Tuesday March 10th 2026
Russian dolls are used as part of the service
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Families ‘couldn’t expect more care or love’ from a Kelso childminder, a glowing new inspection report reveals.
Paula Paxton runs a service from her home in the town and is registered to provide care to a maximum of six children under 16 years.
Children have access to a wooden cabin within the garden area which includes access to a toilet.
The garden is directly off the cabin, allowing children access to play outdoors as they wished. The childminder’s home is near local amenities, including schools, shops and parks.
Two inspectors from the Care Inspectorate paid an unannounced visit to the service last month.
It was found that children experienced “warm, nurturing and respectful care” that helped them feel “safe, valued and emotionally secure”.
Children were learning from having a variety of engaging, well planned experiences, including links within the community.
And positive relationships with families were supported through good communication.
The service was rated ‘very good’ in three categories – leadership, how children play and learn and supporting children to achieve.
The report states: “Resources were clean, safe, and in good condition. Children were consulted about what they wanted and could request alternatives freely.
“The childminder carefully planned experiences based on children’s individual interests. For example, engagement over a long period of time with Russian dolls had been extended through themed sets linked to seasons and holidays.
“This maintained children’s interest while increasing variety and supporting their understanding of change over time.
“Families described highly positive experiences, stating, ‘kids always receive love and thrive in her care’, and ‘we couldn’t expect any more care or love’.”
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