(1) (b) There was only one reference available for the staff file reviewed, and this had not been validated. Appropriate, documented consideration of references must be completed on adults prior to them having access to the children in order to establish their suitability
Provider's corrective action:
(2) (a)(b) Outstanding reference was sourced and both references were verified. The registered provider commits to ensuring all references will be sources for new staff
Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
(1) The following records were not maintained: (g) The following policies which are required under Schedule 5 in accordance with Regulation 10 were not available: Policy on administration of medication; outings policy; policy on authorisation to collect children; policy on outdoor play; settling-in policy; staff training policy; supervision policy. Documented policies are required to clearly outline the service decision making procedures on specified practice areas
Provider's corrective action:
(1)(g) The outstanding policies were developed. The registered will ensure all required policies are available
Regulation 10 — Policies, procedures etc. of pre-school service
The registered provider did not ensure that there was a written policy or procedure for healthy eating in place. This is one of the specified policies under Schedule 5 of the Regulations
Provider's corrective action:
A healthy eating policy was developed by the service
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
Basic Needs: 1. There was no area available where a child could take a break from activities and rest. Young children require a comfortable space to remove themselves from activities. This can assist in regulating their emotions when feeling dis-regulated which promotes positive behaviour management. This was identified as a non-compliance on the last inspection and the corrective and preventative measures put in place were not effective to prevent a recurrence. Physical and Material Environment: 2. The layout of the room was disorganised and lacked planning, this limited children’s ability to engage and focus on their play experiences in a meaningful way. Children who are disinterested or who lack positive engagement in tasks can potentially engage in negative behaviours or will have limited learning experiences. For example: o There was no direct access to mark-making equipment in one of the pods. o Equipment and materials were not consistently grouped in defined or themed interest areas. Props for the kitchen in one of the pods was not stored within sight or easy access of the play kitchen. This reduces a child’s interest in meaningful play experiences and limits focused play environments for children. o There was not consistent labelling which can provide comfort to children in knowing where things go. o Books and equipment were not displayed in a pleasing or organised manner which can limit the possibility for the child to engage with the materials. o Jigsaws were stored incomplete, with no visual guide to support children make the jigsaw. This limited the play value of the equipment
Provider's corrective action:
1. A rest area is available to the children. 2. Labelling is now in place so the children can find things easily, books are displayed with clear labelling, kitchen and food stuff kept together
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. The following shelving units were observed to be unstable and posed a risk of injury to the children: o The blue and green plastic shelving unit. o The wood shelving unit with the metal poles. o The cardboard pencil shelving unit. 2. Children were observed to have whole grapes in their lunch boxes. These posed a risk of choking to children. 3. The following was observed in relation to the outdoor play area: o The outdoor play area was not observed to be fully enclosed. A member of the public was observed in the outdoor play area on the morning of the inspection. Children could potentially exit the premises unsupervised, or an unauthorised person could gain access. It is acknowledged that the children were not in the outdoor play area at this time. o There was no written risk assessment available on the day of the inspection highlighting the risks or hazards associated with the outdoor area, and any measures put in place to minimise these risks. These were identified as non-compliances on the last inspection and the preventative measures put in place were not effective to prevent a recurrence. Infection Control: The following increased the potential risk of infection: 4. There was a build-up of dust and debris in the corners and in behind shelving units. This could potentially cause infection should children access this. 5. Children’s lunches were not stored refrigerated. These were observed to contain perishable items such as yogurts and meats. This was identified as non-compliance on the last inspection and the preventative measures put in place were not effective to prevent a recurrence. Fire Safety: 6. The details of the attendance of children was not accurately recorded in the attendance book. The inspector observed only 16 children recorded when there were 21 children present. Contemporaneous accurate attendance logs must be maintained to support the safe evacuation of children in an emergency. This was identified as non-compliance on the last inspection and the preventative measures put in place were not effective to prevent a recurrence. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: 1. The shelving was removed. 2. A message was given to parents to cut grapes in half if given in lunches. 3. The service will not have outdoor play on Wednesday when members of the public attend for a weekly club meeting. A risk assessment was development. Infection Control: 4. Deep clean was carried out immediately, and a cleaning roaster put in place. 5. All lunches refrigerated. Fire Safety: 6. One attendance book for all three pods in the service is now used to accurately record attendance
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
(4) The was no notice displayed in the room of the procedures to be followed in the event of a fire. This can impede the safe evacuation of the premises in the case of a fire
Provider's corrective action:
Plans of the fire exits have been placed at all exits routes