Inspection of 28 May 2025 — Inspection Report
Regulation 10 — Policies, procedures etc. of pre-school service
- 1.The above policies were viewed by the inspector, and it was noted that the policies were not signed off by the person approving the policies, and the last review date was September 2022. This was at variance with the policies for the service, which stated that all policies will be reviewed annually and signed off by management
Provider's corrective action:
- : The registered provider has stated that: The policies have been updated and signed off and reminders set to annually update the policies for the service in August. Summary Comment The regulatory requirements of Regulation 10 have been met. This will be reviewed at the next inspection
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- PHYSICAL AND MATERIAL ENVIRONMENT: 1.The sensory materials such as the sand, paint, crayons and paper were not readily accessible, open and visible to the pre-school children in the playroom. The small box of sand was located on a shelf inaccessible to the children, and the paints, crayons paper, brushes were stored in the same shelf behind closed doors. The staff members stated they made the decision as to when these play materials, such as the sand and water play, crayons, paints etc, were available to the children. When materials are not visible and readily accessible, it does not allow the children to think for themselves and extend their own learning
Provider's corrective action:
- : The registered provider has stated that: Sensory materials will be out at all times throughout the morning. The sensory materials were packed away around 1020 for lunch
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1.There was no working system in place at the main entrance to alert staff working in the service when parents, authorised persons or any other person arrived at the service. A notice was displayed which detailed a telephone number to call to gain entry, however when the inspector tried to gain entry this was not responded to. Staff in the service only became aware that the inspector was at the front door was when staff and children came downstairs to go outside. On discussion, it was noted that the number on the notice was for the registered provider who was not working in the service on the day and did not respond to calls made. No other means of contact were available. This posed potential risk to the safety of both staff and children in the event of an emergency. Infection Control: 2.There was no thermostatically controlled hot water at the time of the inspection for effective handwashing in the children’s bathroom facility. This increased the risk of cross infection. The pump that heats the water for the bathroom facility was off and was positioned under the basins accessible to the children. Outing: 3.On the day of the inspection, the staff and children were observed using in the outdoor public playground, which the service uses on a regular basis when unoccupied by members of the public. The staff stated that routinely a risk assessment would be carried out when using this public outdoor playground and the service’s own outdoor space; however, no written records were maintained and available at the time of inspection. This was at variance with the service's own outdoor play policy. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- : The registered provider has stated that: 1.A new bell has been installed. An additional number for the service is available to the parents however this will not be displayed due to safety reasons. 2. and 3. The water tank is being covered while the service is closed for the summer along with other maintenance jobs. Additional photos will be sent once the work is completed and staff are back in the office on August 27th
Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) 1.The main entrance area and doors were unclean and in a poor state of repair. 2.The child size couch and the larger couch were worn in appearance and unclean. 3. The walls of the playroom were unclean, stained and marked. 4. The fridge was in a poor state of repair, it was old, worn and had signs of rust on the door
Provider's corrective action:
- : The registered provider has stated that: (d) 1.The main entrance area and doors have been painted for the time being and will be replaced soon. 2.The child size couch has been replaced. 3.The walls of the playroom have been cleaned and refreshed for September 2025. 4. The fridge has been replaced
Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 25, 26.