Aberdeen private school to close amid child safety fears

The private school and nursery, which has been the subject of an investigation by Education Scotland, will not reopen on Monday.

The Care Inspectorate had issued an improvement notice to the Hamilton School following an inspection in conjunction with Education Scotland.

However, the Registrar of Independent Schools has now said the school will not now re-open on Monday.

A Scottish government letter to parents read: “It is with regret that we must inform you that HM Inspectors have concluded that they are not confident that children attending The Hamilton School are safe and well cared for.

“Scottish ministers have considered the information provided by the Education Scotland inspection and concluded that, as the welfare of pupils is not being adequately safeguarded and efficient and suitable instruction is not being provided, the school should be removed from the Register of Independent Schools.

“The proprietors of the school are entitled to appeal this decision to the Sheriff Principal within 28 days.

“However, subject to that, the school will not be able to operate. The operation of the school whilst unregistered is a criminal offence.”

Provision is being arranged for children from Monday, at Braeside School.

It was revealed earlier this month that two women, aged 65 and 25, were being reported to the procurator fiscal following inquiries.