An after-school club in West Lothian has been found to operate without qualified staff on two days a week, according to a recent report from the Care Inspectorate. The inspection of the Giggles and More Breakfast and After School Club, published on October 20, 2023, revealed that the service received a “weak” rating in three out of four categories, with the fourth category deemed “adequate.”
The report highlighted several serious concerns regarding the club’s staff qualifications and leadership. It noted that the only qualified employee was the manager, who had recently obtained their qualification. Consequently, on the two days when the manager was absent, the club was left without any qualified staff members to oversee childcare activities.
The report stated, “The majority of the staff team were unqualified and most lacked experience in childcare.” Such a situation raises significant concerns about the quality of care provided to the children enrolled in the programme.
In addition to staffing issues, the report pointed out deficiencies in leadership. Inspectors found that leaders at the club were not fully aware of their regulatory responsibilities. For instance, they were prompted to notify the regulator about children being left unattended and staff failing to arrive at school on time to collect children. The Care Inspectorate expressed that this lack of awareness hindered their confidence in the leadership’s ability to ensure a safe environment for children.
Despite these significant weaknesses, the report did identify some positive aspects of the club. It noted that “children appeared relaxed and comfortable with staff.” Some staff members demonstrated kindness and engaged with the children in a playful manner, creating a supportive atmosphere.
In light of the findings, the Care Inspectorate’s report calls for immediate attention to address the deficiencies in staffing and leadership at Giggles and More Breakfast and After School Club. The organization aims to ensure that children receive the highest quality of care and that regulations are strictly followed to safeguard their well-being.
Edinburgh Live has reached out to the Giggles and More Breakfast and After School Club for further comment on the report and its findings. The response from the management team will be crucial in understanding how they plan to rectify the identified issues and improve the service provided to families in the area.
