Corbett, Lisa South Queensferry Inspection completed on 23 March 2016
Service provided by: Corbett, Lisa Service provider number: SP2014986155 Care service number: CS2014328865 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 15
1 Introduction The Care Inspectorate regulates care services in Scotland. Information in relation to all services is available on our website at www.careinspectorate.com. Lisa Corbett is referred to as the childminder in this report and is registered to provide a care service to a maximum of six children at any one time under the age of 16, of whom 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 the childminder's family. Minded children cannot be cared for by persons other than those named on the certificate. Kenneth Corbett is employed as an Assistant. Overnight care will not be provided. The service is provided from the childminder's home within a residential area of South Queensferry close to the local school, shops, parks and other amenities. The areas used to provide the service were the living/dining room, playroom within the conservatory and upstairs bathroom. Children also had access to the rear garden. There were a total of eight minded children registered to attend over various days and times. Two minded children were present during the inspection, aged one and two years. The childminder's assistant was not present during the inspection. What we did during our inspection We compiled this report following an unannounced inspection, which took place between 12.35pm and 2.25pm on 23rd March 2016. The inspection was carried out by a Care Inspectorate Early Years Inspector. During this inspection we gathered evidence from various sources: We spoke to: - The childminder - The children - Parents We looked at: Childminder inspection report page 3 of 15
- The service's most recent self-assessment - Observations of the childminder and her interaction with the children - Observations of the children at play - Health and safety records - Certificate of registration - Certificate of insurance - Certificates of training - Information on minded children - Newsletters - Accident and incident documents - Medication systems - Examination of equipment, resources and the environment - Personal plan information 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. Views of people using the service The two children present were very happy and relaxed in the childminder's care. Both children were asleep at the start of inspection, once awake they played freely before enjoying lunch. The children were too young to give direct page 4 of 15
comment on the service, however our observations showed that they were having fun and happy. We issued four care standard questionnaires to the childminder to hand out to the parents of the children who used her service. Two completed questionnaires were returned to us. The responses from these demonstrated that they all 'strongly agreed' that overall they were happy with the quality of care their child received. Both parents added additional comments, which demonstrated they were very satisfied with the level of care provided. These can be seen below: 'Lisa is a very calm, patient and pleasant person which also provides me peace of mind that I'm leaving my child in a safe environment.' 'We are very happy with the service and my child loves going to Lisa.' When asked how the childminder gained parent views, replies included; 'via a care plan' and 'face to face conversation and newsletters.' A comment with the questionnaire returned to us, positively reviewed the snacks and meals provided. One parent commented 'the snacks are varied and always healthy options.' Parents were generally happy with the daily routine and activities for their child. Comments included' 'I am satisfied with the above for the short space of time my child is there.' 'Good choice of activities, play, art baking...' The suitability and safety of toys was commented on by one parents who told us 'there is a variety of toys, little play room in conservatory and suitable enclosed back garden for nicer days.' Parents were aware of the procedure for raising any concerns or complaints. Comments included; 'Speak to her in the first instance unless it was very serious then I would complain to the Care Inspectorate.' 'If I had any issues I would speak to my childminder. I do not see this happening as Lisa is very caring, open and ensures that as a parent I am included in how she looks after my child.' In reply to a question about how the childminder involved parents and their page 5 of 15
child in making improvements and changes we received the following comments; 'By giving us a newsletter with up to date information which also states for parents to inform her of anything or any suggestions we may have,' 'Lisa will always inform us via newsletter or face to face communication.' 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 fully completed self assessment to us before the inspection took place. We were satisfied with the information provided which included areas of strength and areas for further development. What the service did well This was the first inspection of this service. We found the childminder to be warm, friendly, inviting and very respectful towards children. The childminder provided children with positive experiences which supported them to achieve and feel included. Parent feedback demonstrated they valued the service. What the service could do better We made one recommendations and some best practice suggestions within this report. The recommendation focused on the recording of children's development and regular review of personal plan information. 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 4 - Good 4 - Good 3 - Adequate 4 - Good page 6 of 15
3 Quality of care and support Findings from the inspection We found that parents were kept informed through a variety of ways, which helped them to feel included in the service. This included quarterly newsletters, certificates of registrations and insurance displayed, annual satisfaction questionnaires and a dry wipe board with daily information. Relationships with parents were positive. We saw the childminder use the time at pick up to share important information for the continuity of the child's care. The childminder took appropriate steps to help children remain healthy. We found that medication procedures were in place, children walked regularly to and from the local school and in the local community, visited soft play, they enjoyed daily access to physical play in the garden and were provided with healthy snacks and drinks by the childminder. Children's behaviour was positive, as approaches were restorative and inclusive. The childminder explained how she would speak with children about any incidents, support sharing and use appropriate praise. She confirmed she would not use 'time out'. This approach was respectful and included children in finding ways to manage conflict. Relationships between the childminder and children were seen to be warm and nurturing. Children were respected as the childminder regularly asked their permission before any actions. For example, asking 'can I change your nappy' and asking the child if she could have the dummy and respecting that the child was not quite awake and ready to give it up. Children who woke up were given time and cuddles until they felt confident to move off. We also noticed how the childminder sought children's views on what they would like to do. This helped children to feel included, respected, comfortable and secure in the childminders care. Care plans seen gathered a good range of information on children's specific care needs. This included likes, dislikes, food intolerance, allergies, medical page 7 of 15
information along with all other relevant contact details and information. This meant she was able to plan appropriate care for each child. Although a system for the administration of medicines was in place this required slight review. The childminder should adapt forms to ensure parents confirm they have given the first dose and confirm no adverse reaction. This would ensure they were in line with current guidance on the administration of medicine. In conversation with the childminder, it was apparent that she had a very clear understanding of the needs and interests of the children in her care on the day of the inspection. She was able to describe how she was supporting children to achieve in different aspects of their development. We spoke to the childminder about preparing individual records of development for each child and recording some of their development along with basic next steps. This information along with all other information held on children including registration form information should be reviewed at least once every six months. This should all be dated to support regular review. See recommendation one. Grade The quality of care and support is graded 4 - Good Requirements Number of requirements - 0 Recommendations Number of recommendations - 1 Childminder inspection report 1. The childminder should now begin to review the needs of the children and the information held on them at least once every six months with parents. She should also identify any developmental progress and show how she intends to support any gaps in each child's development and celebrate achievements. This should be recorded for each child. All information should be dated to support regular review. National Care Standards Early Education and Childcare up to the age of 16. Standard 6-Support and Development and Standard 3 - Health and wellbeing. page 8 of 15
4 Quality of environment Childminder inspection report Findings from the inspection The childminder's home was well presented and well maintained. Observation and discussion confirmed regular cleaning of the home, toys and equipment accessed by the children. Children had access to the rear garden. We found that on the day of inspection the garden was out-of-bounds as a boundary fence was missing. Plans were in place to replace this the following week. We noted a padlock on the rear gate and were confident that the garden would provide a secure play space for children once the fence is repaired. The rooms used for childminding are light and well decorated. The children appeared to be comfortable and moved around confidently. Children had lots of space to play. For example, a younger child was enjoying practicing walking skills in the living room. They could access the living/dining room as well as the conservatory, which was a dedicated play space. Toys within the conservatory were stored at child level giving them easy access supporting their independence. There was a good variety of toys, games and outdoor play equipment. The resources seen during the inspection were of good quality and age appropriate. Both children were asleep in their push chair at the start of the inspection. The childminder told us that they generally fell asleep in the push chair whilst out and about. We noted that these lay flat to aid restful sleep and the childminder confirmed she also had a travel cot available. Feedback from parent questionnaires indicated they felt their children were safe in Mrs Jones's home. Children enjoyed variety in their environment as the childminder made good use of local amenities. Children benefitted from visits to soft play, toddler groups, book bug sessions at the library, local walks, visits to the parks and beach. General risk assessments were in place. We looked at these and advised of developing them further to clearly identify the hazards and the measures taken to reduce risk. page 9 of 15
We observed nappy changing and advised the childminder to ensure that she follows the infection control guidance especially about the use of personal protective equipment. This would reduce the risk of cross infection and help to keep children healthy. We noticed that there was large physical play apparatus in the garden including a trampoline. The childminder had gained parent permission for children's use of this and a safety net was in place. We raised the childminder's awareness of the latest guidance regarding trampoline play. This would support children's continued safety during this activity. Grade The quality of environment is graded 4 - Good Requirements Number of requirements - 0 Recommendations Number of recommendations - 0 5 Quality of staffing We only assess this where the childminder employs an assistant. Findings from the inspection The assistant was not present during the inspection; however we discussed with the childminder what his role was, his knowledge and experience. We found that the assistant was effectively monitored by the childminder. The childminder confirmed she observed his interactions and regularly discussed practice to ensure quality interactions. The assistant was trained in first aid and been encouraged to read all the policies to ensure that he was working to the same aims and objectives ensuring a consistent approach and continuity of care. The childminder also informed us of how she ensured the assistant read over page 10 of 15
each child's file and 'all about me' information so that he knew the children as individuals to support him to meet their needs. We found that the current insurance did not cover the assistant. The childminder immediately rectified this once it had been pointed out and confirmed this with us via email. Grade The quality of staffing is graded 3 - Adequate Requirements Number of requirements - 0 Recommendations Number of recommendations - 0 Childminder inspection report 6 Quality of management and leadership Findings from the inspection Children and parents were encouraged to visit the setting to make their own judgements about whether their needs could be met within the setting. After a placement was agreed contracts and registration forms were completed so terms and conditions and could be discussed and agreed by both parties. The childminder shared her policies during the visit and provided them with a copy of the complaints policy to keep. We advised the childminder to provide parents with copies of all policies so they could read them at their leisure and make an informed choice. This would also allow them to refer to them when required. Children's outcomes were enhanced through the childminder keeping herself up to date with changes in practice and legislation. She told us she done this through chatting to other local childminder's and accessing relevant training. Certificates of training and discussions confirmed this. Children's confidentiality was maintained as information was securely held. The childminder was also aware of her obligation to register with the Information Commissioner's Office concerning data protection. page 11 of 15
The complaints policy should be re-worded to reflect that parents could contact the Care Inspectorate at any stage. This would ensure parents' knew whom to contact should they wish to raise concerns or make enquiries. Parents were aware of the procedure for raising any concerns or complaints. Comments included; 'Speak to her in the first instance unless it was very serious then I would complain to the Care Inspectorate.' 'If I had any issues I would speak to my childminder. I do not see this happening as Lisa is very caring, open and ensures that as a parent I am included in how she looks after my child.' In reply to a question about how the childminder involved parents and their child in making improvements and changes we received the following comments; 'By giving us a newsletter with up to date information which also states for parents to inform her of anything or any suggestions we may have,' 'Lisa will always inform us via newsletter or face to face communication.' Grade The quality of management and leadership is graded 4 - Good Requirements Number of requirements - 0 Recommendations Number of recommendations - 0 page 12 of 15
7 What the service has done to meet any recommendations or requirements we made at our last inspection Previous requirements There are no outstanding requirements. Previous recommendations There are no outstanding recommendations. 8 Complaints There have been no complaints upheld since the last inspection. Details of any older upheld complaints are published at www.careinspectorate.com. 9 Enforcements No enforcement action has been taken against this care service since the last inspection 10 Other issues The childminder has recently been diagnosed with a progressive illness which may impact upon her ability to provide a service in the future. page 13 of 15
11 Inspection and grading history Childminder inspection report This service does not have any prior inspection history or grades. page 14 of 15
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 Childminder inspection report 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 15 of 15