A Stirling childminder has been ordered to improve after a surprise inspection found ‘significant weaknesses’ that compromised the safety of children in her care.
Jacyln Gray’s service, Jacyln’s Childminding, was rated as ‘weak’ for care, play and learning and setting by the Care Inspectorate.
The watchdog also rated leadership and staff team as ‘adequate’ following a visit to her home in St Ninians on May 1 and 2 2025.
She has been ordered to “ensure all children’s care and wellbeing needs are fully considered and planned for” by July 31.
She must also ensure the children’s environment is safe and well-maintained, improvement plans are in place, and children are “effectively supervised at all times”.
Despite being ordered to make improvements, it was noted that children “experienced warm, caring interactions” and most “were happy and engaged in their play”.
Care Inspectorate visit Jacyln’s Childminding
During the visit, Jaclyn Gray’s practice was found to “not effectively” prevent the risk of choking.
The seating position and preparation of food were described as “not always safe” and a child was seen to be choking on a “few occasions” during the visit.
Poor sleep arrangements were also found to compromise the safety, emotional security and wellbeing of the children.
The report said children “mostly slept in prams outside and were not closely supervised”.
Experiences were ‘not always developmentally appropriate’
Ineffective risk assessments also resulted in car seat belts not being “adequately checked”.
Ms Gray did not notice that one child did not have their seat belt fastened but took “prompt action” when this was highlighted by the inspector.
A television programme being watched by school-aged children contained scenes that were inappropriate for the other children in Ms Gray’s care.
The report read: “The programme selected by the children contained scenes that were not appropriate for younger children who were also in the space.
“One child commented, ‘we are just watching death’.
“The childminders failed to respond to this or identify the distress this could have caused children.
“This experience had the potential to negatively impact on children’s wellbeing.”
Other findings of the report included personal protective equipment (PPE) used during nappy changing not being fit for purpose.
Hand washing procedures were also described as “not safe”.
While safeguarding procedures were understood, personal plans were not in place for all children, nor regularly reviewed.
The childminder and the assistant were found to have a “positive working relationship which created a positive ethos”.
But they did not always communicate well to ensure children were effectively supervised.
Improvements required for Stirling childminder
When approached by The Courier, Ms Gray declined to comment and claimed she had complained to the Care Inspectorate.
A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said: “A concern was brought to us and was assessed and responded to according to our procedures.”
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