SCMA childminders from the Braehead and Broomridge Childminding Group based in Stirling recently hosted a group session to have their say about proposed New National Care Standards. Joining the group was Henry Mathias, Strategic Lead for the Review of National Care Standards; Maggie Simpson, Chief Executive of SCMA; and Lynne Murray, SCMA Quality Improvement Officer.
Last year the Scottish Government announced a review of the National Care Standards. Subsequently The Care Inspectorate and Healthcare Improvement Scotland were tasked to lead a development group to co-produce these new standards working alongside people using services, providers and other agencies.
Commenting on the development of the New National Care Standards, Maggie Simpson, Chief Executive of SCMA said: “I am part of the development group responsible for the design and implementation of the standards. The first thing we did was agree a set of five overarching principles which are: Dignity and respect; Compassion; Be included; Responsive care and support; and Wellbeing.
“I am so pleased that the Braehead and Broomridge Childminding Group have now been involved with the development of the national standards. These will be common to all services and encompass values such as quality of interaction with staff; management and leadership, and quality assurance. Therefore it’s essential that childminders are included in their development and have a say as a specialist service that meets the needs of specific groups of people using care services in Scotland.”
New information materials have now been produced to help raise awareness of the New National Care Standards and all those involved in the sector are encouraged to share with their networks. To find out more visit http://www.newcarestandards.scot/.