A CHILDMINDING business which “took a genuine interest” in the youngsters has received a glowing report from a national body.

An unannounced inspection was carried out at Lullaby Childminding in Gullane earlier this year.

Inspectors from the Care Inspectorate have now released their report and rated the business as either ‘good’ or ‘very good’ across the four criteria.

The childminding service is provided from a home in the village and caters for up to eight children under the age of 16.

Inspectors spoke to children using the service, the childminder and their assistant, and observed practice and daily routines.

Feedback from four families using the service was taken into account.

Inspectors rated the setting as ‘very good’ and awarded a rating of ‘good’ in the remaining three categories: How good is our care, play and learning? How good is our leadership? And How good is our staff team?

Five key messages were outlined in the report, including that the childminders provided “a homely environment where children in their care were nurtured and supported”.

Children were supported to be “creative and curious” as the childminders “provided an interesting range of experiences and resources”.

The report reads: “Children were cared for by the childminders who valued and respected their family views. The childminders and their assistant should continue with ongoing professional development and develop their knowledge of best practice guidance to support their practice and provide positive outcomes for children.”

The nine-page report is available on the Care Inspectorate’s website.

Under nurturing care and support, the inspector highlights strengths of the business.

The report reads: “Children were happy, nurtured, and confident in the care of the childminders, who clearly had children’s best interests at the heart of the service.

“The childminders knew the children well and took a genuine interest in them as individuals.”

The business was also praised for its setting, including quiet space for children to play.

The report reads: “Children were encouraged to take ownership of the playroom by getting involved in redecorating the space and choosing displays. The childminder showed respect for the children by involving them in making decisions about the purchase of new toys and resources.

“The playroom was stimulating with nice range of displays, children’s work and print.”