Childminder Jailed After 27 Children Found At Home
Amanda Mathewson sentenced for neglect and deception despite prior 'very good' Care Inspectorate rating.
Carla Rooney
A Dunfermline childminder received a two-year prison sentence for child neglect and deception.
Mathewson's offenses spanned from September 7, 2023, to August 26, 2024. The charges involved children under 16. She admitted the charges at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court in October.
She actively worked to deceive parents and organizations regarding her conduct. Mathewson mandated parents text before collecting children, often keeping other children hidden.
Parents noted their children returning home thirsty or in clean clothes. Mathewson attributed this to 'messy meals.' She had operated as a self-employed childminder for approximately 30 years.
An internal Care Inspectorate probe began after a staff member reported Mathewson breaching her license terms. Mathewson had also received tips about unannounced inspections from an unknown staff member.
More than 90 victim impact statements were submitted to the court. A Care Inspectorate report from August 7, 2023, had previously rated her 'very good' on all measures.