(4) Written evidence was required from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) to confirm that the studies undertaken by one of the staff members, met the minimum requirement of a level 5 award in Early Childhood Care and Education
Provider's corrective action:
The written reply outlined that the staff member in question has applied directly to the DCDE for a Letter of Qualification Recognition. All members of management are aware that if a staff member does not have a minimum level 5 certificate, a Letter of Qualification Recognition must be sought
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
Infection control: 1. Some of the children’s bags were not suitably stored, which increased the risk of cross infection. It was noted that several of the children’s bags were stored on the corridor floor, between the Montessori room and the Toddler room. Non-compliance in relation to the storage of children’s bags on the floor was also found at the previous inspection on 20 March 2024. The CAPA response at the time stated that all bags would be stored on wall hooks and that staff had been informed of this during a staff meeting. However, this was not found in practice. 2. There were two torn cushions in the Baby room. Children were observed playing with these cushions throughout the inspection. The torn parts of the cushions posed a risk of cross infection, as they could not be adequately cleaned. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
Infection control: 1. More coat hooks have been fitted to the wall for the Montessori children. Each child that is currently enrolled in this room has been allocated their own labelled hook. This will ensure that both children and staff are aware where all bags are to be placed. At a recent staff meeting, all staff were informed regarding the use of coat hooks and boxes in the rooms, in order to prevent any bags being left on the floor. 2. The cushions have been removed from the room. At a recent staff meeting, staff were made aware of the importance of informing management regarding any tears in furniture, bedding, or items that need to be replaced or repaired. Staff were also advised that management should be informed immediately and that the item should be removed from the room and either repaired or replaced
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. One of the children in the Baby room was observed to wear an amber bead teething necklace, which posed as a choking hazard. It was acknowledged that the staff member immediately removed the necklace from the child, once this was brought to her attention. Infection Control: The following observed practices increased the risk of cross infection: 2. During two observed nappy changing procedures, it was noted that children’s hands were not washed after having their nappies changed. 3. The 16 cot mattresses, located between the Baby room sleep room and the Pre-Toddler sleep room were not waterproof or fitted with waterproof mattress protectors, as required to reduce the risk of cross infection. It was noted that this was at variance with the service’s Safe Sleep policy, which stated: We use well-fitting firm mattresses which are covered with waterproof material. 4. Children’s bags were observed to be stored on the corridor floor outside the Pre-school room and on the floor in the Montessori room. The inspector was advised that suitable wall hooks had been purchased and that fitting of the wall hooks was awaited. 5. Sofas within the Toddler, Montessori and Pre-school rooms were observed to be torn, which impeded effective cleaning. Safe Sleep: 6. In the Baby room, one of the children was observed to sleep in a buggy, which is deemed unsafe, due to the risk of suffocation. A staff member advised that the sleep routine for this child involved placing them into the buggy, in order to assist them to fall asleep and then subsequently moving the child to a cot, after they had fallen asleep. The inspector was informed that this practice had been requested by the child’s parent. However, it was at variance with the service’s Safe Sleep policy, which listed buggies in the category of equipment prohibited for sleeping children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: 1. In their written response, the registered providers stated that parents have been sent a message, outlining that amber beads or any type of necklace or bracelet, are not permitted to be worn by the children, due to the risk of choking. Staff have also been directed to reiterate this message to parents in- person. Going forward, management will carry out regular checks to ensure that no child is wearing such beads or jewellery. This information will also be included in the monthly newsletter to parents. Infection Control: 2. The response outlined that, during a recent staff meeting, staff were retrained regarding the importance of handwashing for children as well as staff. Updated signage has been displayed in the care rooms, above sinks and in the nappy changing areas. As a preventive measure, management will carry out checks to ensure that staff are keeping up with infection control procedures. 3. The written reply stated that 16 new mattress covers have been purchased and that these are wipeable, waterproof and machine washable. The mattress covers will be checked by management on a monthly basis and will be replaced as needed. 4. The new wall hooks have since been fitted to the walls and all bags will be stored on these wall hooks. Staff were informed of this at a recent staff meeting. A designated person in each room has been given the responsibility to ensure that the hooks are checked weekly and if damaged, management will be informed and new hooks will be purchased. 5. Eight new couches have been purchased. Staff have been directed to inform management of any damage to the couches. Management will also check the couches monthly, to ensure that they are fit for purpose and can be effectively cleaned. Safe Sleep: 6. All buggies have been removed from the rooms and a general message was sent to parents in relation to safe sleep practice. A discussion took place between the parents of the child and management and a plan was implemented. Children have since transitioned to using cots. Staff have been informed that going forward, any child beginning at the service is to be settled to sleep in a cot and to liaise with parents in relation to this. Parents will also be informed of this practice when registering their child at the service
Regulation 29 — Premises
(e) One wash hand basin was provided in the staff sanitary facility, where two were required for the number of staff working at the service. Fifteen adults were employed at the childcare setting and one toilet and one wash hand basin are required for every eight adults
Provider's corrective action:
The wash hand basin in the staff sanitary facility was removed and two new sinks were fitted. Management will ensure that one wash hand basin and one toilet will be available for every eight staff
Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 16, 19, 22, 25.