Inspection of 11 June 2025 — Inspection Report
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a)(b) A second written and validated reference was not available in relation to one staff member. (4) The inspectors reviewed the staff roster and observed staff attendance on the day of inspection. From this information available it was not evident that an adult working with the preschool children between 12.00pm and 2.00pm had a qualification at Level 5 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications, or a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- (2) The registered providers submitted the required validation for the written reference. To prevent this non- compliance from recurring, the registered provider has stated they have implemented a process to ensure that all new employees provide two written references. These references will be requested, received, and validated prior to or as early as possible in the recruitment process. (4) The registered providers stated that the staff member is now completing administrative duties and is not working directly with preschool children. A staff member holding a qualification at Level 5 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications (or an equivalent qualification as deemed by the Minister) is now working directly with the preschool children between 12:00pm and 2:00pm. To ensure compliance going forward, the registered provider has implemented a procedure to verify that all new employees assigned to work directly with children hold the relevant qualifications prior to commencing their duties in the any room
Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (2) Following the conclusion of the sessional hours at 12.00pm the registered provider did not maintain the appropriate adult: child ratio; • From 12.30pm to 1.15pm there were 2 adults working with 18 children aged 3 years 6 months to 4 years 7 months old on a part time or full day care basis. Three adults were required. This was identified as a non- compliance following the last inspection in March 2024
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. The registered providers stated that they have since addressed this issue and now have three staff members assigned to the preschool room during this period to ensure appropriate cover during lunch breaks. To prevent this from happening again, they will ensure that the required adult-to-child ratios are maintained at all times throughout the day
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: The registered providers did not ensure that the risk of injury in the garden was adequately managed. 1. The inspectors observed that there were gaps in the safety flooring of the garden area that presented a possible fall or trip risk to the children. 2. A metal pole did not have any covering and presented a possible risk of injury should a child bump or run into it. Infection Control: 3. The registered providers did not ensure that adequate measures to reduce cross contamination were in place. The children in the Toddler room were not provided with crockery from which to eat their morning snack of apple and brioche bun. The food was placed directly onto the table for the children to eat
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. The registered providers acknowledged the concern raised regarding gaps in the safety flooring in the garden area. They confirmed that the back garden safety flooring has now been repaired, and there are no longer any gaps present. To prevent this a regular garden risk assessment is being completed. 2. The registered providers stated the pole is now securely covered with protective pole foam to eliminate any risk to the children. To prevent this a regular garden risk assessment is being completed. Infection Control: 3. The registered providers since ensured that all rooms are now provided with appropriate crockery for all meal and snack times. To reinforce this practice, the issue during the most recent monthly staff meeting, reminding all team members that children must be always given suitable crockery during meals. These steps have been taken to prevent any recurrence and to maintain high standards of hygiene and care
Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) The registered providers had not ensured that rooms occupied by the children were appropriately cleaned and maintained. 1. There was an area of dry growth in the corner of the ECCE room on the wall mounted unit. 2. An area of the wall in the ECCE room children’s toilets had had peeling paint with stains surrounding the damaged area. This staining resembled mould. 3. There was a thick layer of dust on the unit in the Toddler room. 4. The floor in the Montessori room was damaged with the porous surface exposed. 5. The children’s sofa in the Montessori room required repair as it could not be adequately cleaned. The back was torn and there was exposed foam
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. The area has been thoroughly cleaned, and the dry growth has been removed. Regular maintenance inspections have been implemented. 2. The area has been thoroughly cleaned, and repainted. Regular maintenance inspections have been implemented. 3. The unit has been thoroughly cleaned. This has been added to the classroom cleaning schedule. 4. The area has been repaired. Regular maintenance inspections will be more thorough. 5. The children’s sofa in the Montessori room has now been removed and replaced with easily maintainable cushions
Found compliant: Regulation 15, 16, 19, 22, 25.