Edinburgh nursery manager struck off after embezzling more than £8,000

A nursery manager has been removed from the register after she was convicted of embezzling more than £8,000.

Between January 1, 2016, and August, 16, 2017, Tessa Douglas stole £8,062 from Strawberry Hill Nursery in Edinburgh.

She was convicted of her actions at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on March 11, 2024.

The Scottish Social Services Council stated that Douglas displayed “dishonest behaviour” and abused her “position of trust” over a 19-month period.

The public report read: “Due to our concerns about your underlying values and attitude together with the seriousness of your conviction, we believe there is a risk that this behaviour may be repeated.

“We believe there is a risk to both public protection and public interest due to the risk of further harm to vulnerable people and the risk of jeopardising the confidence in both the profession and us as the regulator.”

A spokesperson for Strawberry Hill Nursery said: “While the matters before Edinburgh Sheriff Court took place some time ago, it was a disappointing situation to uncover.

“Trust and reliability are essential elements of professional childcare, so the action taken against the former staff member by the Scottish Social Services Council is appropriate and understandable.

“We want to assure parents that our Nursery operates to the highest standards of business management, with regular audits of financial systems. Most importantly, we have a caring and skilled team in place, with dedicated, responsible managers looking after children.”