A childminding service put children's "health, safety and welfare" at risk, according to watchdogs, who highlighted a range of issues, including an explicit poster a range of troubling factors, including an explicit poster hanging in the kitchen.

Elise Easton's service in Dunfermline been rated "unsatisfactory" in all areas following a short notice inspection carried out on October 23.

The inspection examined play and learning, setting, leadership and staff team through the visit, and awarded the service the lowest possible rating in each. 

The service provides care for young children under 16, with a maximum of six children at a time. 

Inspectors revealed in the report that they were "very concerned about the quality of children's care, play and learning experiences and found that their health, safety and welfare had been compromised as a result."

Issues such as bad hygiene practices, cramped conditions, poor learning opportunities, questionable nutrition, a lack of knowledge and skills, and little understanding of child safety were all raised in the inspection report.

Explicit language unsuitable for children was also found on a poster located in the kitchen, which have since been removed as part of the inspection process. 

The report highlighted the lack of a personal plan for each child which in turn jeopardises their learning experiences and personal choice.

There was "limited space" for children to play and to also explore their own ideas, resulting in "poor-quality learning."

It was revealed through the report that when taking children out in community for trips, the childminder did not have each child's registration with them in order to contact their parent or guardian in the event of an emergency.

The report also found that meals were neither nutritious nor always aligned with dietary guidelines, and sleep arrangements did not follow safe sleeping practices, as children slept in their buggies during nap times.

In the environment and facilities category, inspectors found hygiene practices were insufficient, with ineffective handwashing routines and unsafe handling of equipment such as dummies.

The physical environment was described as lacking sufficient space and resources, with a 'cramped' playroom.

The leadership and quality assurance category found that the childminder had "poor professional knowledge and limited skills" and a limited understanding of how to identify potential risks for children.

Relevant safety checks for household members that are required for child protection purposes were also left incomplete.

The report also found that ways for feedback from families was limited, and there were no effective systems for evaluating or improving service quality.

The inspection outlined several mandatory actions for the childminder to follow, including the establishment of personal plans within 28 days of a child’s enrolment.

Me Easton, who was first registered as a childminder in 2002, has previously had inspections which have resulted in an over all Good or Very Good rating, including her last report which was done in 2016.