Inspection of 30 November 2023 — Inspection Report
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- Basis needs: 1. Children in the toddler room were observed to have soothers left in their months for long periods. For example, in the morning three children had soothers in their mouth for up to 2-hours, including when they went outside and during a tabletop activity. In the afternoon four children were observed with soothers in their mouths for long periods from sleep time till their afternoon snack. Using a soother for prolonger periods can hamper a child’s language skills and damage to oral development. 2. Transitions between activities on the day were disorganised and chaotic. For example, in the ECCE room, the morning snack routine was not calm. Children were observed wandering away from the tables after having their hands washed, pushing and pulling at plates and bottles put out on the table, returning to play with toys, not sitting down for their food and a number of children approaching the inspector to open their snacks. In the toddler room, the organised activity was not prepared fully before starting. Children were not properly set up; they were given paint before their aprons were put on and the staff weren’t ready to support the children with the painting activity. There was a lot of wandering and climbing observed in the room and children not engaged in listening
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. The registered provider has spoken with staff around the use of soothers in the room. This will be discussed at the next staff meeting. Staff will work with children and provide toys and distraction while reducing the use of soothers. 2. Staff will work to ensure that activities were better planned, including meal times. A staff member has been delegated roles to support this practice
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. The door to the ECCE room was propped open during the morning. The door to the room was located at the top of the stairs. It is acknowledged that the staff closed the door when requested by the inspector. Infection Control: 2. Nappy changing observed in the morning in the ECCE room was not in line with good infection control measures. A staff member who changed a child's nappy wore no apron, did not wash her hands or the child’s hands after the procedure. This posed a risk of faecal contamination and spread of gastrointestinal illness. 3. The toilet door upstairs was propped open, which poses as a risk of cross contamination. 4. The nappy changing mat in the upstairs room was torn and posed as a risk of cross contamination as it cannot be adequately cleaned. 5. The mechanical ventilation in the downstairs nappy changing area was not working fully on the day. 6. Staff in the toddler room were not clear on the correct time soothers were required to stay immersed in sterilising fluid to ensure they were sterilised. 7. There was poor attention to personal hygiene noted in the toddler room. Children’s faces were not cleaned after eating and food was observed dried around their mouths and on faces. Administration of Medication: 8. There was no individual care plan in place for a child who required monitoring and administration of medication while in the service. This was not in line with the service’s policy on administration of medication. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. The door will be kept closed. Staff were advised to ensure the ore is kept closed. A sign has been placed on the door. 2. All staff have been reminded of the nappy changing policy. The registered provider will carry out reviews of nappy changing practices in the service. 3. The toilet door will be kept closed. The restrictive device has been removed to allow children the freedom to use the toilet independently. 4. The nappy changing mat was replaced. Monthly reviews of the mats will be carried out. 5. The mechanical ventilation was replaced. A regular review of the ventilation will be carries out. 6. All staff have been updated in striation of soothers. Staff have been reminded to ensure the manufactures instructions are followed. 7. Children’s faces are cleaned on a regular basis. Children will be encouraged to independently wipe their faces and tissues at a lower level will be available. 8. A care plan has been developed in collaboration with the parents, room leader and manager. Going forward staff will ensure that a care plan is in place as required
Found compliant: Regulation 10, 11, 25, 26, 28.