Inspection of 23 July 2025 — Inspection Report
Immediate action notice. The inspection focused on an examination of compliance under regulations 9(1)(2)(4), 11(1)(2)(8), 19(1)(a), 22, 25, 26(1)(4), 28 and 29, however, on inspection an additional non-compliance which posed a risk was identified under Regulation 23. These findings are outlined within the relevant regulation within this report.
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Fire safety: The fire exit doors in the Baby room and the current sleep room were obstructed by furniture and equipment which included a play kitchen, child sized chair and electric fan. This posed a safety risk to the children and staff as their exit may be impeded in the event of an emergency. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- Fire safety: Doorway has been cleared and management and staff are more mindful that the emergency needs to be kept clear at all times
Regulation 29 — Premises
- (a) As identified in previous reports dated 8 June 2023 and 4 July 2024, the roof of the premises leaked during wet weather which had caused significant growth of a black mould-like substance on the ceiling in several rooms: Ladybirds room, dining room, kitchen, staff room and the room formerly used as a sleep room. The sleep room was the first area affected and where the black mould-like substance was the most extensive. Several of the areas affected by the mould-like substance were occupied by the children during the day. The mould is potentially an environmental hazard and could pose a significant risk to the children’s and staff’s health. There was another section of the ceiling in the corridor that staff said was prone to leaking in wet weather though there doesn’t appear to be a mould problem at that point. The registered provider and service manager were aware that the issue needed to be addressed but they have explained that they are not in a position to do so at present. However, the issue of the mould-like substance needs to be addressed to ensure the health of all those attending the service. (d) There were areas of the service that were not part of the daily cleaning schedule and which required attention as they appeared dirty, dusty or in need of maintenance such as the following: 1. There appeared to be dirt in the wood grain of the doors into each room in the high-touch parts such as the area below the handle. Some doors were marked by glue from old sticky tape. 2. The black mould-like substance on the ceilings was not cleaned or treated. 3. The outdoor toys were weather damaged from being outside as there was no outdoor storage to protect them from rain, wind and sun
Provider's corrective action:
- As explained to the inspectors the service does not have the financial means to address the damage caused by leaks and mould. They contacted a number of companies who specialise in mould testing and removal. The service has been in talks with a company and they are waiting on them to revert back with a price of doing a test on the mould. With regards to cleaning, the service has a clean as you go procedure in place and at midterms and during the holiday periods, staff do a deep clean. They are aware that regular deep cleans are required. The service has tried to get a Community Employment participant who could do the cleaning and maintenance of the building
Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 19, 22, 25, 26, 28.