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A childminder in Dunfermline, Fife, has been sentenced to two years in jail after admitting to leaving more than 20 children alone and unsupervised in her home. Among the unattended children were two infants under the age of one. The offense came to light in August 2024 when parents grew suspicious after noticing the childminder leaving for a school run without their children in tow.
Amanda Mathewson, who had been licensed to care for up to eight children under 16 at any one time, was investigated following concerns raised by families. A probe by the Care Inspectorate revealed that someone within her staff had tipped her off about upcoming inspections. Mathewson pleaded guilty to charges of wilfully neglecting, abandoning, and exposing children in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or harm to their health. During sentencing at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, Sheriff John MacRitchie described her actions as a “gross abuse of a position of trust,” noting the emotional impact on the children involved, some of whom suffered nightmares, anxiety, and loss of trust in childcare providers.
For three decades, Mathewson worked as a self-employed childminder. An unannounced Care Inspectorate visit in August 2023 had rated her service highly, commending her warm and nurturing approach. However, suspicions arose a year later when a couple noticed that their children were not present at her home during a school run. They secretly observed Mathewson and discovered numerous young children left alone, including some in distress. Upon entering her home, they found a child crying under a table and a group of children confined to a hot, activity-free upstairs room. The father described seeing children restrained improperly in buggies, with no food, water, or toys available.
Mathewson’s behavior came under further scrutiny when police arrived and found 15 children under 12, including several under primary school age, alone in her care. Parents recounted how their children were frequently left unattended and returned home hungry or in dirty nappies. Some described Mathewson’s tactics, such as playing loud music and restricting parental visits, as a deliberate attempt to conceal her neglect. One parent recalled how his daughter was so distressed after spending mornings at Mathewson’s that she would become upset when passing the home. He likened her operation to a “military operation” designed to prevent parents from crossing paths and said, “We were let down. We were lied to. Our children were neglected.” The question haunting many was simply: “Why?”
In response, the Care Inspectorate admitted that Mathewson likely received confidential information about the scheduled visit from an insider, although that individual has not been identified despite an investigation. They acknowledged the breach of trust and have updated inspection and complaint procedures accordingly. Maria Lloyd, chairwoman of the Fife child protection committee, announced a “learning review” to evaluate possible improvements in practice and partnership working. The Scottish government confirmed an audit into how complaints about Mathewson were handled is underway, emphasizing efforts to strengthen regulatory transparency and effectiveness. Meanwhile, Irwin Mitchell Scotland, representing some of the affected families, has indicated they are considering legal action against the Care Inspectorate. Partner Kim Leslie said, “It is beggars belief that a failing of this magnitude could go unnoticed,” highlighting the fundamental breach of trust and the desire for accountability from the regulator
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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