Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
(1) The registered provider did not ensure the following: (j) A full record in writing with signed parental consent for the administration of medication was not maintained, as evidenced by documentation. For Example, from a sample of 20 records reviewed: o Ten records did not have the child’s date of birth. o One record did not indicate the administration of the medication was witnessed by a second staff member. o Four records did not have a parent’s signature acknowledging they had been informed of the administration of the medication. A full record with the child’s full name and date of birth, details of two staff who administer the medication, and an acknowledgment of the administration by the parent must be maintained to accurately account for safe administration practice and prevent miscommunication on the administration of medication. (k) A full record in writing for accident and incidents was not maintained, as evidenced by documentation. This was not in line with the service policy on Accidents and Incidents which stated that all forms must be completed in full, with as much detail as possible. For Example, from a sample of 20 records reviewed: o Thirteen records did not have a date indicating when the parent was informed of the incident. o One record did not have a signature of a parent indicating they had been informed of the incident., o Ten records did not record the child’s date of birth. o Two records did not detail the child’s surname. o Five records did not detail when the staff were completing the record. A full record in writing with all relevant information and an acknowledgment of when the parents had been informed must be maintained for any incident in the service to ensure parents are aware of potential injuries or risks to a child’s health
Provider's corrective action:
(j) Staff were reminded to witness and sign the medication book, all children’s correct details will be recorded, and parents’ signatures must be recorded. Policy information and briefing was given to all staff. Spot check will be carried out. (k) The accident and incident policy and information briefing was shared with staff to ensure all relevant details are recorded. Spot checks will be completed to ensure these requirements are being met
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
Physical and material environment: 1. Although it is acknowledged the Jumping Jacks room was sectioned off into defined areas of interest, the role play area containing the shop, playhouse and kitchen had a limited supply of linked resources available directly adjacent to the play area. Limited props or not having them placed directly adjacent to play equipment can restrict a child’s ability to extend the play experience and engage at the level of play engagement required to facilitate learning
Provider's corrective action:
1. The service has reviewed the environment and purchased additional props and equipment which is now accessible I the role play area. staff were reminded to ensure they let management know if toys are broken or need to be repaired or if children are showing different interests that they can be accommodated
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. A trailing flex from the air cooler system posed a trip risk for the children in Jumping Jacks room. This was identified as a non-compliance on the previous inspection held on the 27 November 2024 and actions put in place failed to prevent a recurrence. 2. The water temperature in the wash hand basin used by the children in the Turtle room exceeded the recommended temperature of 43oC. A temperature of 43.8oC was recorded by the inspector at 11.09am. This posed a potential scald risk to the children. 3. Sun creams were not individually labelled in one of the upstairs care rooms. This posed a potential risk of skin irritation if a cream was wrongly administered to a child. Infection Control: The following increased the potential risk of infection: 4. The was stagnant rainwater in a blow-up ball pool along the walk route to the outdoor play area. There was a risk children could access this. Stagnant water can harbour bacteria which can be harmful to children. 5. The following was observed which limited effective hygiene practice: o No hand washing was completed before dinner in an upstairs care room. o There was no soap adjacent to the sink in a ground floor nappy change room. 6. The sofas used by the children in the upstairs care rooms were damaged and torn, leaving a surface that could not be effectively cleaned. 7. The following was damaged in Jumping Jacks, leaving surfaces that potentially harboured dirt and bacteria: o The laminate was damaged on the door to a cubicle in the sanitary area. o The flooring was damaged by the threshold of the doorway to the sanitary area. 8. There was no lidded bin accessible for the use of children in the sanitary area of an upstairs care room. This was identified as a non-compliance on the previous inspection held on the 27 November 2024 and actions put in place failed to prevent a recurrence Administration of Medication: 9. Out of date medication was found to be stored in the medication box. This was not in line with the service policy on the storage of medication and can reduce the safe effective administration of the medication. Fire Safety: 10. The details of the attendance of the children in a care room was not accurately recorded in the attendance book. Eight children were recorded as present when there was nine in attendance in the room. The child was not recorded as present in any of the other care rooms. Contemporaneous accurate attendance logs must be maintained to support the safe evacuation of children in an emergency. This was identified as a non-compliance on the previous inspection held on the 27 November 2024 and actions put in place failed to prevent a recurrence. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: 1. The cable was secured to the wall and will be checked by maintenance. A risk assessment was developed to check for hazards. 2. The thermostat was reduced to less than 43oC. A checklist was developed to record the temperature of the water daily to ensure it meets the recommended temperature. 3. All suncreams are now clearly labelled. The sunscreen policy was shared, and staff have signed and understand what is required. Infection Control: 4. The pool was removed on the day of the inspection. This had been placed there in error as it was due to be disposed of that day. 5. The hand hygiene policy was reviewed; the service ensure hand hygiene procedures will be followed. Staff have been advised that if any equipment is running low to advise management to replace it. The cleaners now have a checklist to go through the stock in the rooms and ensure there is an adequate supply of soap etc. 6. The sofa was removed from the room and disposed of. All other sofas were checked for wear and tear. 7. The laminate on the door and the flooring was repaired and the surface is now wipeable. 8. There is now an appropriate bin available in the sanitary area. Cleaning staff will check to ensure suitable bins are available. Administration of Medication: 9. The medication policy and information briefing on the storage of medication was shared with staff to ensure medication Is stored correctly. Spot checks will be completed to ensure these requirements are being met. Fire Safety: 10. Management have reviewed the Attendance policy with the staff explaining the implications for fire safety. Staff have reviewed the policy and procedures and will ensure requirements are met. Management will complete spot checks
Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 25, 28.
Inspection of 27 November 2024 — Inspection Report
The registered provider did not ensure the following: (2)(d) International Police vetting was not available for one of the adults who had resided outside of the jurisdiction for more than six months as an adult. This was identified as a non-compliance on the previous inspection held on the 10 May 2023 and actions put in place failed to prevent a recurrence. (3) The review of documentation available demonstrated the following had not been considered prior to staff commencing within the service: • A review of start dates showed one adult commenced in the service one day prior to a garda vetting disclosure being available. • One adult commenced in the service prior to their references being validated. (4) There was no documentary evidence available to show that one adult working directly with children attending the service held at least a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework or a qualification deemed eligible by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs. (7)(a)(b)(c) There was no documentary evidence available to show that staff were appropriately supervised and provided with appropriate information and training. For example: o The was no documentary evidence of recent induction of new staff. o There was no documentary evidence available of ongoing support and supervision. o There was no documentary evidence of staff meetings. This was not in line with the service policies on Recruitment and Staff Support and Supervision which outlined that records would be maintained of the above
Provider's corrective action:
(2)(d) Corrective action: the required police vetting was submitted. Preventive action: the service ensure they will not employ any staff member without international Vetting. (3) Corrective action: the service held a meeting with administrative staff ensuring stricter measures are in place and policy and procedures will be followed. All references and Garda vetting dates will be validated prior to staff starting. Preventive action: The service has updated their recruitment policy which administrative staff have signed in agreement that information was received and understood. (4) Corrective action: evidence was submitted that the staff member has a Level 5 qualification. (7) Corrective action: the service will ensure that all staff that join the team will be given a full induction, that all staff will receive a 3-month appraisal to support to ensure staff are updated and understand what is required of them. The service has initiated new staff meetings on a regular basis. Preventive action: the service has updated their Staff Supervision policy and confirm all staff have read and signed that they understand the policy. They are in the process of developing a better appraisal form
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
(1)(a) The registered provider did not ensure the following: Basic needs: 1. The mealtime experience in one of the care rooms did not support independent decision making: o Drinks were not available in the care room and were not made available during the mealtime. o A child who reached to get an additional helping of food was told to wait. There was sufficient food available for an additional portion. It is acknowledged that after a wait, the child did get an additional helping. 2. The sleep needs of one of the children was not adequately facilitated. A child who was observed attempting to sleep was not provided with a suitably quite environment. Physical and material environment: 3. The table in Jumping Jacks room was too high for the children to use while seated. The table was at chest height to the children. This does not allow children to engage comfortably in table top activities. This was identified as a non-compliance on the previous inspection held on the 10 May 2023 and actions put in place failed to prevent a recurrence. 4. The temperature of the care rooms was not maintained between the recommended 18 to 22oC to provide a comfortable play environment for the children. The inspector observed the room felt cold and recorded a temperature of 16.7oC at 11.09am in Jumping Jacks and 17.8oC in Tara Tots at 11.58am. Programme of learning: 5. An art activity in one of the care rooms was observed to be led by adults, with limited opportunity for children to lead and be active decision makers in the experience
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective actions: 1. The service had a meeting with all staff regarding the mealtime experience for all children, spoke with the staff individually and read through updated policy regarding mealtimes and will ensure staff will follow the correct guidelines and procedures to support the children, making sure the children will never go hungry, that there will always be a healthy alternative available for the children and drinks are always available. 2. The service held a meeting and discussed with staff to initiate quieter activities while a child is sleeping. The service have reviewed and updated their sleep policy and shared with staff. 3. The height of the table has been adjusted to suitably accommodate the age range of the children in the care room. 4. Works were completed in the room where part of the radiator cover was removed whilst ensuring children’s safety. The temperatures are now within the required range. 5. A meeting was held with staff on the promotion of independence and choice for the children, staff will plan the group activities a day ahead ensuring sufficient resources are available and a child led fun experience for the children. Preventive actions: 1. All staff in the service have signed they received and understood policy and practice updates, and management will spot check the rooms to ensure the procedures are followed. A new healthy alternative menu is now available if a child does not like what is provided on the day. There are now healthy snack baskets in the rooms to ensure no child will be hungry or thirsty. 2. Staff will facilitate quieter activities if a child needs a nap or remove the child to another room with a cosier sleeping area, we will ensure the nap time is quiet and comfortable. 3. The service will ensure that they will change the tables around if necessary, according to the size and need of children in any room. 4. The radiator cover has been modified, and temperature is now within the required range. 5. Staff have reviewed the Curriculum policy and signed that they understood what is required and senior staff will support staff to ensure the curriculum is being followed. The service have shared information to staff on HighScope curriculum
Regulation 22 — Food and drink
The registered provider did not ensure the following: 1. The provision of alternatives meals was not in line with the service policy on Healthy Food and national guidelines on food and nutrition which state that a healthy alternative should be offered. The following was observed: o An alternative meal was not offered to a child who did not like the meal that was offered. o An alternative meal of toast was given to one child. o Staff reported that the alternative meals given to children who have a preference for an alternative meal regularly include waffles and nuggets. This is not in line with the service policy which stated that well balanced nutritious meals are always available, and that processed foods are kept to a minimum. 2. There was no evidence of documentation in place to record and track what the children have eaten. This is not in line with the service policy which states a record of what the child has eaten will be maintained. This can support in tracking a child’s nutritional intake
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective actions: 1. The service ensure this will not be repeated. Nuggets and waffles which were provided as a regular alternative have been removed from the menu as a regular alternative meal. 2. The service has introduced new white boards visible to parents where the menu and any notes will be recorded. A new child food intake document was developed to record what exactly the children have consumed on a daily basis. Preventive actions: 1. The service updated their healthy eating policy and added an alternative healthy menu for children who will not eat what is provided on the day, and this discussed in the general meeting and the staff where informed individually of what was required. Staff have signed and understood what is required going forward kitchen. The service also have a new sheet available for parents to see exactly what was provided for the children. 2. The boards and the daily sheet will detail a record of the child food intake
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for a staff member. However, this vetting disclosure was not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. 2. Cables were observed to be unsecured, and accessible to the children which posed a risk of injury: o The cable off the television in the school age room where the children from Jumping Jacks were playing. o The cable off the speaker in Jumping Jacks room. Infection Control: The following increased the potential risk of infection: 3. A child who had a dirty nose was not tended to in a timely manner while he played with toys and equipment including sand. 4. The following waste disposal practices increased the risk of cross contamination: o The bins in the sanitary accommodation of the school age and Jumping Jacks rooms were not foot pedal operated and required repeated touch. o The lid of the bin in Tara Tots was broken. o A staff member was observed to use their hand to open and close a foot pedal operated bin. 5. Toys were observed to be stored in the sanitary accommodation of the school age care room. Only items for use in the sanitary accommodation should be stored there. This was identified as a non-compliance on the previous inspection held on the 10 May 2023 and actions put in place failed to prevent a recurrence. 6. The mattresses in the sleep room off Little Wonders were not wipeable and did not have appropriate removeable washable covers in place. 7. The water in the nappy change area off Little Wonders was cold and was not effective for hygienic handwashing. The inspector recorded a temperature of 13oC. Administration of Medication: 8. The administration of medication was not sufficient to support effective safe practice. The care plans available for children who required specific medication did not clearly indicate when to administrate the medication. This was identified as a non-compliance on the previous inspection held on the 10 May 2023 and actions put in place failed to prevent a recurrence. Fire Safety: 9. The details of the attendance of the children were not accurately recorded in the attendance book of one of the rooms. Contemporaneous accurate attendance logs must be maintained to support the safe evacuation of children in an emergency. The following was observed: o Seven children who were present were not signed in when the inspector checked the attendance book at 10:52am. o Six of the children had not been signed out the previous day. o There was evidence that a child who was in attendance the previous day had not been signed in as present. 10. Adults in attendance were not consistently recorded accurately. The roster did not accurately detail who was present in the premises. Contemporaneous accurate attendance logs must be maintained to support the safe evacuation of all adults on the premises in an emergency. This was identified as a non- compliance on the previous inspection held on the 10 May 2023 and actions put in place failed to prevent a recurrence. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: Corrective Actions: 1. The garda vetting was updated for the staff member. 2. The cables were secured. Preventive actions: 1. The service has updated their recruitment policy and ensure the correct procedure will be followed. 2. The service updated their risk management policy and amended risk assessment sheets which will be done regularly. Staff were updated on these changes. Infection Control: Corrective actions: 3. The service removed the sand and the toys where steamed and cleaned vigorously on the day of the inspection. A box containing tissues and adequate cleaning products is now available in each room. 4. The broken bins were replaced, and staff were reminded of the appropriate infection control procedures. 5. Items were removed from the sanitary area. 6. On the day of the inspection there was one cot on the day with no covers on which was not in use. 7. The water heater had not been turned on, on the day of inspection. Preventive actions: 3. Staff were updated with appropriate nose hygiene procedures. 4. Signs have been placed in the rooms beside the bins to ensure staff do not touch the lids. Staff were reminded of appropriate infection control procedures and to contact management if bins are damaged or need replacing. 5. Staff were updated on the procedures of appropriate storage in sanitary areas. Signage was placed in the sanitary areas to remind staff not to store items there and management will complete spot checks. 6. The service has purchased additional mattress covers. 7. There is a sign in the room reminding staff to turn on the water heater. Administration of Medication: Corrective action: 8. the service has updated the details required in the care plans for children on medication. Preventive action: 8. care plans detailing clear steps for the administration of medication will be used for children requiring ongoing medication. Fire Safety: Corrective action: 9. The service will ensure attendance logs will be completed. 10. The service has designed a new roster for each room to detail who is in attendance. Preventive actions: 9. Staff were reminded of the procedures of regarding attendance books and management will complete spot checks. 10. Those responsible for the roster have signed to ensure this is completed correctly
Found compliant: Regulation 11, 17, 26, 32.
Inspection of 11 April 2024 — Change in Circumstance