(1) A sample of ten children’s record were reviewed. The registered provider did not ensure that six of these records were fully completed. It is important to have children’s records fully completed to support children’s safety, development and the quality of care
Provider's corrective action:
All children’s records have been checked and fully completed to support children’s safety, development and the quality of care. This will be maintained on an ongoing basis by management of the service
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. See Statutory Notice section in relation to Improvement Notice 0262 served. Administration of Medication: 2. See Statutory Notice section in relation to Improvement Notice 0265 served. 3. Emergency medications were not stored in original containers. Prescribed emergency medication for children should be kept in its original box stating the child’s name and dosage required. This posed a safety risk. Fire Safety: 4. See Statutory Notice section in relation to Improvement Notice 0264 served. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
Administration of Medication: 3. Children’s medications are now stored in their original boxes with the child’s name and dosage required. On an ongoing basis management will only accept onsite medication that is in its original box with the child’s name and dosage
(4) The registered provider was unable to demonstrate that one adult who worked directly with the children held at least a major award in Early childhood Care and Education at Level 5 on the National Qualification Framework or a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent. It is acknowledged that there was documentation on file however it could not be established that this was an approved qualification
Provider's corrective action:
(4) The registered provider has stated that the adult has an Early Childhood Care and Education qualification. However, at the time of the inspection the document was being translated, it was received back a few days after the inspection where the qualification has been approved and meet the guidelines of a level 6 on the National Qualification framework
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
1. The registered provider did not ensure that lighting was reduced in the Dragonfly room during the children’s sleep period. The following was observed: • Children were observed to be put to sleep in a room that was brightly lit with windows and roof lights were uncovered. A darkened room is required to promote sleep cycles and rest. A bright sleep room poses a potential risk of inhibiting a child’s basic need for sleep
Provider's corrective action:
1. The registered provider has stated that a new blackout blind has been fitted to the main window to reduce the level of light at sleep time
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. A hole was observed on the artificial grass in the outdoor area. This potentially poses a risk of tripping for children in this area. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: 1. The registered provider has stated that the hole in the artificial grass in the outdoor area has been repaired with a similar type of surface. A quote has been sought to resurface the outdoor area
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
(1) (b) The registered provider did not ensure that a record in writing was kept of the number, type and maintenance record of firefighting equipment and smoke alarms within the premises. The last recorded service was dated October 2023
Provider's corrective action:
(1) (b) The registered provider has stated that fire equipment and smoke alarms have been checked by the registered fire equipment supplier a new contract agreed to do inspections of fire alarms and fire safety lighting. These inspections will occur quarterly
Immediate action notice. On the 24thOctober 2023, an immediate action notice was issued Under Regulation 9(2)(c) as one staff member working directly with the children did not have the required Garda Síochána vetting disclosure. The registered provider responded to the immediate action notice confirming adherence to the notice given on October 25th 2023. A second immediate action notice was issued on the day in relation to
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
(2) The registered provider was unable to demonstrate that they had completed recruitment checks to ensure that all staff were suitable and competent for their roles in a childcare setting. This was evidenced by: (a) & (b) • Six references from previous employers and one reference from a reputable source were not verified on the day of inspection. The registered provider submitted evidence on the following day that these records were verified after inspection on 25th October 2023. • No references were available for one staff member. (c)A Garda vetting disclosure was not available for one staff member. On the 24th October 2023, an immediate action notice was issued as the registered provider had not considered the Garda vetting disclosure for one staff member prior to allowing them to work with children. The inspector observed two separate applications for vetting on the file and it was confirmed in discussion with management that they had not received a vetting disclosure for this person. (3) The procedures stated above under 2(a), (b) and (c) were not completed before allowing staff to commence work in the setting. (4) Evidence was not available to show that one staff member working directly with the children held at least a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework or a qualification deemed to be equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (2)(a) (b) All staff references were re-checked to ensure they had been verified. (c)The Staff member in question was informed that they could not work until Garda vetting was received. (4) Evidence of staff qualification was requested and subsequently received and added to staff members file. Preventive Action (2)(a)(b) A sheet recording checks (including dates and person contacted and whether contact was successful) is now part of every employment record kept. A strict adherence to the rule that employment cannot start until all references and qualifications have been verified is in place. All prospective or future staff will be informed of this when offered employment. A strict adherence to the rule that employment cannot start until Garda vetting is received is in place. All prospective or future staff will be informed of this when offered employment
Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
(1) The registered provider did not ensure an adequate number of adults were working directly with the children in the Butterfly room between 1:39pm and 2:25pm. The staff available in the room were unable to respond adequately to the care needs of the children. This is detailed under the non-compliance section of Regulation 19. (2) The minimum adult to child ratio was not always maintained in the service as outlined below: Between 12:45-2:09pm ratios were not maintained in the Caterpillar room where children from 2 years-2 years 10 months were being cared for. For example: • 12:45-1:31pm 14 children were being cared for by two adults. Three adults were required. • 1:31-2:09pm 13 children were being cared for by two adults. Three adults were required. Between 12:15-1:00pm ratios were not maintained in the Butterfly room where children from 2 years 9 months- 3years plus were being cared for. For example: • 12:15-1:00pm 17 children were being cared for by two adults. Three adults were required
Provider's corrective action:
(2) To ensure ratios are maintained in each classroom at all times, a separate lunchtime schedule has been drafted. This will be put in place should in the event of the unplanned absence of a staff member as was the case on the day of inspection
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
1. At times the strategies used by staff for supporting children were not in line with the service behaviour management policy. The following was observed: • The service policy stated staff would approach children at their level calmly and help describe feelings of frustration. Staff were observed to address children’s behaviour by calling children loudly from across the room. During these interactions staff did not acknowledge the children’s feelings and frustrations. • Staff were observed to use harsh tones and to move children abruptly. This is not in line with staff modelling positive behaviours and interactions as detailed in the policy. 2. The needs of all children were not met appropriately following dinner in the Butterfly room. While the atmosphere was calm and supportive of the children’s needs during the morning, after dinner the environment within this room became loud and disordered with raised voices of children and one staff member. Although some children were able to settle to play independently a number of children became distressed and displayed behaviours which required support during this time. Children were observed to engage in potentially risky behaviours such as hitting and pulling hair, climbing on furniture, running, and wandering around the room without engagement and unattended in the bathroom which led to flooding on the floor. Staff in the room intervened with children intermittently but at times did not observe the children’s behaviours and attended to cleaning and tidying tasks over responding to children’s needs. It is acknowledged that at this time the manager of the setting was fully occupied providing direct care to a child. 3. The registered provider did not ensure that varied and sufficient food was available: • The main meal served was chicken curry with vegetables and was nutritiously balanced however six children did not want to eat the meal and were offered plain rice. An alternative meal was not available. Plain rice was not in line with the Food and Nutrition Standards for hot meal provision which outlines that every hot meal should contain a number of specific food groups. It is acknowledged that two additional children had food from home as their main meal. • Children were given a single breadstick for afternoon snack. Birthday cake was also given however staff advised the breadstick was the intended snack of the day. When the inspector discussed meal alternatives and available snacks with staff, she was advised that shopping had not been completed for the week, so alternatives were not currently available in the kitchen
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action 1 & 2 All staff have been reminded of their duty of care and responsibilities in how they address the children and their needs as per our Behaviour Management Policy. 3. Staff reminded of the importance of having an alternative food option for children in the event that they do not eat the main meal on offer. The importance of being prepared in advance for this was also highlighted. Shopping to be done at the beginning of each week to prevent any food shortages. Preventive Action 1 & 2. All staff are asked to read our Behaviour Management Policy and sign document stating they have done so and agree to operate in line with the policy. 3. Staff to ensure that shopping requirements are met and implemented at the beginning of every week. This will provide all the needs for any alternative meals or snacks that may be required
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. The fire exit door located in the in the caterpillar room had a handle within easy reach of children and opened onto to a push release fire exit leading to a stairway and building exit via a neighbouring business. This posed a potential risk of unauthorised exit from the preschool by a child or access to the care room by an unauthorised person. 2. The door handle in the butterfly room was observed in reach of children. At 1:44pm children were observed playing in the alcove near the door without supervision. At 1:51pm a child was observed to push a stool over to the door sit on the stool in reach of the handle and then stand on the stool. This posed a risk of a child leaving the room via the exit stairs and gaining access to the carpark outside. 3. A trampoline with a ripped and torn lining was observed in the garden. Staff advised the inspector the trampoline is for use by all children. This posed a risk of injury to children. The use of trampolines is prohibited in services except for therapeutic intervention. 4. Cleaning agents in the nappy changing bay were accessible to children. This posed a potential risk of poisoning. 5. Stagnant water accessible to children was observed in the outdoor area in two plastic trays. This increased the risk of infection. 6. In the outdoor area two broken storage units with jagged edges posed a risk of injury to children. 7. A coloured rug in the Butterfly room was observed with turned up edges. This posed a trip and injury risk. Infection Control: 8. A foot pedal bin was not available in the nappy changing bay and sanitary area. This is not in line with the recommendations issued by the Office of the National Clinical Director Health Protection, HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre due to the increased risk of cross infection. 9. Blue tissue roll in the caterpillar room was not stored within a dispenser meaning that the roll was handled by many people prior to use. This posed a risk of cross contamination. 10. Fabric cleaning cloths were observed in the nappy changing bay and by the sink in a care room. This posed a risk of cross contamination. Safe Sleep: 11. Sleep records were not completed in real time the day of inspection. Records are required to be kept from the time the children got to sleep until they wake noting colour, breathing and position of sleeping child every ten minutes. Children were observed sleeping without a sleep log being started. The record kept did not demonstrate ten-minute checks. Fire Safety: 12. Coats were hung behind the door of the Butterfly room leading to the Caterpillar room. This prevented the door from opening fully. This posed a potential safety risk as the area formed part of the evacuation route. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: 1&2. A small loop latch is in place and is beyond the reach of all children. Staff have been informed that this is to be used when children are in the room to further prevent any potential opening of the door out to the fire corridor. Please note that the door handles are still at the required height that was approved for fire safety. When using the room staff must ensure that the small loop latch is in place at all times. 3.Trampoline has been removed from play area. 4. Cleaning agents removed from toilet area until new units are fitted out of reach of children. They will then be placed in the new unit. 5. Outdoor area to be checked by staff every day prior to children using the area to ensure that all outdoor toys and units are clean and ready for usage. 6. Broken outdoor storage units replaced. 7. Coloured rug in Butterfly room removed and discarded. Infection Control: 8. Two new Nappy bins with foot pedals have been purchased to replace the existing bins in the two nappy changing areas. 9. Blue Roll dispensers fitted. 10. Cloths removed. Safe Sleep: 11. 10-minute checks added to the sleep policy document. Staff have been informed that these checks must be complied with and recorded. Fire Safety: 12. New unit to be fitted in Caterpillar Room to store bags and coats removing them from the corridor. Summary Comment The registered provider has addressed the non-compliances under Regulation 23
Regulation 25 — First aid
1. An immediate action notice was issued to the service on the day of inspection as there was no person trained in first aid on the premises available to the children. One staff member had evidence of first aid responder training which expired in August 2022
Provider's corrective action:
Facility Manger registered for updated First Aid training. This has been completed. All staff are undergoing manual handling and First Aid training in January 2024
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
(1)(b) An in date annual record was not available for the number, type and maintenance of firefighting equipment and smoke alarms in the premises
Provider's corrective action:
Fire Equipment was checked and certified on 25/10/2023. A policy is in place to book in checks for all fire and safety equipment at the beginning of the new academic year in September of each year