A HELENSBURGH childminder has been given a “very concerning” first inspection report by regulators.

Aiste Gvildyte Child Minding only started work in September 2021 but the first unannounced checks by the Care Inspectorate rated the service “unsatisfactory” or “weak” - the lowest ratings.

They said there were “significant weaknesses” that overwhelmed any strengths.

The service was registered to operate from Ms Gvildyte’s own home in the town, but inspectors found she was operating from another property.

She hadn’t told the Care Inspectorate – and that contributed to the their analysis of how good the care was.

Inspectors said the five children on their two visits were “treated with warmth, care and affection”, and added: “We were not concerned about the childminder’s relationship with the minded children.

“The children were relaxed, happy and enjoyed spending time with the childminder and playing together.”

But improvements were ordered by next week in the public report.

The requirements include complying with fire safety legislation, that new premises are decorated, and that a valid certificate of public liability is in place.

The business’s premises and leadership were both branded “unsatisfactory”.

Inspectors spoke to three children and three members of their family, as well as observing how the childminder did her job.

They said the setting was “unsatisfactory” and that they were “very concerned” that a property was being used that hadn’t been assessed by the Care Inspectorate.

They said it did “not provide a safe environment for children” and the childminder agreed to return to her registered address until the new site was fully checked.

They had told the childminder that no other premises could be used without approval.

But the report states: “The childminder did not follow this advice or the instructions given to submit a variation prior to moving the childminder service to the new address. We discussed the implications for the safety of children with the childminder and it was stressed that the childminder must ensure compliance with relevant legislation and Care Inspectorate notifications procedures for registered services at all times.”

They added: “We accepted that the childminder was very keen to remedy the situation and showed a willingness to meet our requirements promptly.”

Ms Gvildyte’s service has a focus on outdoor activities, but inspectors said at times children were outside too long, “up to six or seven hours” a day.

Inspectors said: “The childminder discussed the individual needs of the children with the parents on a regular basis.

“Parents enjoyed seeing photos of how their children were spending their time with the childminder through social media messaging.

“This reassured them that their children were having a good time and included them in their children’s day.

“This approach helped to support effective communication and consistency and continuity of care.

“Parents told us, ‘I’m really happy with the childminder, who keeps me up to date throughout the day on what they are up to and gives me a run down at pick up’ and ‘the childminder always lets us know the plan for the day too, which is lovely’.”

A complaint had been investigated last year, said the report, and changes made to ensure children were safe and protected.

Ms Gvildyte has been approached for comment.