Inspection of 16 September 2024 — Inspection Report
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: (1) Garda vetting was available for all four adults. However, two of the adult’s vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI- RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. Infection Control: (2) Contrary to the service’s nappy changing policy which stated that “Nappy changing is carried out with the utmost care following best practice guidelines on safety, hygiene…” this was not observed in practice on the day. The inspector observed a changing mat on the floor of the children’s sanitary area, in conversation staff stated that children are changed on the mat which is placed on the floor while staff change children, posing an infection control risk from the mat being on the floor before and after use while children are using the sanitary area throughout the morning. (3) Although a nappy bin was in use it was not pedal operated, staff were observed handling the lid to dispose of items including a pull up along and disposable gloves. This had the potential to increase the risk of cross contamination from the number of adults in the service handling the lid to dispose of used items. (4) While the nappy changing procedure stated that “Disposable aprons and gloves must be changed between each nappy change” the inspector observed that the staff member was not wearing a disposable apron while changing a pull up. In discussion, the staff member stated that they had just ran out of aprons, posing both the risk of cross contamination and infection control. (5) A vinyl chair and sofa in the quiet rest area were frayed at the corners making effective cleaning difficult. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- The following statements were received from the manager; General Safety: (1) Garda vetting disclosures were applied for and subsequently received. A new staff file checklist is now in use to ensure all necessary documentation is on file before any adult commences employment in the service. Infection Control: (2) The changing mat was removed from the service. (3) A pedal operated nappy bin was purchased and is now in place. (4) Disposable aprons are now available for staff use. Staff will monitor use to ensure that new supplies are available when needed. (5) Staff will check regularly to ensure that the equipment and furniture are in a good state of repair
Regulation 25 — First aid
- (1) There was no adult with current First Aid Responder (FAR) training in the service. While certificates were available to evidence that two adults were trained in paediatric first aid, and were available to the children at all times, there was no adult with a current First Aid Responder (FAR) certificate. In conversation, the manager furnished evidence of confirmation of FAR training which was booked for 21/28 September and 5 October 2024. (2) The first aid bag was not suitably equipped as there were items missing such as large and medium dressings, burn gel and eye patches. This was also noted as a non-compliance on the last inspection on 21 March 2022 in which the registered provider stated that the first aid box would be checked regularly and items replaced as necessary. This was not found in practice on the day
Provider's corrective action:
- The following statements were made by the manager; (1) First Aid Responder (FAR) training has been completed. An adult trained in FAR training is available to the children at all times. The new staff file checklist will ensure that the dates of all training are recorded to ensure that the qualification does expire prior to new training being completed. (2) All first aid equipment has been replaced. Staff will check regularly to ensure that there are sufficient quantities of equipment available at all times. A new checklist has been added to the box
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
- (a) There were no records available of any fire drills carried out in the service in 2024. The manager stated that these had been misfiled and was unable to locate them on the day of the inspection
Provider's corrective action:
- The following statement was made by the manager; (1) The fire drills were located and returned to their original folder. Staff have been reminded to file the fire drills in the correct folder
Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) (1) A ceiling tile in the children’s bathroom area was water stained and black mould was visible, which looked unsightly. In discussion, staff stated that it was due to water damage, and the damaged tile had been reported to management
Provider's corrective action:
- (d) (1) The tile has been cleaned with appropriate materials and painted with anti-mould paint. Damaged tiles will be removed in the future
Regulation not named in the report text
- (1) Through conversation with staff, at the introductory meeting, it was found that the service had not informed the agency of a change in circumstances regarding the timing of the sessional service from the current registered time of 9.15 am until 12.15 pm to 9.30 pm to 12.30 pm. Not ensuring this change had been updated on the national register does not allow for the accurate service operations details to be retained and published by Tusla on the National register
Provider's corrective action:
- The following statement was received from the manager; (1) The Change in Circumstances was submitted to the registration department
Found compliant: Regulation 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 19, 27, 28, 32.