Inspection of 27 May 2026 — Inspection Report
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (1) (b) The registered provider arrived at the same time as the inspector. The inspector arrived to the premises at 09:50 am and the service had been in operation since 08:50 am. Upon discussion, it was confirmed to the inspector that the registered provider had left the premises, leaving the service without a designated person in charge. (2) (a) (b) There was only one validated reference available from a previous employer in relation to one adult attached to the service. A second reference was unavailable on the day of inspection. This posed a risk to the children due to the registered provider failing to properly assess the suitability of an adult to work with children
- Following a review of staff files, it was evident that vetting procedures were not carried out prior to an adult commencing in the service. This was not in line with the services recruitment policy. This posed a risk to children due to the registered provider failing to properly assess the suitability of an adult to work with children
Provider's corrective action:
- (1) (b) In her written response, the registered provider outlined how the designated person in charge would remain on the premises for the duration of each session. (2) (a) (b) In her written response, the registered provider stated that the required reference had been obtained and verified. (3)The response also detailed how new recruitment compliance checklists had been developed to ensure that vetting procedures would be completed prior to any adult having access to children
Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- The registered provider failed to ensure the minimum number of staff were working directly with children for the duration of the preschool session. The ratio was not maintained for the duration of time in which the registered provider left the premises, leaving an unqualified adult alone with the nine children aged between 2.8 years and 4.6 years. Allowing unqualified adults alone with the children puts the safety of the children at risk
Provider's corrective action:
- In her written response, the registered provider stated that the ratio would be maintained at all times in the future. The registered provider stated that they would not leave the premises during operational hours unless another suitable qualified adult was present
Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
- (i) The registered provider did not have a roster in place despite the policy on staff absences stating that a roster would be available and maintained. It is acknowledged that there were staff sign in and out records available for review
Provider's corrective action:
- In her written response, the registered provider stated that a formal roster has been put in place
Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) The laminate tiles on the floor of the children’s sanitary accommodation were not properly maintained. The corners of the tiles appeared to be lifting which posed a tripping hazard to the children
Provider's corrective action:
- In her written response, the registered provider detailed how the damaged floor tiles had been replaced and new floor covering had been laid
Regulation 32 — Complaints
- (2) (a) (b) There were no records of complaints available for review on the day of inspection. Through discussion with staff, it was evident that informal complaints had been made to the service by parents. The services policy on complaints is clear in the manner in which informal complaints are dealt with and that these will be recorded. However, this policy was not followed. This poses a potential risk of leaving the safety and wellbeing of children unaddressed
Provider's corrective action:
- In her written response, the registered provider detailed how the complaints procedure had been updated, and any informal complaints had been filed retrospectively
Found compliant: Regulation 10, 19, 27.