirement made. -A daily safety check of the house -Cleaning schedule -Toy cleaning record -A daily check of the garden -Risk assessments for car journeys and activities These should be available to the Care Inspectorate at the next inspection. The childminder continued to use the local area to give the children a range of outdoor, active experiences. We discussed ways of recording these experiences to share with parents. Grade The quality of environment is graded 2 - Weak Requirements Number of requirements - 1 1. To ensure the health and welfare of children attending the service the childminder must complete and maintain effective risk management procedures for inside and outside her property. 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) Health, welfare and safety of service users. Timescale: By End of February 2016 page 9 of 16
Recommendations Number of recommendations - 0 5 Quality of staffing We only assess this where the childminder employs an assistant. 6 Quality of management and leadership Findings from the inspection From the evidence gathered during the inspection we found that the service was performing to a weak standard in this area. We found insufficient evidence of improvement in this area to change the grades awarded at our previous inspection. We concluded this after talking with the childminder and looking at supporting policies and records. We looked at the childminder's home, garden and the activities on offer. The childminder told us that she was unclear on her responsibilities to maintain her record keeping and her training. We suggested that she contact the local branch of the Scottish Child Minding Association. They would offer her the necessary support and guidance to help develop her service. She should refer to Records childminding services must keep and guidance on notification reporting Publication code: OPS-1211-104 For advice and support. This can be found at www.hub.careinspectorate.com We were very pleased to note that the childminder had completed an introductory course on child protection. To fully meet the requirement made at the previous inspection she must now fully review and update her service policy and provide a copy for parents. page 10 of 16
We looked at the childminder's complaint policy. This should include the contact details of the Care Inspectorate and should be issued to parents. We considered that the childminder should investigate training on infection prevention and control. See recommendation 1. The childminder told us that she intended to use photographs of the children to share their activities with parents. We advised that she should check her responsibilities when storing photographs and data on her computer and mobile phone. We suggested where further information may be found about the Information Commissioner's Office and the implications for childminders. At the end of the inspection we discussed the importance of taking the necessary action to meet the recommendations and requirements contained in this report. The childminder agreed that she would seek the necessary help and support to allow her to do this. Grade The quality of management and leadership is graded 2 - Weak Requirements Number of requirements - 1 1. To support the wellbeing of the minded children the childminder must demonstrate an understanding of her responsibilities in Child Protection. She must review the child protection statement. It must contain clear and accurate information about the childminder's duty of care and the procedures she will follow in the event of a concern. This is in order to comply with The Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Services) Regulations 2011, (SSI 2011/210) Timescale: By End of February 2016. page 11 of 16
Recommendations Number of recommendations - 1 1. To support the health of the children using the service the childminder should review the service infection prevention and control procedures. She should access training to support her to achieve this. National Care Standards early education and childcare up to the age of 16 years Standard 2: A safe environment. 7 What the service has done to meet any recommendations or requirements we made at our last inspection Previous requirements 1. To support the children to reach their potential the chilldminder must establish personal files that contribute consistently and fully to the children's individual learning and care. The personal plans of children must be reviewed with parents once every six months or more often as necessary. 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 5 Personal Plans Timescale: By 1 October 2015. This requirement was made on 30 June 2015 No action had been taken on this requirement. Not Met 2. To ensure the health and welfare of children attending the service the childminder must complete and maintain effective risk management page 12 of 16
procedures for inside and outside her property. 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) Health, welfare and safety of service users. Timescale: By 1 October 2015. This requirement was made on 30 June 2015 No action had been taken on this requirement. Not Met 3. To support the wellbeing of the minded children the childminder must undertake training in Child Protection. She must review the child protection statement. It must contain clear and accurate information about the childminder's duty of care and the procedures she will follow in the event of a concern. This is in order to comply with The Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Services) Regulations 2011, (SSI 2011/210) Timescale: By 31 December 2015. This requirement was made on 30 June 2015 The childminder had completed an e-learning course on child protection. Not Met Previous recommendations 1. The childminder should review and update the service permission forms on the administration of medication to include all information necessary to ensure the health and wellbeing of the minded children. National Care Standards early education and childcare up to the age of 16 Standard 3: Health and wellbeing. This recommendation was made on 30 June 2015 This recommendation had not been met. page 13 of 16
2. The service should review procedures for nappy changing to ensure the risk of the spread of infection is minimised and the dignity of the child is protected. The service should refer to current best practice guidance to do this. National Care Standards early education and childcare up to the age of 16, Standard 2: A safe environment. This recommendation was made on 30 June 2015 The childminder had reviewed her practice in nappy changing. She was now following best practice guidance. 3. It is recommended that the childminder develops further her strategies and approach to in behaviour management to support the children in a sensitive and caring manner so that they learn to regulate their own behaviour. National Care Standards early education and childcare up to the age of 16, Standard 7: A caring environment. This recommendation was made on 30 June 2015 No action had been taken to meet this recommendation. 4. To support the health of the children using the service the childminder should review the service infection prevention and control procedures. She should access training to support her to achieve this. National Care Standards early education and childcare up to the age of 16 years Standard 2: A safe environment. This recommendation was made on 30 June 2015 No action had been taken to meet this recommendation. 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 14 of 16
9 Enforcements No enforcement action has been taken against this care service since the last inspection 10 Other issues None noted. 11 Inspection and grading history Date Type Gradings 30 Jun 2015 Unannounced Care and support 2 - Weak Environment 2 - Weak Staffing Not Assessed Management and Leadership 2 - Weak page 15 of 16
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 16 of 16