Tuesday September 8th 2026
The service operates from a detached bungalow with its own garden in an established residential area in St Cuthbert’s Drive at St Boswells in Melrose.
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
An inspection has highlighted improvements needed at Scottish Borders-based service providing short breaks for children with additional needs.
An unannounced Care Inspectorate visit to Aberlour Options – Borders was completed on July 29.
The service has been registered since 2010 and operates under the Aberlour Child Care Trust.
It is registered to provide care and support for up to four children and young people, up to the age of 21.
The service operates from a detached bungalow with its own garden in an established residential area in St Cuthbert’s Drive at St Boswells in Melrose.
A report found there was a caring and committed staff team who understood the needs of the young people.
Children and young people were supported to make choices and engage in activities and care plans were child-centred and informative.
But the reports highlights the need to strengthen staff training and induction and states that the service needed to establish effective quality assurance and improvement systems.
It was also deemed that the service needed to improve medication systems.
The service was rated ‘adequate’ for both supporting children’s rights and well-being and championing and supporting children and young people’s needs and rights.
It was rated ‘good’ for making them feel safe, loved and getting the most out of life.
The report states: “Children and young people experienced fun, enjoyment and spontaneity that was appropriate and responsive to their needs.
“Staff used play, humour and shared activities to create a relaxed and welcoming environment. These interactions helped children to feel comfortable and confident in the service.
“Some aspects of the physical environment and outstanding repairs could impact the safety of young people.
“To keep children safe and support their well-being, the service should ensure the environment is consistently safe, well maintained and promptly repaired.
“Medication management systems were not robust. We identified inaccuracies in medication records, inconsistencies in storage arrangements and weaknesses in the communication of key information.
“These concerns had not been recognised through existing quality assurance processes, reducing assurance that medication practices were being effectively monitored.”
The Aberlour Child Care Trust has been approached for comment.
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