An Ayrshire childminding service has been graded as ‘good’ across two quality indicators by the Care Inspectorate.
The scrutiny body said children experienced “warm, caring relationships” when they attended Sarah’s Childminding Services in New Cumnock.
The findings follow a short-notice inspection of the service.
In making their evaluations, the Care Inspectorate observed practice and daily life, spoke with children using the service, reviewed documents and emailed parents/carers to gather their views and feedback.
The childminding service, provided by Sarah Stobbs, is based at her family home in New Cumnock and the service is registered to provide a care service to a maximum of six children under the age of 12 years.
An extract from the Care Inspectorate report said: “We could see warm, positive relationships had developed between the childminder and the young child who was present.
“The childminder used meaningful praise and acknowledged their achievements, which supported the child to develop positive self-esteem and confidence.”
Among the other key findings the childminder’s home was “clean, tidy, and well-maintained” and parents said the childminder kept them “well informed” about their children’s experiences.
Lunch was an “unhurried and relaxed sociable experience” and snacks and meals were eaten in the kitchen, providing opportunities for chat and modelling of “good eating habits.”
The report goes on: “Children experience warm, caring relationships with the childminder when receiving support with feeding.
"Fresh water is available throughout the day and children are encouraged to remain hydrated.
“And the childminder demonstrated her knowledge and understanding of her role and responsibility to keep children safe.”
It was also noted that the childminder had “further developed” her safeguarding policy in line with the Scottish Government National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland.
Among areas of improvement the Care Inspectorate has requested that the provider develops her self evaluation, quality assurance processes and risk assessments.
They have also asked that the childminder “further develops” children’s personal plans and offer children opportunities to be more “creative and imaginative” with natural resources available to choose from.
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