Councilmustresolveregistrationissues

The future of a holiday and Saturday club for children with additional support needs (ASN) is under the microscope.

South Lanarkshire Council, through South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLCC), operate specialist play services at Playzones in East Kilbride as well as in Carluke and Hamilton.

Workers are required by law to register with the Scottish Social Services Council if not registered with another regulatory body.

The Care Inspectorate (CI) say inspections were carried out at the ASN Playzones in August 2016 and July 2017, with SLC were informed that this had still to be done.

A spokesperson for the CI said: “The law is to ensure that the care children and young people access is of a standard that they and their families have a right to expect.

“We worked closely with Holiday and Saturday ASN Playzones to ensure that they understood the legal requirements and expectations around caring for children and young people.

“Inspections in August 2016 and July 2017 clearly laid out requirements.

“However, in March this year the care provider informed us that they were unable to meet that requirement.”

In response, a council spokesperson told the News: “Assessments of the service by the CI and previously the Care Commission have always been very favourable.

“We were advised by the CI in 2016 that standards of care – previously referred to as recommendations – were to be put in place by October 1, 2017, regarding qualifications for employees who provide these services.

“Since then we have been involved in numerous discussions and meetings with the CI about the best way to take the service forward.

“At all times the care and safety of children were paramount in our discussions.

“SLLC will work closely with the CI and will ensure families are kept informed as we work to a resolution.”