Dad hits out as inspectors slam ‘weak’ performance at kids’ club

A parent who has complained about the care his daughter received at a Cambuslang after school club says he is amazed it has not been shut down.

The dad hit out over the standard of care at Cambuslang Out Of School Club (COSC) after inspectors compiled a damning report on the service.

The Care Inspectorate visited the centre earlier this year and subsequently delivered findings of “weak” performances in all four key areas: quality of care and support; quality of environment; quality of staffing; and quality of management and leadership.

Inspectors also found that proper procedures were not adhered to at COSC, including having proper personal plans on file for children.

The Cambuslang dad and his ex-wife first raised complaints with COSC three years ago over the care of their daughter, and they also involved the Care Inspectorate.

And after withdrawing both their children from COSC earlier this year, the parents contacted the care watchdog once again.

Care inspectors made an unannounced visit to COSC, and then produced a report which criticised the service in all areas.

The young girl’s father, who asked not to be named, blasted the facility, telling the Reformer: “The conclusions of the report are utterly appalling.

“Young, and sometimes disabled, children are enrolled in this service and it beggars belief that a service run so incompetently is in such a position of responsibility.

“COSC would have to improve dramatically and quickly if they are to remain open. I would not trust them to keep any child safe after an inspection with so many concerning conclusions.”

A COSC board member this week insisted that “big changes” have taken place since the report was published, including replacing the former manager.

In the damning 15-page dossier on the Cambuslang after school club, the Care Inspectorate found that:

Child protection procedures were not being followed and not all staff members had attended training

The club did not have personal plans for every child as expected

The staff office had a lack of security and privacy.

Inspectors were not confident that staff were well-informed and knowledgeable about their roles and responsibilities to keep children safe.

Staff had not attended any training or development days, and the club had not arranged any formal training.

There was a lack of understanding and knowledge about the responsibilities in relation to safer recruitment and child protection.

The after school club is based in Vicars Walk and runs from Monday-Friday between 7.30am and 6.15pm.

It has been operating for more than 15 years and almost 50 children currently attend throughout the week.

When inspectors turned up unannounced they gathered the views of eight parents whose children attend COSC, and they were all satisfied