An out of school care service must make urgent improvements in the care experienced by children, inspectors have warned.

The Care Inspectorate has served a formal Improvement Notice on Dalry Out of School Care following an inspection which raised concerns.

The notice lists six areas which require urgent improvement including management practice, staff training and health and safety procedures.

These include ensuring there are suitably qualified and competent staff, who have been correctly trained, working in the care service to ensure children are safe and well cared for.

Managers at the service must also demonstrate that the health and safety of children is maintained by introducing a programme of risk assessments. This must include assessing premises, outings and activities that the children are involved in and highlighting potential risks to the health and welfare of children.

Staff must detail how they will reduce potential risks to children within each assessment.

A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said: “The Improvement Notice we have issued clearly lays out the improvements we must see so that the care experienced by children improves quickly.

“We will visit this service again soon to check on progress and if we are not satisfied that the matters raised are being addressed urgently we will not hesitate to take further action.

“Everyone in Scotland has the right to safe, compassionate care which meets their needs and respects their rights.

“Anyone with a concern can contact our helpline on 0345 600 9527.”