A watchdog has found children were put at risk at a north-east daycare where high staff turnover meant employees didn’t even know the names of those they were looking after.
The Care Inspectorate has published a report highlighting the potential impact on safety and wellbeing of youngsters at Stonehaven After School Club (SASC) because of “the high number of new staff”.
The watchdog’s team visited the day care at the town’s community and education centre in December and found that some new employees were even working there prior to full background checks being completed.
SASC offers before and after school care for school aged children and when visited staff were caring for as many as 56.
Inspectors rated the club’s care and support, staffing and management and leadership as “weak” – the second lowest grade.
The other area evaluated by the watchdog, quality of environment, was deemed “good” – essentially a mark of four out of six.
Yesterday, the club’s manager Kelly Warrender would not comment on the findings of the report, saying only that the board would address concerns in statement in the coming weeks.
SASC’s website states recruitment policies were designed to “find and retain the best possible people to care for children”.
It further claims the organisation aims keep changes in its ranks “to a minimum”.
But inspectors found an “unusually high turnover and change” in staffing – leading to issues in background checks, child protection and training.
Although describing workers as “kind, caring and welcoming”, concerns were also raised that some staff “did not know children by their names” or what their medical or additional support needs were.
Despite this, inspectors said “everyone” they spoke to was happy with the overall care provided by the service.
But it was noted some parents also had concerns over the information sharing, staff interactions with children and staff turnover at the service.
Bosses have since committed to a review of recruitment procedures to improve staff retention.
Stonehaven councillor Wendy Agnew backed the club to turn things around, adding: “It is not a good report and that is disappointing but I am sure they will be able to sort it out.”
Inspectors ordered management to have more detail in personal plans for each child, and to ensure all staff are confident in identifying child protection issues.
There was also a requirement set for management to ensure safe recruitment processes by the end of last month.
Two further recommendations in the report call on operators to improve staff knowledge and support.
