Childminder Pleads Guilty to Neglecting 27 Children
A 55-year-old childminder has admitted to wilfully neglecting and abandoning dozens of children in her care, leaving them unsupervised in her home.
Amanda Mathewson, 55, pleaded guilty to the charges at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, where numerous parents of the children in her care were present. The court heard that Mathewson was looking after 27 children, significantly exceeding the 8 children she was licensed to care for, according to the BBC. Her registration stipulated that only six children could be under 12 years old, three could have started primary school, and only one could be under 12 months old.
Mathewson was arrested by police following allegations of cruelty after parents received a tip-off about her leaving children unattended. Local reports indicate that parents, upon entering her home, found multiple abandoned children who had been left screaming.
During her arrest, Mathewson was caring for 15 children under 12, 10 under primary school age, and two under one year old. Investigations revealed that children had told their parents being left alone in Mathewson's home was a common occurrence. Parents also reported that children returned home upset, unfed, thirsty, or with soiled diapers.
Evidence presented in court suggested Mathewson attempted to conceal the number of children in her care by playing loud music and restricting parental access during drop-off times. She had claimed to be assisted by a "child-minding friend."
An unannounced inspection by the Care Inspectorate approximately a year before her arrest had rated Mathewson's services, including the care and learning environment, as "very good," noting that children were cared for with "warmth, kindness and a nurturing approach."
A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate stated that changes have been implemented as a result of lessons learned from this case. Detective Inspector Stephanie Drummond confirmed Mathewson's arrest on July 2, 2025, following an investigation into offences occurring in the Dunfermline area between September 2023 and August 2024. The investigation involved collaboration with various partner agencies, and authorities remain committed to supporting victims and protecting children.