(2) At 1.24pm in Naíonra 1, there was inadequate clear floor space available to accommodate the 26 children present as outlined in the table below. However, it is acknowledged that during the morning, there was sufficient clear floor space available to accommodate the 16 children aged 2 to 4 years in attendance within this care room. Room name Number of children present Age range of children Type of care Available floor space Naíonra 1 26 8 aged 2 - 3 years 18 aged 3 - 4 years Part time or full day care 46.9m2
Provider's corrective action:
The written reply stated that the children from Naíonra 2 will either remain in their own room for dinner until the numbers have dropped sufficiently, or they will be split more evenly between Naíonra 1 and Naíonra 3, to suit the available floor space. As a preventive measure, all relevant staff and management have been informed in relation to this and floor space will be taken into account before moving children between rooms
Immediate action notice. During the onsite inspection on 2 May 2024, an Immediate Action Notice (IAN) was issued to the deputy manager, under regulation 23, in relation to the non-compliance identified under regulation 25. A response to the IAN was received on 3 May 2024 and deemed to mitigate the risk.
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
(b) The staff roster demonstrated that there were periods during the service’s operational hours whereby neither the person in charge nor one of the deputies were present. For example, the roster for the current week evidenced three mornings where this was the case from 7.30am until 8.05am and the previous week’s roster indicated two further periods in the mornings, during which neither the person in charge nor a deputy were on duty. (4) Evidence was unavailable to demonstrate that one of the adults who worked directly with children held a recognised award in Early Childhood Care and Education, as listed on the National Framework of Qualifications
Provider's corrective action:
(b) The response received stated that the staff roster has now been corrected and persons in charge are rostered to cover from 7:30 to 18:00. Going forward, persons in charge will be rostered correctly. (4) Within the national system of the country where said qualification was undertaken, a certificate is not granted until the following year after graduation. A receipt was issued and this is on file. Evidence of course completion is also on file. The award will be issued in June 2024
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
Supporting relationships around children: In the Toddler room sanitary facility, privacy for children was not consistently ensured during nappy changing procedures and toileting. It was noted that, on one occasion, three children and two staff members were in this sanitary facility at the same time, with no partitions in place to ensure the children’s privacy
Provider's corrective action:
The response outlined that one child will use the toilet at any given time and if children are being changed at the same time, a partition can be pulled into place for privacy, when the child is toileting. A second partition between the two changing stations will be erected for privacy while children are being changed
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. The Garda vetting disclosure available for one of the adults was not dated within the previous three years, in adherence to the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. Infection Control: 2. Following an observed nappy changing procedure, in the Toddler sanitary facility, it was noted that the child’s hands were not washed, which posed a risk of cross infection. This was also found at the previous inspection on 3 July 2023. The CAPA response submitted at the time stated that staff members had been informed in relation to handwashing and that notices had been placed in the rooms. It was acknowledged that a new nappy changing infographic had been created and was displayed, however, the lack of handwashing by children remained an issue. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General safety: 1. The response stated that Garda vetting has been obtained for the staff member. As a preventive measure, management will pay attention to all Garda vetting dates and will renew within three years. Infection control: 2. The written response outlined that staff have again been informed of the proper hand washing procedure after toileting and nappy changes and that all staff will be notified again at the next staff meeting
Regulation 25 — First aid
(1) While two of the staff members held current First Aid Response (FAR) certification, review of the service’s staff roster and discussion with the service manager, demonstrated that an adult with FAR training was not available to the children at all times, as required. It was also established that there were periods of time during the hours of operation, when no staff member with first aid training was available. This posed a risk of safety to children, should first aid be required. On 2 May 2024, an Immediate Action Notice was issued to the deputy manager under regulation 23 – Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child in relation to this non- compliance
Provider's corrective action:
The response stated that FAR training has been arranged for eight staff members and will take place on the 8th, 9th and 16th of June. Going forward, all staff will be required to complete FAR/paediatric first aid, as needed
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
(a) The last recorded fire drill was noted to have taken place on 31 January 2024. Fire drills should be conducted on a monthly basis, to ensure that children and staff members are familiar with safe fire evacuation procedures
Provider's corrective action:
The written reply stated that a fire drill was carried out on 3 May 2024, to familiarise staff and children with the fire evacuation procedure. Going forward, fire drills will be completed on a monthly basis
Regulation 29 — Premises
(e) The inspector was advised that one of the three staff toilets required repair, due to a leak and was unavailable for use. A sign to this effect was displayed on the door of the sanitary facility
Provider's corrective action:
The written response advised that the leak has been repaired and that the toilet is in use again. Going forward, repairs will be ensured in a timely manner