A care worker who put a fully-clothed boy in a bath of water has been struck off.
Shona Richardson had been trying to calm the youngster after a violent outburst at specialist Seamab School in Kinross-shire.
A social services conduct committee heard that she carried the nine-year-old pupil to a bathroom using a fireman’s lift. She then took hold of the boy by his legs, while another care worker held his arms, and lowered him into the tub.
Social work chiefs ruled that the boy had suffered “emotional harm” and ordered Ms Richardson, who was sacked weeks after the incident, to be removed from the childcare workers register.
A second member of school staff goes before the same sub-committee today to face allegations that she was also involved in the incident.
Jacqueline Gilchrist is accused of holding the boy’s arms before lowering him into the bath.
Seamab School, near Rumbling Bridge, is a small, residential primary unit which offers education, therapy and care for up 15 children with severe social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) was told that Ms Richardson had been at the school since 2007.
The boy, who was named only as AA during the hearing, became a resident at Seamab in January last year.
Ms Richardson admitted she had carried the pupil to the bathroom, held him by the legs and lowered him into the filled bath.
In its findings, the SSSC said child AA was “very vulnerable” with complex needs.
His behaviour became increasingly challenging at tea-time on January 18 last year, the committee was told.
The hearing was also told Ms Richardson would not have known the temperature of the water and hadn’t asked or tested it.
In the report, an SSSC spokesman stated that the child was “dazed, confused and flapping”, but calmed down when another staff member wrapped him in a towel, sat him on her knee and rocked him like a baby.
He said to her: “Why have they done this to me? They are bullies.”
The incident was reported to senior management that evening, and a joint police and social work investigation was launched.
No charges were brought against Ms Richardson or any other member of staff.
In its determination, an SSSC spokeswoman said: “The misconduct was very serious. It involved a disregard for the well-being of a vulnerable service user and was an abuse of trust.
“The registrant (Ms Richardson) has shown insufficient insight or regret. “
The committee said dealing with the matter with a warning or suspension would not “adequately protect members of the public”.
Seamab School chief executive Joanna McCreadie said: “Seamab is a registered children’s charity providing care and education for vulnerable primary age children with complex needs.
“We are committed to providing a high quality service which helps our children to heal, grow and learn.
“I am not able to comment on this individual’s actions.
“However, where we have become aware of conduct which does not meet our standards, we have taken immediate and effective action to address this.”
Attempts were made to trace Shona Richardson for a comment. However, these proved unsuccessful.
Ms Gilchrist goes before the SSC conduct committee in Dundee today.