Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. Cleaning products in the upstairs bathroom were not stored in a secure, locked location. These substances were readily accessible to preschool children, posing a significant risk of accidental ingestion or chemical injuries. It is noted that the press did have a lock on it but was not in use at the time of inspection. 2. A loose piece of timber with an exposed nail was identified within the upstairs bathroom. As this area is accessed by preschool children, the exposed sharp hardware presents an immediate risk of physical injury or puncture wounds. Infection Control: 3. The backsplash in the upstairs bathroom was missing, leaving the underlying wall material exposed. This creates an infection control risk, as the area cannot be maintained in a hygienic condition. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
1. Press is now locked and keys are stored in a safe place. Manager has reinforced with all staff importance of keeping the press locked and keys in a secure location. 2. Damage had been caused by workmen looking to find water stopcock - timber repaired all contractors carrying out work will be informed of importance of good health & safety practices. Infection Control: 3. The Wall plastered and painted with waterproof/cleanable plaster and paint. Maintain observation of wall condition
Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 20, 22, 25, 26, 27.
Immediate action notice. An immediate action notice was issued to the registered provider on the 11th of October in relation to a safety concern under Regulation 23. The registered provider issued a response on the 11th of October to address this concern.
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
(2) (a) (b) • The references for two adults employed in the service did not demonstrate the required consideration by the registered provider. • References were unavailable for one adult employed in the service. (2) (c) • The garda vetting available for two staff members was not completed by the registered provider
Provider's corrective action:
In a written response the registered provider stated: (2)(a) (b). New References obtained by the service for two adults Other adults employed on a casual basis as emergency cover will not be utilised until fresh references submitted and verified. (2) (c) We are awaiting Garda vetting to be returned by GNVB/ECI on 2 adults – both of whom are Registered Providers in Sligo. Non-compliance brought to attention of administrator who will not engage emergency cover unless references are up to date and verified
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. In the outdoor area, a gate leading to an overgrown, enclosed community space was unlocked posing the risk of a child accessing the area unsupervised. 2. A bait box for pest and rodent control was found in the outdoor area and was accessible to children, posing a risk to children’s health. 3. Thorn bushes from neighbouring areas were found in two separate areas of the outdoor space where children were playing. 4. A rusty nail was protruding from a loose wooden picket in the fence. 5. Potential pinch and crush points were found relating to two pieces of play equipment in the outdoor area. Due to the uneven surface of the grass area, gaps were visible between the ground and the following equipment. o A blue slide propped against a trye and being used without a stable base. o A large wooden tray that was being used for sensory play was being used without the legs of the table attached, resulting in an uneven surface with pinch points. 6. On the inspector’s arrival at the service, it was observed that a mini trampoline was being used outdoors for children who did not require the trampoline as a therapeutic intervention. Trampolines are prohibited in early years services unless required as a therapeutic intervention. It is acknowledged that once this was brought to the attention of staff, the mini trampoline was immediately removed Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: In a written response the registered provider stated: 1. In the outdoor area, a gate leading to an overgrown, enclosed community space was unlocked posing the risk of a child accessing the area unsupervised. Staff reminded to check gates before children access garden areas daily 2. A bait box for pest and rodent control was found in the outdoor area and was accessible to children, posing a risk to children’s health. Box relocated Staff reminded to note and report any concerns to manager to be passed to buildings management (HSE). 3. Thorn bushes from neighbouring areas were found in two separate areas of the outdoor space where children were playing. Bushes cut back To maintain observation of bush growth and cut back when required. 4. A rusty nail was protruding from a loose wooden picket in the fence. Nail removed Staff reminded to observe and report any maintenance issues 5. Potential pinch and crush points were found relating to two pieces of play equipment in the outdoor area. Due to the uneven surface of the grass area, gaps were visible between the ground and the following equipment. Play equipment - Slide removed Wooden tray stabilised Staff reminded to observe and correct defects - children reminded to exercise caution and care for one another. 6. Staff Made Aware Trampolines only for use therapeutically
Regulation 25 — First aid
On the day of inspection one adult was trained in first aid responder with their start time of 09.15am. Preschool children are on site from 08.30am. An Immediate action notice under regulation 23 was issued in relation to this issue on the 11th of October Information received on the 14th of October from the registered provider stated that 2 staff had completed a basic first aid course online and these staff were enrolled to completed First Aid Responder course in November 2024
Provider's corrective action:
In a written response from the registered provider: The manager’s FAR training had expired due to cancellation of a number of training sessions by a number of training providers. The manager successfully completed new FAR training program
Found compliant: Regulation 11, 15, 16, 19, 21, 28.
Inspection of 1 August 2024 — Change in Circumstance