PAULA MCKINNON STRUCK OFF IN KIRKCALDY FOR RECKLESS BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS YOUNG CHILDREN

A nursery worker from Kirkcaldy has been officially removed from her position after a series of concerning incidents involving her conduct towards young children in her care. Paula McKinnon, who was employed at the Little Einsteins nursery located on Sang Road, faced multiple allegations of inappropriate and reckless behavior while performing her duties.

During a disciplinary hearing conducted by the Scottish Social Services Council, seven out of eight allegations against Ms. McKinnon were substantiated. The panel was informed of several troubling incidents that demonstrated a pattern of aggressive and unprofessional conduct. It was reported that she had physically grabbed a two-year-old child by the arm, an act that raised serious concerns about her handling of young children. Additionally, she was accused of shouting at another child and grabbing them by both arms in a manner deemed inappropriate for a childcare setting.

Further allegations detailed her rough handling of children, including lifting a child and placing them into a high chair in a forceful manner. She was also accused of grabbing a third child by the arm and shouting at them, actions that the panel considered to be indicative of reckless behavior and a lack of proper care and supervision.

The disciplinary panel concluded that Ms. McKinnon had shown no remorse for her actions and expressed concerns that such behavior could potentially continue if she remained in her role. As a result, they issued a removal order, effectively banning her from working with children in regulated settings. It was noted that Ms. McKinnon was not present at the hearing and did not have any representation during the proceedings.

The panel also reviewed specific incidents that occurred around August 17, 2017. One involved her supporting a two-year-old child, referred to as AA, during a toilet visit, where she reportedly grabbed the child by the arm. Another incident involved her assisting another two-year-old, known as BB, with putting on shoes. During this interaction, she was said to have shouted at the child to “sit down” or similar words and grabbed him by the arms, further illustrating her aggressive approach towards the children in her care.

Overall, the case against Paula McKinnon highlights serious concerns about her conduct in a childcare environment, leading to her removal from her position in Kirkcaldy and raising questions about safeguarding and proper child handling practices in early childhood settings.