Inspection of 3 March 2026 — Inspection Report
Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
- (1)(k) Whilst records demonstrated that the registered provider was compliant in regulation (1) – (3) it was not evident that parents/guardians were always informed when accidents and incidents occurred in relation to their child. Fifteen accident and incident records were sampled for inspection dated between January and March 2026. Three of the records did not include a parent/guardian signature contrary to the service’s accident and incident policy which stated that parents/guardians will be asked to sign off on the accident/incident report and will receive a copy. Failure to communicate accidents/incidents with parents may impact the continuation of safe and appropriate care for the child
Provider's corrective action:
- In-person training on the accident and incident reporting policy has been completed with all staff. Staff have been reminded of the importance of completing all sections of the accident/incident form thoroughly, ensuring all relevant information is recorded in a timely manner. Accident/incident and parent handover training cards have been completed, signed, and are retained in staff files. Ongoing supervision will be maintained through regular checks by local management to ensure all accident/incident forms are completed and signed appropriately. The policy will be reinforced with staff through periodic trainings and though staff meetings
Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play
- (1)(b) There were not enough suitable facilities for the number of children in the Wobbler 1 room who required sleep at the same time on Day 1 of the inspection. The inspector observed one child showing signs of tiredness including crying and rubbing her eyes at 11:24. The adult caring for her reported that she was probably tired, but she could not put her to sleep until another child woke up as all 12 cots were occupied. The inspector was informed that this occurs occasionally when the children’s sleep times overlap
Provider's corrective action:
- A new sleep plan has been implemented across Wobbler 1 and Wobbler 2 rooms to ensure all children’s needs are met. A designated spare cot is maintained during sleep times to accommodate any child who may require rest as needed. Local and regional management will conduct periodic spot checks to ensure compliance with all aspects of Regulation 20. Sleep arrangements will also be kept under regular review to ensure they continue to meet the needs of all children
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: It was not evident that repeated incidents of children biting each other in the Toddler 1 room were appropriately managed to reduce/prevent recurrence. Six of the 15 accident/incident records sampled for inspection detailed bites in the Toddler room from January to March 2026. One child had received two of the bites. Although the immediate actions were detailed in response to the bites including first aid treatment, there was no evidence that staff/management had sought to establish the reasons for biting and therefore reduce/prevent recurrence. This was at variance with the service’s behaviour management policy which stated, ‘if a child is bitten more than once or repeatedly staff will look to see if there are any triggers/patterns to the child being bitten and put any appropriate supports or measures in place to reduce/eliminate this risk’
Provider's corrective action:
- Staff have been retrained in relation to the management of biting incidents. Staff have been informed that where a child bites twice within a four-week period, a biting risk assessment must be completed. Where a child bites three times within a four-week period, a further risk assessment and an ABC (Antecedent, Behaviour, Consequence) record must be completed, and management will arrange a meeting with the child’s parent/guardian to develop a behaviour support plan in line with the service’s policy. Local and regional management will carry out regular spot checks to ensure all biting procedures are followed. Ongoing monitoring of incidents will be maintained, and staff will receive refresher guidance as needed to ensure consistent implementation of the policy
Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 19, 25.