Inspection of 1 September 2025 — Inspection Report
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) &(b)Two written references were not available for one staff member. It is acknowledged that 2 validations were on file, however there were no references available to support the validations. (4) Documentary evidence was not available to confirm that 2 staff members whose files were reviewed and who work directly with the children in the service held an appropriate childcare qualification at Level 5 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications or a qualification deemed by the minister to be equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action (2)(a) &(b) They have since collected two written references for the 1 staff member in question. (4) Both Staff members are studying to do their Level 8 degree, they both had letters from their college to date, manager has now received their letter of recognition from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. Preventive Action (2)(a) & (b) General manager and Managers will be requesting references during interviewing period and making a copy to be available for inspections. (4) Managers will ensure all students who can work in the sector will apply for their recognition letter each year they complete & have the copy on file for inspection
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: 1. The steps in the services nappy changing policy were observed not to be followed as evidenced by the following: • Aprons were not observed to be worn for nappy changing. • Children were observed not to have their hands washed following nappy changing. • The nappy changing mat was observed not to be cleaned following nappy changing. 2. On discussion with staff members in the Tweenie room the services policy for the sterilisation of soothers was not being followed. Staff stated that they sterilised the soothers once weekly which is at variance with the service policy and poses an infection control risk. Safe Sleep: 3. Staff members in both the Tweenie room and in the Playschool, room were observed conducting the children’s sleep checks at variance with the services safe sleep policy. In both care rooms the staff members documented the time that the children went to sleep only and retrospectively completed the sleep check when the children woke up. Furthermore, in the Tweenie room staff members were observed conducting sleep checks by standing at the sleep room door rather than individually checking the children at 10-minute intervals. All sleeping children must be physically checked every 10 minutes to include checking the child’s colour, breathing and sleeping position. Action submitted by the Registered Provider Corrective Action Infection Control: 1. Managers have reviewed and discussed with all educators all policies & procedures in this area such as their handwashing policy, toileting policy, nappy changing policy. 2. The soother policy was in their safe sleep policy however they have since created its own policy and have informed all educators of this policy and procedures to ensure that soothers are kept clean at all times and soother pots. Safe Sleep: 3. Managers have discussed the importance of following their safe sleep policy with all educators and highlighted the importance of physical checks and documentation of theses checks. Preventive Action Infection Control: 1. Manager will review over these policies on a monthly basis with all educators to ensure a high standard of infection control is kept. 2. Manager will review their policy on a monthly basis with all educators to ensure a high standard of infection control is kept. Safe Sleep: 3. Managers will monitor this daily to ensure all educators are following their safe sleep policy and conduction physical checks and documentation correctly. Supporting documentation submitted Infection Control: 1. Copies of policies and a signed document from all educators who have revied the policies and procedures. 2. Copy of their soother policy was provided. Safe Sleep: 3. Copy of their safe sleep policy and a copy of signatures of all educators who reviews their policy. Summary Comment The inspector has reviewed the actions and evidence submitted. The noncompliance identified under regulation 23 - Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child has been adequately addressed
Regulation 24 — Checking in and out and record of attendance
- (1) The children’s attendance records were not accurately maintained as evidenced by the following: • A child attending the Tweenies room was present in the service from 08:55am but was not signed into the register until 10:55am. • Two children attending the Montessori room who were present in the service from 9.00am were not signed into the register until 12:10pm It is acknowledged that when the above attendance records were brought to the attention of the staff members in the respective rooms by the inspector the attendance records were rectified immediately
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action (1) Managers have discussed the importance of attendance sign in for children, on the day of inspection the children in question were in late and educators didn’t sign in at that moment. Preventive Action (1) All educators will ensure all children are signed in as they arrive paying specific attention to children who may arrive late or take up extra days that are not on their usual schedule. Summary Comment The inspector has reviewed the actions and evidence submitted. The noncompliance identified under regulation 24 - Checking in and out and record of attendance has been adequately addressed
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
- (b)A maintenance certificate was not available for the smoke alarms in the service
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action (b) Since inspection a new contractor has been acquired by the service to carry out maintenance on the fire alarm and smoke alarms. Preventive Action (b) Maintenance will be conducted on a quarterly basis, managers will ensure that this is monitored, and records are kept of any maintenance visits
Found compliant: Regulation 11, 19, 25.