Fife childminder who neglected children in her care jailed for two years

A childminder who neglected a number of children left in her care in Fife has been jailed for two years.

Amanda Mathewson was convicted last month of neglecting a number of children in her care at various locations in Dunfermline between September 2023 and August 2024.

The 55-year-old appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on Friday for sentencing.

Mathewson was found to have wilfully neglected, abandoned and exposed children in a manner likely to cause them unnecessary suffering or injury to their health.

The charge continued that Mathewson offered childminding services for more children than she could reasonably provide care for at the same time.

She also left children alone at her home where she provided childminding services, contrary to the Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937.

Following Friday’s sentencing, a Care Inspectorate spokesperson said Mathewson “broke the trust of families and children”.

The body added that it has reviewed its inspection procedures following parents’ concerns.

A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said: “This was a shocking case and our thoughts are with those affected.

“Amanda Mathewson broke the trust of families and children, and the crime for which she is responsible has been dealt with by the courts.

“The Care Inspectorate has listened carefully to parents who raised concerns with us and we have reviewed how we work following learning from this case.

“This has included updating our inspection, complaints and conflict of interest procedures. We have provided new ways to submit feedback on childminders both during and outwith inspections. We have also provided clearer resources to help families understand what to expect from their childminder.

“It is important to note that this case does not reflect the wider childminding sector. The overwhelming majority of childminders in Scotland provide safe, nurturing care for children with more than 90% receiving grades of good or better at inspection.”