TWO members of staff at a Helensburgh nursery have been suspended while an investigation into a ‘missing child’ incident continues.
The Advertiser was contacted by a member of the public, who asked to remain anonymous, reporting that they had seen a message claiming a child “was found on the street” after going missing from Drumfork Nursery and Family Centre last week.
The source said they were keen to highlight what they considered a “very serious incident”, adding: “I have nothing against or for Drumfork Nursery, just that this is really concerning and parents ought to know.”
Although management at the service, which was launched around two years ago at the refurbished Drumfork Community Centre in Churchill, could not provide further details they did confirm that “an incident occurred” on October 26 at the Forest School site, which has only been operating since August, near the nursery.
David Wood, director of Drumfork Family Centre Ltd, said: “As a result two members of staff have been suspended pending investigation.
“We are extremely sorry and very upset that this incident happened at all. Although we cannot comment on the specifics of the incident, we can confirm it is the first of this nature at Forest School.
“We have robust policies in place but on this occasion, we have failed to meet the standards we hold ourselves to.
“The Care Inspectorate and local authority were immediately informed and we are working with them as they investigate and will implement any recommendations made.
READ MORE: Care Inspectorate 'satisfied' after mum raises Helensburgh nursery complaint
“We will always aim to be completely transparent with our families and we welcome anyone with any concerns to contact us to discuss further.”
Meanwhile, Mr Wood said he was “very pleased with the outcome” of a recent Care Inspectorate report – the first of its kind carried out since the nursery was established.
The report, which is based on an unannounced visit by inspectors in August, graded the service as ‘good’ in its quality of care and support, and ‘very good’ in its quality of environment, quality of staffing and quality of management and leadership.
The report states: “This was the first inspection since registration and the current service provider and manager have only been in post for just over one year.
“Given the relatively short timescale and the difficulties across the sector as a result of Covid-19, we felt that very good progress had been made.”
Mr Wood added: “This is extremely positive given that it was our first inspection through a challenging period.
“We are proud of our manager and team for their continuous and unrelenting determination to make Drumfork better.”
READ MORE: New owners see bright future for Drumfork Nursery in Helensburgh
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here