A recent report has revealed that the Giggles and More Breakfast and After School Club in West Lothian operated without qualified staff for two days each week. The Care Inspectorate published its findings on March 15, 2024, following an inspection that rated the service as ‘weak’ in three out of four categories, with only one category deemed ‘adequate.’
The inspection highlighted significant deficiencies in leadership and childcare quality. According to the report, the manager was the only qualified staff member, leaving the service without proper supervision on the days they were absent. The report stated, “The majority of the staff team were unqualified, and most lacked experience in childcare.” This lack of qualified personnel raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of the children.
The report pointed out that the leaders of the service appeared to be unfamiliar with their regulatory responsibilities. They failed to notify the regulator about critical incidents, such as children being left unattended and staff not arriving on time to collect children from school. These oversights raised questions about the management’s awareness of their obligations to ensure a safe environment for children.
Despite these significant issues, the report also noted some positive aspects. It indicated that “children appeared relaxed and comfortable with staff,” and some staff members demonstrated kindness and actively engaged with the children during play. While these strengths are commendable, they do not overshadow the critical weaknesses identified in the report.
The findings have prompted concerns from parents and community members about the quality of care and oversight at the after-school club. Edinburgh Live has reached out to Giggles and More Breakfast and After School Club for a statement regarding the report and the steps they plan to take to address these issues.
The Care Inspectorate’s assessment serves as a reminder of the importance of qualified staff in childcare settings and the need for rigorous compliance with safety regulations. As this situation unfolds, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the club responds to these findings and what measures will be implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of the children in their care.
