Three Ayrshire childminders have been given the seal of approval – after impressing staff from the Care Inspectorate.
The scrutiny body visited the three registered childminders as part of routine inspections – and all three were given warm praise.
Carolyn Ross Childminding, based in Prestwick, was graded ‘excellent’ in two categories – the highest grade that can be given – and deemed ‘very good’ in two other categories.
The Care Inspectorate said: ”The childminder was skilled, knowledgeable and experienced. They placed children and their families at the heart of their work and were committed to continual improvement of the service.
“The childminder engaged with children in a warm, responsive and respectful manner that supported their self-esteem and confidence.”
The Care Inspectorate also noted that aspects of the childminder’s practice were “excellent”, delivering “positive, high quality experiences” for children in their care.
There was praise too for Caroline Lee Childminding, based in Ayr’s Kings Park Drive.
Her service was graded as ‘very good’ across two quality indicators and ‘good’ in two others.
“Children feel loved and secure as a result of their strong attachment with the childminder and the familiarity of daily and weekly routines," the Care Inspectorate said.
“The childminder effectively promotes healthy eating and good eating habits.”
The scrutiny body also said the childminder had a “very good knowledge” of child development and that children benefited from a “wide range of carefully planned and responsive play experiences”.
The report also said there were “significant strengths” in aspects of the care provided.
And the service provided by Maybole childminder Kelly Skilling was also placed in the spotlight.
Ms Skilling’s service was graded as ‘very good’ in one quality indicator and ‘good’ across three others.
According to the Care Inspectorate, their take-home messages were that children were cared for in a “bright, safe, warm and nurturing setting”; children had access to a designated playroom, in addition to other rooms in the home, and that children’s health and wellbeing needs were “effectively supported”.
An extract from the Care Inspectorate’s report said: “The childminder meaningfully praised and encouraged children and offered comfort and reassurance where needed. This helped to promote strong attachments with the childminder and helped children feel safe, secure and loved.
“The childminder used her very good understanding of child development to provide an effective range of planned and responsive play experiences. As a result, children were learning and developing through fun and stage appropriate experiences.”
The report adds: “The childminder’s home was bright, comfortable, well ventilated, and furnished to a good standard.”
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
