Margaret Smart
Recorded Key Question grade range: 3 — Adequate View on Care Inspectorate
Key Question scores
Requirements & recommendations
1. By 26 September 2025, the childminder must ensure that each child’s needs are fully met. To do this, the childminder must, at a minimum: a) ensure each child has a detailed personal plan in place which includes an all about me section and accurate information relating to current health and wellbeing needs; b) ensure that each section of the personal plan is signed and dated by parents; c) ensure that all personal plans are reviewed at least every six months by parents. This is to comply with Regulation 5(2)(b) 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). To do this, the childminder must, at a minimum, ensure that: a) policies are developed in line with current guidance and best practice; b) appropriate forms are developed to record accidents and incidents that will be shared with parents; c) paperwork is developed to support the safe management of medication; d) children and parents are included in the self-evaluation of the service to support improvement. This is to comply with Regulation 4(1)(a) of The Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Services) Regulation 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: ‘I experience high quality care and support based on relevant evidence, guidance and best practice’ (HS1. By 31 October 2025, the childminder must ensure that they assess and review possible risks within all environments of their home. To do this, the childminder must, at a minimum, ensure that: a) risk assessments are developed for all rooms and outdoor areas within their home that children access; b) the front door is locked and secure while caring for children; c) children are kept safe from pets while in the care of the childminder. This is to comply with Regulation 4(1)(a) of The Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Services) Regulation 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 environment is secure and safe’ (HSCS 5.19).
2. By 17 October 2025, the childminder must ensure that appropriate and effective infection prevention and control measures are put in place. To do this, the childminder must, at a minimum, ensure that: a) the environments that the children have access to are de-cluttered to allow appropriate cleaning to be carried out and surfaces to be wiped down; b) the kitchen area is cleaned and de-cluttered to support the safe preparation of children’s snacks; c) infection control measures are followed during personal care, which includes nappy changing; d) handwashing takes place at appropriate times by children and the childminder. This is to comply with Regulation 4(1)(a) and (d) of The Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Services) Regulation 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: 'I experie
1. To support children to reach their full potential through quality play and learning experiences, the childminder should review the resources available for children to access. This should include, but is not limited to ensuring resources are age and stage appropriate, support children’s interests and are easily accessible to children. This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS) which state that: ‘As a child, I have fun as I develop my skills in understanding, thinking, investigation and problem solving, including through imaginative play and storytelling’ (HSCS 1.30).
1. To keep children safe from harm and improve outcomes for children, the childminder should complete training to develop their skills, knowledge, and practice. This training should include, but is not limited to first aid, child protection and food hygiene. 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 professional and organisational codes’ (HSCS 3.14).