Inspection of 2 November 2023 — Inspection Report
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. A trampoline which is considered to be inappropriate equipment in an early years setting was provided in the outdoor play area. It is acknowledged that the registered provider had endeavoured to minimise risk by ensuring that high netting was in place around the frame and padding was fitted to cushion the springs. Additionally, the service implemented a policy where only one child was facilitated to play on the trampoline at any one time. However, trampoline use is not recommended for children under 6 years of age due to the safety risk. Infection Control: 2. The paper hand towels in Montessori Room 1 and also in the adjoining sanitary accommodation were not hygienically dispensed as rolls of paper were provided which were subjected to repeated handling; this posed a risk of cross-contamination and was inadequate for infection control purposes. 3. A staff member was observed not to wash her hands in between changing children’s nappies. Safe Sleep: 4. Inadequate space, less than the recommended distance of at least 50cm apart, was left between 3 cots in the sleep room which increased the risk of cross infection and could potentially delay staff in accessing children in the event of an emergency. Action submitted by the Registered Provider The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been carried out: Corrective Actions: General Safety: 1. A trampoline has been in use in the service for over 20 years without any accidents or incidents occurring. Only one child at a time may use the trampoline and the zip/net closure must be intact. Infection Control: 2. A hand-towel holder has been installed in the Montessori 1 toilet area. 3. Educators have been reminded of the nappy changing policy and reminded that wearing gloves does not negate the need for hand washing. Safe Sleep: 4. Cots have been rearranged to ensure 50cm between each cot. Preventive Actions: General Safety: 1. The service’s trampoline policy states that children are supervised at all times when using the trampoline. Educators ensure the safety netting has no imperfections, the safety zip is closed at all times, children use the trampoline one at a time and no toys are to be brought on. Infection Control: 2. Staff have been reminded to use the hand-towel dispenser in the main room and ensure it is full at all times. 3. A nappy changing policy is in place to ensure a safe and hygienic process for both adults and children. Safe Sleep: 4. Service’s safe sleep policy states: “Cots and floor mattresses will be spaced at least 50cm apart to allow staff to easily move around cots/floor beds”. Supporting documentation submitted The registered provider submitted the following supporting documentation: • A copy of the service’s trampoline policy, nappy changing policy and safe sleep policy. • Photographs of paper hand towels in dispensers. • Photographs of cots spaced at least 50cm apart, with a tape measure in place showing the appropriate distances. Summary Comment The corrective and preventative action submitted by the registered provider have addressed the non-compliance identified on inspection in relation to points 1, 2, and 3. However, the corrective and preventative action in relation to the provision of a trampoline in the early years service demonstrates that this equipment continues to be used by the pre-school children. Trampolines should only be used in an early years service if prescribed as an individual therapeutic intervention and otherwise, are classified as unsuitable equipment. The regulatory requirement has not been met
Regulation 29 — Premises
- (e) A hot tap at one of the 2 low level wash hand basins had seized in the closed position in the sanitary facilities adjoining the Toddler Room which reduced the opportunities for effective hand hygiene for the children using the toilets and having their nappies changed in this area. It is acknowledged that a staff member reported this to the manager as soon as she realised the tap was not working effectively and plans were being made to have the tap repaired or replaced
Provider's corrective action:
- : (e) The hot tap has been replaced and is in full working order
Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 19, 24.