Cappaghmore Playschool, Dublin 22 — inspection reports and findings

Sessional · 2 - 6 Years · Dublin 22, Dublin · Tusla ID TU2015DS157 · Not Registered - Closed since 1 January 2023

An inspection records what inspectors saw on one day; services respond with corrective actions — how to read this.

No non-compliance recorded in this report.

1. The indoor area was not adequately resourced to provide quality learning and play experiences for the number of children present. The children had access to only one room during the inspection which the inspector observed was overcrowded. There were no designated interest areas and access to materials and equipment was limited. The inspector observed that consequently the children were restricted to mainly table-top activities which were adult led. 2. There was no area available for children to rest or take a break from activities. This was non-compliant on the previous inspection. The registered provider had subsequently submitted an action stating, “A new cosy/rest corner has been added”. The non-compliance had not been addressed

Provider's corrective action:

The service has introduced several different areas to provide for quality learning and play experiences for the children and improved the layout of the other room to cater for the extra interest areas. The service has also adapted the number and layout of materials and equipment to encourage the early learning and development of the children. The cosy/rest corner now has soft cushions and mats for the children to rest or take a break. More in depth staff meetings to be held to discuss improvements

(1) (b) Through review of records it was not evident that the firefighting equipment and smoke alarm system were appropriately maintained. The most recent records of servicing were dated February 2022. This regulatory requirement was non-compliant on the previous inspection dated 13 December 2021. The registered provider did not submit a preventive action at that time and did not prevent the non-compliance from recurring

Provider's corrective action:

An external company carried out an inspection and servicing of the fire/smoke and heat alarm system and the control panel on 4 August 2023. A certificate for the fire extinguishing equipment was present on the file and dated 14 February 2023. Annual inspection will be scheduled

The registered provider did not ensure that the minimum required clear floor space was available for the children. The children were allocated to one room when they were indoors. The room measured approximately 19 square metres which could accommodate a maximum of 10 children. There were 17 children present on the day of inspection with 18 attending on some days

Provider's corrective action:

The registered provider did not notify the Agency of a change in the number of children attending the service. The service is registered to accommodate a maximum of 16 children. There were 17 children present on the day of inspection. Through review of attendance records and discussion with staff it was evident that on some days there are 18 children attending

Provider's corrective action:

Cappaghmore Playschool has since applied for planning permission to increase the number of children who can attend from 16 to 20. Cappaghmore Playschool will keep to the original maximum number of 16 children until such time that the correct permission has been issued

Cappaghmore Playschool