(2) (a)(b) A second written and validated reference was not available for one adult. (3) The review of documentation available demonstrated that the checks specified in (2) were not carried out prior to one adult commencing in the service. o The adult commenced working in the service prior to appropriate consideration of their references. It is acknowledged that one validated reference dated 16th July 2025 was received on the 16th July 2025, the day after inspection. A second written and validated reference was not provided. o The adult commenced prior to a curriculum vitae being obtained
Provider's corrective action:
(2) (a)(b) A second written and validated reference has been received and is now on the staff members file. Management will ensure no staff member commences employment at Home-Start without providing a CV and ensuring 2 written and validated references are provided. No staff will be taken on to our service until all essential paperwork is complete. (3) The second validated reference and CV have been placed on the staff members file. Management will ensure any workers paperwork is completed before starting
Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
(4) The minimum adult to child ratios were not always maintained in the bears and cubs’ room. The following was observed: • One qualified adult was caring for 7 children aged 1-year 4months to 2 years 3 months between 10.30am-11.04am. Two adults who can be included in ratio were required. • One qualified adult was caring for 8 children aged 1-year 4months to 2 years 3 months 11.04am- 11.25am. Two adults who can be included in ratio were required. It is acknowledged that management were available on the premises and checked in with staff present in the room intermittently but did not provide continuous care to the children during these times. Two other unqualified adults were present in the room but could not be included in the ratios. Adults who do not hold a minimum of a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at level 5 (NQF), a comparable qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent or an exemption to a qualification cannot be part of the adult /child ratio. This had a potential impact on the supervision and safety of the children
Provider's corrective action:
(4) Adults that have not yet received their qualification are not counted in the ratio for Cubs and Bears room. Management cover breaks and nappy time to ensure the ratio is maintained at all times. Ratios will remain low until the staff receive their qualification, and they are allowed to be counted in the ratio. Adults without qualifications will not be allowed to care for the children unsupervised e.g. no changing nappies Qualified staff are rostered, and staff/management rostered to cover breaks/nappies
Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
(j) The registered provider did not ensure a full record in writing was maintained for medication administration. A sample of 11 records were reviewed and 8 were observed to be incomplete. • Two records did not include the signature of parent confirming they had been informed of administration. • One record did not include the child’s full details who received the medication or the parents’ signature. • One record did not include the child’s full details or the signature of a second staff member. • Three records did not include the child’s full details. • One record did not include the signature of a second staff member. This posed a potential impact of sharing inaccurate information resulting in a safety risk to children. (k) The registered provider did not ensure a full record in writing was maintained for accidents or incidents. A sample of 11 records were reviewed and all were observed to be incomplete. • Nine records did not include the child’s full details or the signature of a second staff member. • One record did not include the detail of incident, the staff signatures or parents’ signature. • One record did not include the signature of a second staff member. This posed a potential impact of sharing inaccurate information resulting in a safety risk to children
Provider's corrective action:
(j) A staff meeting was held to review how paperwork is completed. All room leads are aware that full details need to be completed every time a medical form is filled out and it needs to be witnessed. Medical reports are immediately brought to management for sign off. The supervisor will check forms frequently. There will be a regular review of policies regarding administration of medication. (k) A staff meeting was held to review how paperwork is completed. All room leads are aware that full details need to be completed every time an accident and incident form is filled out and it needs to be witnessed. The supervisor will check forms frequently. There will be a regular review of policies regarding administration of medication
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. The foot pedal bin in the sunshine care room used by both adults and children was damaged. The foot pedal was broken leaving a metal bar exposed which posed a risk of injury. Infection Control: 2. A child was not supported to wash their hands following nappy changing in the sunshine room. This posed an infection control risk and was not in line with service policy. 3. A selection of items was observed stored in the bears and cubs’ sanitary area which posed an infection control risk. Items included soft furnishings such as pillows and blankets, a child’s pram and children’s wet weather clothing. Only items for use in the sanitary accommodation area should be stored there. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: 1. The bin was removed and replaced. Daily risk assessments will be carried out each miring to check for possible risks in the room. Infection Control: 2. A review of the nappy changing policy and infection control policy was carried out at the staff meeting. There will be regular supervision of nappy changing to remain vigilant of steps. The policy and procedure will be reviewed frequently. 3. Soft furnishings have been removed from the sanitary area, as has the buggy. Any materials are in boxes with lids and children’s spare clothes are placed in a zip seal bags before placing in their cubby to prevent the risk of infection. Sanitary checklist is reviewed to ensure this does not reoccur
Regulation 27 — Supervision
1. The registered provider did not ensure adequate supervision of children at all times. Throughout the day of inspection unqualified staff were observed to conduct care practices such as nappy changing without supervision. This is not in line with service policy that advises each child attending the service is under the supervision of a qualified staff member at all times
Provider's corrective action:
1. This was addressed at the staff meeting. Until staff have completed their minimum Level 5 qualification, they will not be changing nappies or conducting other care practices. New roster to include cover of qualified staff to change nappies. No staff member will change nappies or engage in other care practices unsupervised