Elizabeth Cooper
Recorded Key Question grade range: 3–4 — Adequate View on Care Inspectorate
Key Question scores
Requirements & recommendations
1. By 1 October 2025, the childminder must ensure that personal plans are in place for all children attending the service. These plans must: Be developed in partnership with children and their families. Clearly set out how the childminder will meet each child’s health, welfare, and safety needs. Reflect the child’s individual interests, routines, and any identified support needs. Be reviewed at least once every six months, or sooner if there are significant changes. This is to comply with Regulation 5(1) of The Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Services) Regulations 2011 (SSI 2011/210). This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS) which state that: 'My personal plan (sometimes referred to as a care plan) is right for me because it sets out how my needs will be met, as well as my wishes and choices (HSCS 1.15); and 'My needs, as agr2. By 1 October 2025, the childminder must ensure that safe and effective systems are in place for the administration of medication. This must include: Clear written consent from parents or carers for each medication to be administered. Accurate records of all medication administered, including the time, dosage, and reason. Individual protocols for children with specific medical needs, such as allergies, to ensure staff are fully informed and prepared. Regular review of medication records and procedures to ensure they remain current and effective. This is to comply with Regulation 4(1)(a) of The Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Services) Regulations 2011 (SSI 2011/210). This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS) which state that: 'Any treatment or intervention that I experience is safe and effective' (HSCS 1.24); and 'I experience hi
1. To support continuous improvement and ensure high-quality outcomes for children, the childminder should develop and implement effective systems for quality assurance and self-evaluation. This should include: Regular reflection on practice using recognised frameworks such as 'A Quality Framework for Daycare of Children, Childminding and School-Aged Childcare.' Meaningful involvement of children and families in evaluating the service, with feedback used to inform planning and improvements. Clear records of self-evaluation activities and any actions taken as a result, demonstrating how changes have led to improved experiences and outcomes for children. This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS) which state that: 'I benefit from a culture of continuous improvement, with the organisation having robust and transparent quality assurance processes' (HSCS 4.19); and 'I experience high quality care and support based1. To enhance the quality of care and support provided, the childminder should further develop reflective practice and engage in ongoing professional learning. This should include: Regular reflection on experiences and interactions with children to identify what is working well and where improvements can be made. Keeping a record of learning and development, including training attended and how it has influenced practice. Using recognised guidance and frameworks to support reflection, such as 'Realising the Ambition' and 'My Childminding Journey.' Identifying and accessing relevant training opportunities to strengthen knowledge in key areas, including safeguarding, child development, and emotional wellbeing. This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS) which state that: 'I have confidence in people because they are trained, competent and skilled, are able to reflect on their practice and follow their profes