Inspection Insights

The Care Inspectorate inspect childminders using the eight wellbeing indicators within the Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) framework. 

This course is designed to help you understand the importance of the self-assessment process and how to keep yourself prepared for inspection by continually updating the information you provide. It aims to familiarise childminders with the process of self-assessment, the inspection methodology and the types of evidence required.

This course aims to give childminders the support needed to:

• Monitor the quality of care you give children.
  
• Confirm good practice and identify poor practice to make sure this improves.
  
• Provide information about the quality of care to the public.

Key learning during this course includes understanding and explaining:

1. The role and functions of the Care Inspectorate.
   
2. The legal requirements you must follow as a childminder.
   
3. The National Health and Social Care Standards and what you do to ensure you meet these.
   
4. What policies and procedures you must have available as a childminder.
   
5. How to keep up to date with changes in legislation and keep information related to this up to date.
   
6. The evidence to be provided for Inspectors and how this informs the grading process.
   
7. How to involve children and parents/carers in the self-evaluation/self-assessment of a childminding service.

Course outcomes:

When you have completed this course, your core knowledge and understanding will include:

1. The role and range of quality assurance systems for Early Learning and Childcare services.
   
2. Key roles and responsibilities in relation to delivering quality assurance systems and resources that may be necessary to implement such a system.
   
3. Key policies, practices and procedures which will ensure a quality childcare service and meet the requirements of quality assurance systems.
   
4. Why it is important to have a timed plan for reviewing quality assurance and implementing any changes.
   
5. Roles and functions of the Care Inspectorate and the Care Inspectorate Self-Assessment process.
   
6. Relevant Scottish Government legislation, frameworks and guidance in relation to Early Learning and Childcare.