PRESS RELEASE The Care Inspectorate has today issued parents and carers of children who attended the Hamilton School nursery in Aberdeen a statement of concerns raised by the watchdog’s inspectors after visiting the school. 

 Because of the intense public interest in the case, and because the provider had signalled its intention to close the nursery with immediate effect, the Care Inspectorate has decided to share observations and current assessment of The Hamilton School Nursery as soon as possible, pending publication of a full inspection report.  

This is to ensure parents and those connected with the school have as much information as possible at this difficult time.  

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.   

“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 0345 6009527.   

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

“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 full statement of concerns is available here: https://www.careinspectorate.com/index.php/news/217-statement-the-hamilton-school-nursery-aberdeen

ENDS

You can also find previous statements and information bulletins here