Rachel stays connected with William
Childminder, Rachel Adam, is making sure one of her four-year olds doesn’t miss out on his learning and other activities, while he’s at home during lockdown.
Rachel explains: “I’m only able to look after some of the children whose parents are key-workers at the moment. So, although William currently isn’t in my care, I wanted to make sure that he can still keep up with his learning while at home. Every fortnight, I put together a pack with various activities for him to do. He loves them and he’s doing a great job.”
Rachel keeps in regular contact and gets photographs from his parents showing William completing the activities. She links activities to his alphabet and numbers and other interests and things he likes to do. Rachel then awards certificates to mark his achievements.
Rachel said: “It’s more important than ever to stay connected during these unusual times. I didn’t want William to feel left out and miss things just because he wasn’t able to come and see me and the other children each day. It’s good for us all to stay in touch and let each other know what’s happening.”
Sandra Robinson, inspector said: “It is lovely to hear how Rachel is continuing to support the child and their family in an innovative way so that they continue to feel included, respected and valued.”
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A joint statement from the Care Inspectorate and the SCMA
The Care Inspectorate and the SCMA have issued a joint statement:
Following the UK Government announcements last week regarding some relaxations to lockdown restrictions in England (including in relation to childminding settings in England), we thought that we should clarify that the official position has not changed in Scotland. We would stress that –
- Current guidance on the closure of daycare services for children and childminding services in light of the COVID-19 restrictions published by the Scottish Government that took effect on 30 March 2020 remains in place. This advises that childminding settings can only be open to provide childcare for key workers and vulnerable children and that they cannot provide this childcare for more than two families (excluding their own families) at any one time
- Childminders are reminded that providing childcare for any other families at this time would be contrary to the restrictions which have been put in place to reduce the impact of the virus, keep children and families safe, and save lives. It is also the expectation of the Care Inspectorate that childminders should follow national guidance during this pandemic
- We are aware that childminders are continuing to receive increasing approaches from parents/carers as some employers return to work. However, until such time as the position in Scotland changes all childminders should comply with the national guidance.
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Statement on Home Farm Care Home, Skye.
- Press Release
A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said: “An inspection has identified serious and significant concerns about the quality of care experienced by residents at Home Farm Care Home in Skye.
“We understand this is a difficult and distressing time for residents, their loved ones and staff at the home.
“However, our first priority is always the health and wellbeing of residents.
"We have submitted an application to the sheriff court seeking cancellation of the care home’s registration.
"This could mean new care arrangements will be put in place for residents at Home Farm care home.
“We are working closely with partners including NHS Highland to ensure that residents experience appropriate care during this difficult time."
- Contact Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Notes to editors: an inspection report will be published in due course.
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Mandalas from the sky
Pupils at Camphill School, Aberdeen have been getting creative during lockdown and designing stunning mandalas (circular geometric patterns) in their grounds.
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Cornerstone - Growing Together
Cornerstone has come up with lots of ideas and activities to keep the people they support from home connected and busy during lockdown.
From learning a new sign each week using Makaton to online karaoke and bake-off competitions, there’s something for everyone. The charity, which provides support to children, young people and adults with disabilities and other support needs, is also finding ways to make sure that people can stay relaxed and feel safe in their homes during this difficult time.
Sharon Irvine said: “We have kick started our activities with a spring art competition and the chance of winning a £10 Amazon voucher! There will be more mini events after the success of our Easter Egg decorating competition which a lot of people we support had a good and creative time decorating their eggs. We have also sent out an exercise video made by the people who do these at our day activity group.”
This week’s ‘Marshmallow Challenge’ sounds a bit tricky! Participants must build the tallest, free-standing structure they can using only spaghetti, tape and string and try to balance a marshmallow on top.
Visit their facebook page to see what else they are up to.
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