Inspectorate reveal nursery closure details

A private nursery was closed by inspectors due to 14 “serious concerns” about medication, provision and the feeding of children, a report has revealed.

The Scottish Government ordered an immediate inspection of The Hamilton School in Aberdeen earlier this month after complaints from parents and staff about the nursery prompted a police investigation.

Following the inspection, the Government ordered on Friday that the school be removed from the Register of Independent Schools, meaning it could no longer operate as a school.

The Care Inspectorate served an improvement notice on the school’s n ursery, which is covered by separate legislation, and applied to Aberdeen Sheriff Court seeking suspension of the nursery’s registration.

At the weekend, a nursery spokesman said parents had been told it would not reopen.

The Care Inspectorate said it had decided to make its nursery inspection concerns public due to “intense” public interest in the case.

The interim report said medical information on children was not kept up to date with parental consent forms expired in some cases, and some children as young as 12-months-old were left to feed themselves at lunchtimes when they were unable to do so.

Notes on allergies at meal times were also mixed up. T he report said: “We also saw a menu plan designed for one child with allergies that contained details of another child’s dietary requirements. This was pointed out to staff who corrected this by the second day of inspection.”

Dangerous cleaning products such as air fresheners, plastic bags and medicated creams were also stored within reach of children in the nursery toilets.

The report stated: “These were stored on a low level glass shelving unit, that was damaged and was unstable and on a bracket on the wall.

“In addition, staff had not supported children at the toilet and did not check that the bathrooms were clean and tidy before each child used them.

“We observed toilet seats splashed with urine, toilet tissue across the floor and one toilet that was blocked with toilet paper.”

The hot water tap was also said to be too warm for children, inspectors found.

Annette Bruton, chief executive of the Care Inspectorate, said: “There were 14 immediate concerns raised by our inspection team when we visited the Hamilton School nursery.

“These were: medication; mealtimes; milk feeds; sleep arrangements; outdoor play; assessment of risk in the toilet area; engagement with children; support for children with additional needs; supporting children’s behaviour; toilet training and support with toileting; staff turnover and deployment; communication; planning for children’s interests and abilities; management and leadership.

“Our urgent application to the court last Friday to close the nursery was necessary to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of young children who were not safe.

“The decision of the provider to close the nursery is, we believe – given the evidence we hold – in the best interests of children, although we know this makes it a very difficult time for parents and families.”

The Care Inspectorate is working with other nurseries in the city to find available spaces for children from The Hamilton School nursery.

Ms Bruton added: “Senior staff from the Care Inspectorate are in Aberdeen to meet with parents and families whose children attended the nursery and our helpline is open today on 0845 6009527.

“We stand ready to support other nurseries and childminders in Aberdeen seeking to expand, where it is safe to do so.”

A disused primary school was re-opened this morning to accommodate pupils from the Hamilton School.

Aberdeen City Council said it worked over the weekend to prepare Braeside School and fully-qualified teachers, including a “very experienced” head teacher, are staffing the school.

Bill Maxwell, chief executive of Education Scotland, said: “I want to assure all those affected that the closure of the school was necessary to ensure the safety and welfare of the children attending there.

“We will continue to work with the Scottish Government, the Care Inspectorate and Aberdeen City Council to provide support and assistance during this difficult time.”

On Friday, The Hamilton School said it was stunned by the decision to close the school and is actively considering an appeal.