Linlithgow playworker issued warning after pulling child to feet by grabbing jumper hood

A West Lothian playworker has received a warning after they pulled a child up to his feet by grabbing the hood of his jumper.

Jamie Scott was employed at a childcare facility in Linlithgow when the incident occurred.

On or around June 1 last year, Scott grabbed a young child’s hood to pull him up to his feet while he was lying on the floor.

As a result, the jumper was found to have tightened around the child’s neck, risking “physical and emotional harm” according to the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

Scott then also grabbed the child’s arm, placed it across his chest and dragged him towards themselves, acting in an “abusive” manner.

However, while some discomfort was caused to the young person – named AA to protect his identity – no injury was sustained in the incident.

A hearing by the SSSC found that Scott’s behaviour raised questions as to their suitability to work in care.

They were inexperienced in the role, and had been told to step back when they had difficulty managing a situation and ask a colleague for help – but they did not do this.

The SSSC said: “Your behaviour is moderately serious but it appears to have been a momentary lapse of judgement rather than a deliberate intent to harm AA.

“You have shown some insight insofar as you now acknowledge there was no immediate risk to AA when you handled him and that you dealt with the matter poorly.

“However, you have not worked in social services since the behaviour. Therefore, you have not been able to demonstrate that you would not repeat similar behaviour if you returned to this area of work.”

As a result, Scott’s fitness to practise was found to be impaired, and they have been given an 18-month warning effective April 21.