(1) On review of a sample of 12 children registration forms, the following information was not available : • A written record was not available for 12 children attending the service with (i) written parental consent for appropriate medical treatment of the child in the event of an emergency. It is acknowledged that permission was present for the 12 children to administer anti febrile medication. • For one child, the record available was not complete and did not have the details for the (e) authorisation for the collection of the child
Provider's corrective action:
(1) (i)Parental / guardian consent has been requested to give appropriate medical treatment of the child in the event of an emergency and will be sought and documented for the children going forward. (e) The service has updated the details for collection for the one child and will make sure going forward all children will have their Authorisation for collection completed on the form
Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 19, 23, 26, 28.
(2) (b) One written reference available for one adult from a source other than from a past employer, was not validated. (d) Police vetting was not available for one adult who had lived outside the State for longer than six months as an adult. (4) One staff member employed within the service did not have evidence to confirm they held a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications
Provider's corrective action:
(2)(b) The Service has a comprehensive recruitment policy and uses this to guide all recruitment processes. One reference check was not validated at the time the reference was taken up. This reference has now been signed and back dated by the person who took up the reference and confirmation email from referee confirming the reference has been received. The Service have put recruitment on the services Managers Meeting for discussion as a means of refreshing the information. (d) Staff member who didn’t have police vetting on file for her time living abroad immediately applied for a National Police Certificate. This was received on 17 July 2024 and is now on file. Managers to follow recruitment policy regarding vetting of staff. Recruitment requested as an agenda item at the services next Managers Meeting. (4) The staff member has achieved a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications. This issue has been put on the agenda item at the services next Managers Meeting
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. On the inspectors unannounced arrival at the service at 9.45am, the gate of the services outdoor play area was open and not secured to restrict unauthorised persons from gaining access to the premises and to prevent children from exiting the service unsupervised. It is acknowledged that a staff member closed it immediately, following discussion with the inspector. 2. In Tusmaith Preschool room, the temperature of the room was not maintained within the recommended temperatures of 18 to 22 o C. The temperature recorded was 23 o C at 10.40am. It is acknowledged that it was a warm day and staff had ensured that the care room door was open. 3. In the sensory room, a trailing flex of a phone wire was observed to be accessible to children, leading to a risk of injury. 4. In the outdoor play area, the following was observed to be damaged: o Corners of two square shaped planter boxes were cracked with exposed screws, posing a risk of injury. o Side of one round planter pot was cracked down the side of the pot, posing a risk of injury. o A crack was present in the artificial surface behind the climbing frame posing a trip hazard. Infection Control: 5. Two hand touch Nappy disposal systems were in use in the service, one present in the junior group sanitary facility and one present in the Tusmaith preschool room sanitary facility, this equipment is at variance with best practice guidelines and public health recommendations issued in 2022. 6. In the Sensory room, the corners of three blue cuboid shaped cushions were observed to be torn and therefore not washable or wipeable for effective cleaning, leading to poor infection control. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: 1. The procedures for entrance through the garden gate have been reviewed and changed. The children are now entering through the main reception area. Parents were informed in person of the changes and a text sent as a reminder of the change. Parents of new and returning parents all received a letter in relation to September 2024 that outlines main reception entrance area for children. Staff have been instructed to ensure the garden gate is closed at all times. 2. Staff are now doing daily checks of the temperature in the room. If room is too warm / cold the temperature is adjusted. Daily checks in place and adjusted accordingly. 3. The trailing flex of a phone wire has been covered and the service will ensure all wires/ flexes are secure and covered. 4. In the Outdoor area: o Cracked planters have been replaced with new wood ensuring no exposed nails. Plant boxes will continue to be monitored in the garden area. o The service is aware of the crack in the artificial surface and it is currently being addressed by the facilities manager who is seeking quotes to address these issues in the playground. Facilities Manager is ensuring the cracked artificial surface will be repaired by a reputable agent. Infection Control: 5. Nappy bin has been replaced and is in place for nappies. 6. The three cushions have been removed from the area and going forward, cushions will be monitored for fraying and removed immediately