Inspection of 17 May 2024 — Inspection Report
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) Evidence of International Police Vetting Disclosures were not available for one staff member who previously lived outside the jurisdiction in two different countries for a period of more than 6 months as an adult. (3) The registered provider had not ensured effective recruitment practices were in place. One staff member had commenced in the service on 4 September 2023, the Garda vetting available was dated 24 September 2023. This non-compliance was observed on the previous inspection February 2023 and the preventive action had not been maintained
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action (2)(d) The registered provider has sought police vetting for the staff member for two jurisdictions but has not received any report from the authorities. (3) There was a delay in receiving the staff members Garda Vetting. The registered provider stated that they had a previous up to date vetting clearance from the staff member when they started until the register provider received Garda vetting for the staff member for the service. Preventive Action (2)(d) The registered provider has stated they will have the correct and relevant vetting documents for any staff member prior to their start date in this school. (3) The registered provider has stated they will ensure they have up to date Garda Vetting before staff commence in this service
Regulation 15 — Record of pre-school child
- (1) On review of the children’s records there were no written records available (a-i) in relation to four of the of the twenty-one children registered in the service. From discussion with the registered provider two of these record forms had been sent home with children’s parents to be updated with new information, one child had left the service, and one child did not have a registration record as the child was on a second week trial in the service. It is important that the registered provider ensures that a record in writing is kept in respect of each pre-school child attending the service. Corrective Action The service has received the forms in question back from the parents of the four children, that were not available on the premises on the day of the inspection. Preventive Action All children will have up to date Registration forms on the premises at all times. A record in writing for each child attending the service is kept on file and accessible at all times. Supporting documentation submitted No supporting documentation submitted. Summary Comment The registered provider through corrective and preventive action taken has addressed the non-compliance identified under Regulation 15
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. There were two light fittings in the care room and one light fitting in the sanitary area which did not have shatterproof coverings. In addition, the second light fitting in the sanitary area was not working. This posed a risk of injury. The registered provider had not implemented their actions following the previous two inspections to install covers on the light fittings. Infection Control: 2. The children were not observed to wash their hands before snack . This posed a risk of cross infection. Children should be facilitated to wash their hands before mealtimes in line with HSPC guidance in relation to infection control protection measures. 3. Toilet rolls were not hygienically dispensed in the sanitary area used by the children. This posed a risk of cross infection. 4. The bin in the sanitary area was not foot pedal operated and posed a risk of cross infection. This non- compliance was observed on the previous inspection in February 2023 and the preventive action had not been sustained. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. The registered provider has informed the owners of the building about the covers for the lights and hopes to have them fitted during the summer holidays. Infection Control: 2. The washing of the children's hands before snack time is carried out every day. Due to the inspector on the premises on this day in question it was mistakenly and genuinely forgotten about. Everyday washing of the children’s hands is carried out. 3. The toilet rolls have been installed for use by the children. The service will make sure the toilet roll holders are in an easily accessible and hygienic way for the children. 4. A foot pedal bin is accessible to the children in the bathroom. The service will make sure a foot pedal bin will be available at all times for the children
Regulation 25 — First aid
- (1) On review of the staff files it was observed that there was no adult with First Aid Responder (FAR) training available to the children. It is acknowledged that the three adults employed in the service were trained in paediatric first aid. A person trained to the First Aid Responder level must be on the premises at all times during the operation of the service
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action The registered provider has stated they will apply for FAR training to be carried out in July. Preventive Action A staff member with FAR training will be always present on the premises
Regulation 28 — Insurance
- The service was found to be operating outside of the hours of operation currently registered. The service is registered to operate a sessional service between 09:30 and 12:30pm. From documentation reviewed and discussion with the registered provider the service has been offering parents/guardians an option to avail of an extra half an hour childcare daily between 9am-9.30am or 12.30pm-13.00pm. A change of circumstance application to change the hours of operation was not submitted to the Registration department
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action From Sept 2024 the service will be operating with the hours that are registered with Tusla 9.30am - 12.30pm. From June 1st, 2024, the registered provider has changed the drop off and pick up times to the times stated. Preventative Action The registered provider has stated from September 2024 the times of operation are from 9.30am to 12.30pm
Found compliant: Regulation 11, 19, 26, 28.