An Aberdeen after school club has been criticised by care chiefs for leaving just one untrained member of staff in charge of children.
J Puddleducks near Dyce Railway Station was also condemned for leaving an outside gate unprotected so strangers could walk in.
The club was awarded some of the lowest possible grades by the Care Inspectorate when the body visited unexpectedly earlier this year.
In a report published this week, the inspectors said procedures were “unacceptable” and that action was needed to make the facility safe.
Last night, the club’s new manager – who took over just weeks after the damning inspection took place – said she was doing everything possible to turn the situation around.
Kelly Dunbar said she had invited the inspectors back as soon as possible to see the improvements for themselves.
“When I took over in March I had no idea the grades were as bad as they were,” she said.
“We’ve invited the inspectors back to see that everything has been addressed.”
Ms Dunbar added that the facility – which is based in an adapted railway station building – had been completely refurbished with equipment and installations to entertain the youngsters.
Inspectors visited J Puddleducks after school club in January.
On arrival, they realised just one member of staff was in charge of all the children who attended – and that she w.
“The National Care Standards for early education and childcare up to the age of 16 clearly state ‘two adults to be in attendance at any one time’,” the inspectors said.
“We informed the member of staff this was not acceptable and she obtained another member of staff from the provider/manager’s nearby nursery.”
The inspectors also expressed concerns that strangers could easily gain access to the facility.
“The gate for the outdoor area was unable to be secured from the inside,” they said.
“This meant there was the potential for unknown adults to access the outdoor area. The service was in close proximity to the train station and a public house.”
The club was awarded a 1, the lowest possible grade, for the quality of management, and 2s – “weak” – for the quality of care and support and the environment.
Last night Mrs Dunbar insisted the gate was “perfectly safe” and said suitable staffing was now in place.