Click on a statement to see more information about providing a high quality childminding service which provides the best possible outcomes for children. Each statement also contains drop down lists for the Wellbeing Indicators, Health and Social Care Standards and the SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers where relevant. These will help you to see the connections between what you do and these indicators of best practice.
MY SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
I know and understand the principles of Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) and what this means for my own practice, networks and support.
You are an important part of the team around the child. Having a good understanding of the principles of Getting it Right for Every Child will help you to plan to meet their needs.
http://www.gov.scot/Topics/People/Young-People/gettingitright/what-is-girfec
Think about…
• how well you understand the unique needs of every child in your care and how you use this knowledge to support them
• the methods you can use to consider a child’s wellbeing
• your role in working together with other services in the best interest of the child.
• Who else might be involved and how you can contact them if needed.
Wellbeing Indicators
Health and Social Care Standards
3.21 I am protected from harm because people are alert and respond to signs of significant deterioration in my health and wellbeing, that I may be unhappy or may at risk of harm
3.22 I am listened to and taken seriously if I have a concern about the protection and safety of myself or others, with appropriate assessments and referrals made
4.11 I experience high quality care and support based on relevant evidence, guidance and best practice
4.18 I benefit from different organisations working together and sharing information about me promptly where appropriate, and I understand how my privacy and confidentiality are respected
4.27 I experience high quality care and support because people have the necessary information and resources
I know and understand the wellbeing indicators (SHANARRI) and how I can use these to assess, plan and reflect on the care I provide to ensure positive outcomes for children
http://www.gov.scot/Topics/People/Young-People/gettingitright/wellbeing
Think about…
• the eight wellbeing indicators and how you use these to promote children’s health, assess a child or young person’s overall wellbeing and identify any concerns.
• The range of experiences you provide and how these support the wellbeing of children
Wellbeing Indicators
Health and Social Care Standards
4.11 I experience high quality care and support based on relevant evidence, guidance and best practice
I know and understand my role in providing high quality early learning and childcare
Think about…
• your knowledge of child development and how you apply this to your practice
• the content of the Health and Social Care Standards and how you demonstrate you are meeting these.
• sources of support or training to enable you to develop your knowledge and skills
• examples of best practice and how you could use these to influence your practice
Care Inspectorate Hub
SSSC Learning Zone
Education Scotland National Improvement Hub
Wellbeing Indicators
Health and Social Care Standards
1.2 My human rights are protected and promoted and I experience no discrimination
1.4 If I require intimate personal care, this is carried out in a dignified way, with my privacy and personal preferences respected
1.6 I get the most out of life because the people and organisation who support and care for me have an enabling attitude and believe in my potential
1.27 I am supported to achieve my potential in education and employment if this is right for me
1.30 As a child, I have fun as I develop my skills in understanding, thinking, investigation and problem solving, including through imaginative play and storytelling
1.31 As a child, my social and physical skills, confidence, self-esteem and creativity are developed through a balance of organised and freely chosen extended play, including using open ended and natural materials
1.32 As a child, I play outdoors every day and regularly explore a natural environment
3.1 I experience people speaking and listening to me in a way that is courteous and respectful, with my care and support being the main focus of people’s attention
3.13 I am treated as an individual by people who respect my needs, choices and wishes, and anyone making a decision about my future care and support knows me
3.14 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
4.11 I experience high quality care and support based on relevant evidence, guidance and best practice
4.14 My care and support is provided in a planned and safe way, including if there is an emergency or unexpected event
SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers
1.1 I will treat each person as an individual
1.3 I will support the rights of people who use services to control their lives and make informed choices about the services they use
3.1 I will promote the independence of people who use services and empower them to understand and exercise their rights
4.1 I will recognise that people who use services have the right to take risks and support them to work positively with potential and actual risks to themselves or others
I know and understand the importance of building relationships with the children in my care, and the skills I need to do this
Think about…
• why it is important to build positive relationships with children and how these relationships can enhance their development
• the skills you will need to develop relationships
• how these skills assist in positive outcomes for children
Wellbeing Indicators
Health and Social Care Standards
3.3 I have agreed clear expectations with people about how we behave towards each other, and these are respected
3.5 As a child or young person, I am helped to develop a positive view of myself and to form and sustain trusting and secure relationships
3.6 I feel at ease because I am greeted warmly by people and they introduce themselves
3.7 I experience a warm atmosphere because people have good working relationships
3.8 I can build a trusting relationship with the person supporting and caring for me
3.9 I experience warmth, kindness and compassion in how I am supported and cared for, including physical comfort when appropriate for me and the person supporting and caring for me
3.10 As a child or young person, I feel valued, loved and secure
3.11 I know who provides my care and support on a day to day basis and what they are expected to do. If possible, I can have a say on who provides my care and support
3.12 I can understand the people who support and care for me when they communicate with me
3.13 I am treated as an individual by people who respect my needs, choices and wishes, and anyone making a decision about my future care and support knows me
SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers
2.2 I will communicate in an appropriate, open, accurate and straightforward way
2.4 I will be reliable and dependable
2.5 I will honour work commitments, agreements and arrangements and, when it is not possible to do so, explain why to people who use services, carers and my employer
SUPPORTING PLAY
I know and understand childminding is a unique service providing a home from home environment
Think about…
• what ‘home from home’ means to you and how you create this environment?
• how this environment can help create positive outcomes for children
Wellbeing Indicators
Health and Social Care Standards
1.19 My care and support meets my needs and is right for me
1.20 I am in the right place to experience the care and support I need and want
1.23 My needs, as agreed in my personal plan, are fully met, and my wishes and choices are respected
2.27 As a child, I can direct my own play and activities in the way that I choose, and freely access a wide range of experiences and resources suitable for my age and stage, which stimulate my natural curiosity, learning and creativity
3.5 As a child or young person, I am helped to develop a positive view of myself and to form and sustain trusting and secure relationships
3.6 I feel at ease because I am greeted warmly by people and they introduce themselves
3.7 I experience a warm atmosphere because people have good working relationships
3.8 I can build a trusting relationship with the person supporting and caring for me
3.9 I experience warmth, kindness and compassion in how I am supported and cared for, including physical comfort when appropriate for me and the person supporting and caring for me
3.10 As a child or young person, I feel valued, loved and secure
3.12 I can understand the people who support and care for me when they communicate with me
3.16 People have time to support and care for me and to speak with me
5.5 I experience a service that is the right size for me
5.6 If I experience care and support in a group, I experience a homely environment and can use a comfortable area with soft furnishings to relax
SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers
1.1 I will treat each person as an individual
2.1 I will be truthful, open, honest and trustworthy
2.4 I will be reliable and dependable
2.5 I will honour work commitments, agreements and arrangements and, when it is not possible to do so, explain why to people who use services, carers and my employer
I know and understand the importance of child led play in a child’s development and my role in facilitating this
For further information have a look at
http://www.playscotland.org/what-is-play-playwork/what-is-play/ and http://www.playscotland.org/wp-content/uploads/assets/Power-of-Play.pdf
Think about…
• the opportunities you provide which enable children to create their own play experiences and how often these are available
• when it may be appropriate for you to intervene in play and when it may not be
Wellbeing Indicators
Health and Social Care Standards
1.31 As a child, my social and physical skills, confidence, self-esteem and creativity are developed through a balance of organised and freely chosen extended play, including using open ended and natural materials
1.32 As a child, I play outdoors every day and regularly explore a natural environment
2.22 I can maintain and develop my interests, activities and what matters to me in the way that I like
2.24 I make informed choices and decisions about the risks I take in my daily life and am encouraged to take positive risks which enhance the quality of my life
2.27 As a child, I can direct my own play and activities in the way that I choose, and freely access a wide range of experiences and resources suitable for my age and stage, which stimulate my natural curiosity, learning and creativity
SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers
4.1 I will recognise that people who use services have the right to take risks and support them to work positively with potential and actual risks to themselves or others
4.2 I will follow risk assessment policies and procedures to assess whether the behaviour of people who use services presents a risk of harm to themselves or others
SUPPORTING WELLBEING
I know and understand some of the children in my care may have additional support needs and how to find out more information about the help and support they may need.
There are a variety of specialist organisations and professionals who can support you in finding out more about a particular need or condition. These may include Health Visitors, NHS Allied Health Professionals, or national organisations and charities. It is essential to discuss any support you are seeking about a particular child with the parents/carer beforehand.
Enquire is the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning. http://enquire.org.uk/
You can find out more about Allied Health Professionals at http://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/education-and-training/by-discipline/allied-health-professions.aspx
Think about…
• the support which may already be in place for the child or family and how you ensure you are aware of this
• the need to be aware of confidentiality and consent if you access help and support.
• How your knowledge and understanding of additional support needs can help you to provide the best possible care for the children
Wellbeing Indicators
Health and Social Care Standards
1.12 I am fully involved in assessing my emotional, psychological, social and physical needs at an early stage, regularly and when my needs change
1.13 I am assessed by a qualified person, who involves other people and professionals as required
1.14 My future care and support needs are anticipated as part of my assessment
1.15 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
1.19 My care and support meets my needs and is right for me
1.20 I am in the right place to experience the care and support I need and want
1.23 My needs, as agreed in my personal plan, are fully met, and my wishes and choices are respected
3.4 I am confident that the right people are fully informed about my past, including my health and care experience, and any impact this has on me
3.16 People have time to support and care for me and to speak with me
3.19 My care and support is consistent and stable because people work together well
SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers
1.1 I will treat each person as an individual
2.3 I will respect confidential information and clearly explain my employer’s policies about confidentiality to people who use services and carers
I know and understand the potential reasons for some of the behaviours children may display and how I can support this
Enabling and supporting children to manage their own behaviour within a social setting is an important aspect of their social and emotional development.
Think about…
• your own expectations of behaviour, and how these may differ from others
• the range of strategies you can use to promote behaviour
• how the children use the play space and the behaviours they display whilst playing
• the individual needs of the children and how you support their behaviour
• the home environment of the children and how this may differ from your own
Wellbeing Indicators
Health and Social Care Standards
2.19 I am encouraged and supported to make and keep friendships, including with people my own age
2.25 I am helped to understand the impact and consequences of risky and unsafe behaviour and decisions
3.3 I have agreed clear expectations with people about how we behave towards each other, and these are respected
3.5 As a child or young person, I am helped to develop a positive view of myself and to form and sustain trusting and secure relationships
SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers
1.1 I will treat each person as an individual
1.5 I will work in a way that promotes diversity and respects different cultures and values
I know and understand signs and indicators of possible abuse
Think about…
• the physical, behavioural or emotional signs that would give you cause for concern
• how and when you would respond to these
• the support available to you
Wellbeing Indicators
Health and Social Care Standards
3.21 I am protected from harm because people are alert and respond to signs of significant deterioration in my health and wellbeing, that I may be unhappy or may at risk of harm
3.22 I am listened to and taken seriously if I have a concern about the protection and safety of myself or others, with appropriate assessments and referrals made
3.24 If I might harm myself or others, I know that people have a duty to protect me and others, which may involve contacting relevant agencies
I know and understand my role and responsibilities in relation to responding to possible child abuse or safeguarding issues
Think about…
• how you decide when you need to update your training
• how you reflect on any training to ensure your knowledge and practice is up to date.
• how you update your child protection policy to ensure everyone concerned is clear about your role and responsibilities
Records a childminding service must keep and guidance on notification reporting can be found here
Wellbeing Indicators
Health and Social Care Standards
3.21 I am protected from harm because people are alert and respond to signs of significant deterioration in my health and wellbeing, that I may be unhappy or may at risk of harm
3.22 I am listened to and taken seriously if I have a concern about the protection and safety of myself or others, with appropriate assessments and referrals made
3.23 If I go missing, people take urgent action, including looking for me and liaising with the police, other agencies and people who are important to me
3.24 If I might harm myself or others, I know that people have a duty to protect me and others, which may involve contacting relevant agencies
3.25 I am helped to feel safe and secure in my local community
SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers
2.3 I will respect confidential information and clearly explain my employer’s policies about confidentiality to people who use services and carers
3.2 I will use established processes and procedures to report allegations of harm and challenge and report exploitation and any dangerous, abusive or discriminatory behaviour or practice
3.6 I will be open and honest with my employer, people who use services and carers when care has or may have caused physical, emotional, financial or material harm or loss
3.7 I will cooperate with any investigations by my employer, the SSSC or another authority into my fitness to practise or the fitness to practise of others. This may include attending hearings and providing witness statements, documents or other information
I know and understand the nutritional guidance to ensure and meals and snacks I may provide for children are healthy and promote wellbeing.
Think about…
• the benefits of involving children in growing, preparing and eating healthy meals and snacks
• how you can incorporate some of these activities into your daily practice
• the potential social benefits of adults and children sharing meal and snack times.
Wellbeing Indicators
Health and Social Care Standards
1.34 If I need help with eating and drinking, this is carried out in a dignified way and my personal preferences are respected
1.35 I can enjoy unhurried snack and meal times in as relaxed an atmosphere as possible
1.36 If I wish, I can share snacks and meals alongside other people using and working in the service if appropriate
1.37 My meals and snacks meet my cultural and dietary needs, beliefs and preferences
1.38 If appropriate, I can choose to make my own meals, snacks and drinks, with support if I need it, and can choose to grow, cook and eat my own food where possible
1.39 I can drink fresh water at all times
SUPPORTING DEVELOPMENT
I know and understand the types of environments which support high quality early learning and childcare
Think about…
• how your personal skills and qualities help you create a suitable environment for children to play, learn and develop.
• the range of resources available for the children which can be used to support development and learning. Are they stimulating, adaptable, flexible? How can these resources be used by the children creatively? Consider the old adage that children will play more with the box the Christmas present came in than the toy itself.
• the environments you provide and if they promote the independence of children and young people
• how you regularly observe the children in their play and how you adapt the play spaces in response
Wellbeing Indicators
Health and Social Care Standards
1.26 I can choose to spend time alone
1.30 As a child, I have fun as I develop my skills in understanding, thinking, investigation and problem solving, including through imaginative play and storytelling
1.31 As a child, my social and physical skills, confidence, self-esteem and creativity are developed through a balance of organised and freely chosen extended play, including using open ended and natural materials
1.32 As a child, I play outdoors every day and regularly explore a natural environment
2.8 I am supported to communicate in a way that is right for me, at my own pace, by people who are sensitive to me and my needs.
2.15 I am enabled to resolve conflict, agree rules and build positive relationships with other people as much as I can
2.21 I take part in daily routines, such as setting up activities and mealtimes, if this is what I want
2.22 I can maintain and develop my interests, activities and what matters to me in the way that I like
2.24 I make informed choices and decisions about the risks I take in my daily life and am encouraged to take positive risks which enhance the quality of my life
2.27 As a child, I can direct my own play and activities in the way that I choose, and freely access a wide range of experiences and resources suitable for my age and stage, which stimulate my natural curiosity, learning and creativity
5.17 My environment is secure and safe
5.18 My environment is relaxed, welcoming peaceful and free from avoidable and intrusive noise and smells
5.19 My environment has plenty of natural light and fresh air, and the lighting, ventilation and heating can be adjusted to meet my needs and wishes
5.20 I have enough physical space to meet my needs and wishes
5.21 I am able to access a range of good quality equipment and furnishings to meet my needs, wishes and choices
5.22 I experience an environment that is well looked after with clean, tidy and well maintained premises, furnishings and equipment
SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers
1.3 I will support the rights of people who use services to control their lives and make informed choices about the services they use
1.5 I will work in a way that promotes diversity and respects different cultures and values
3.1 I will promote the independence of people who use services and empower them to understand and exercise their rights
3.10 I will recognise and use responsibly the power and authority I have when working with people who use services and carers
4.1 I will recognise that people who use services have the right to take risks and support them to work positively with potential and actual risks to themselves or others
6.1 I will meet relevant standards of practice and work in a lawful, safe and effective way
I know and understand attachments that children have to key people in their lives and how to support these especially during transitions
https://education.gov.scot/improvement/Pages/elc1buildingtheambition.aspx
Think about…
• why attachments are important to children’s development
• what skills you have to help support children though transitions (including drop off at home/nursery)
Wellbeing Indicators
Health and Social Care Standards
1.19 My care and support meets my needs and is right for me
1.23 My needs, as agreed in my personal plan, are fully met, and my wishes and choices are respected
2.18 I am supported to manage my relationships with my family, friends or partner in a way that suits my wellbeing
3.6 I feel at ease because I am greeted warmly by people and they introduce themselves
3.7 I experience a warm atmosphere because people have good working relationships
3.8 I can build a trusting relationship with the person supporting and caring for me
3.9 I experience warmth, kindness and compassion in how I am supported and cared for, including physical comfort when appropriate for me and the person supporting and caring for me
3.10 As a child or young person, I feel valued, loved and secure
3.11 I know who provides my care and support on a day to day basis and what they are expected to do. If possible, I can have a say on who provides my care and support
3.18 I am supported and cared for sensitively by people who anticipate issues and are aware of and plan for any known vulnerability or frailty
3.19 My care and support is consistent and stable because people work together well
SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers
1.1 I will treat each person as an individual
I know and understand the stages of child development and how to take account of these when planning for positive outcomes for children
Think about…
• the play spaces, resources and activities you provide for the children and how they reflect the different stages of development.
• how you ensure you change and adapt the play spaces, resources and activities to meet the needs of individual children you care for.
• the national guidance available to you to assist you in planning for the different stages of development
Wellbeing Indicators
Health and Social Care Standards
1.15 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
1.19 My care and support meets my needs and is right for me
1.25 I can choose to have an active life and participate in a range of recreational, social, creative, physical and learning activities every day, both indoors and outdoors
1.30 As a child, I have fun as I develop my skills in understanding, thinking, investigation and problem solving, including through imaginative play and storytelling
1.31 As a child, my social and physical skills, confidence, self-esteem and creativity are developed through a balance of organised and freely chosen extended play, including using open ended and natural materials
1.32 As a child, I play outdoors every day and regularly explore a natural environment
2.22 I can maintain and develop my interests, activities and what matters to me in the way that I like
2.27 As a child, I can direct my own play and activities in the way that I choose, and freely access a wide range of experiences and resources suitable for my age and stage, which stimulate my natural curiosity, learning and creativity
SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers
1.1 I will treat each person as an individual
I know and understand how to observe and assess children’s development and how to share progress with parents and carers
Think about…
• how you will use this information to develop a personal plan
• the different methods of observation and how to use these effectively to monitor learning and development
• the consent you might require from parents and carers
• the methods of recording and sharing information appropriately with parents and carers.
• How you will record this information
• How you will involve parents/carers and children in sharing this information
Wellbeing Indicators
Health and Social Care Standards
1.14 My future care and support needs are anticipated as part of my assessment
1.15 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
2.17 I am fully involved in developing and reviewing my personal plan, which is always available to me
2.22 I can maintain and develop my interests, activities and what matters to me in a way that I like
2.27 As a child, I can direct my own play and activities in the way that I choose, and freely access a wide range of experiences and resources suitable for my age and stage, which stimulate my natural curiosity, learning and creativity
3.18 I am supported and cared for sensitively by people who anticipate issues and are aware of and plan for any known vulnerability or frailty
SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers
1.3 I will support the rights of people who use services to control their lives and make informed choices about the services they use
2.2 I will communicate in an appropriate, open, accurate and straightforward way