An Ayrshire childminder is celebrating a positive first review from the Care Inspectorate.
Erin Somerville Childminding, based in Ayr, was graded ‘very good’ and ‘good’ across four quality indicators.
And the care provided by Ms Somerville was described as “warm, caring, nurturing and kind.”
A two-day unannounced inspection of the service took place in December with the results published this week.
According to the Care Inspectorate the childminder provided a “flexible service” to “meet the needs of children and families,” children engaged in play activities “of their choice,” the childminder was “committed” to supporting children in a warm and caring environment and the kids were “at the heart of the service” and were cared for by a childminder who “knew them and their families well.”
Leadership was described as ‘very good’ while care, play, learning, setting and quality of the team were all rated ‘good.’
An extract from the Care Inspectorate report said: “This was the service’s first inspection. We observed some very good, at times innovative, practice that required some time to embed and continue to be developed further.
“All interactions with children were warm, caring, nurturing and kind.
“The childminder understood the needs of children, they were supported well in what they were doing.
“Children, therefore, felt secure and safe in the care of the childminder. Children benefited from their time there which resulted in positive outcomes for their wellbeing and development.”
The childminder had also developed “personal plans” for each child.
One parent told the Care Inspectorate: “Erin has regularly reviewed my child’s personal plan and we are able to communicate either at drop off or pick up or by telephone if there are any changes to his plan. Erin keeps regular communication with us via WhatsApp.”
In addition, children had access to a variety of toys that they could self-select to “promote different play experiences.”
The report goes on: “What was available met children’s needs, stage of development and interests. The childminder understood the needs of children in their care, they were responsive to and supported children’s choices from the resources available to them.
“This child centred approach meant children could influence their play and develop activities as they wanted.”
And the Care Inspectorate were “satisfied” that the service had “appropriate infection control procedures” in place to support a safe environment for children.
The report adds: “These included supporting children with hand washing, cleaning and use of protective equipment when changing children.”
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
