Inspection of 24 February 2025 — Inspection Report
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- A second written and validated reference was unavailable for two of the adults. Records of validation were unavailable for six references in respect of three adults
Provider's corrective action:
- The reply from the registered provider stated that the references for the staff have been updated and validated. As a preventive measure, during the recruitment process, the policies and procedures in place at the service will be followed
Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
- 1. Signed parental consent had not been obtained for staff to administer the medications that may be required by two of the children, who attended the setting. This was at variance with the service’s medication management policy, which stated that “Parents/guardians must fill in the medicine consent form of the service, authorising the administration of medicine to their child.” It was acknowledged that written parental consent was in place for staff to administer medication to another child. 2. Staff members were unclear in relation to documenting the administration of medication, should it be required. During discussion, one staff member was unsure where to record the administration of medication and the inspector was advised by a second adult that provision to record the administration of medication was unavailable. The inspector subsequently found that a template, entitled record of medicine given, was available within the medication management policy. However, this confusion posed a risk that medication administered to a child may not be appropriately recorded
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. The written reply stated that signed medication consent forms have been completed. These forms relate to the two children in question. A form has been added to the service’s registration forms, which includes the five R's of administering medication and a consent form, to be signed by the parent. Going forward, this form will need to be completed for all children who have been prescribed medication, that may be required to be administered on the premises. 2. Following staff training, staff are now aware where to locate the administration of medication record and are aware of the five R’s, in relation to the administration of medication. The administration of medication record is now clearly visible above the desk in the Caterpillar classroom. The right child, right medication, right dose, right route and right time are documented. The record is signed by a witness and the person who administers the medication
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General safety: 1. Safe storage of medication was not ensured, which increased the risk of a child accidently ingesting this medication: • In the Butterfly room, medication was kept in a child’s bag, which was observed to be stored on the floor of the care room. It was acknowledged that once alerted to this by the inspector, an adult moved the bag to an area that was out of the children’s reach. • An inhaler, which belonged to a child in the Caterpillar room, was also stored in their bag. The bag was accessible on a low-level wall hook, in the main entrance area and children were observed to enter this area when putting their lunch boxes back into their bags. These practices were at variance with the service’s medication management policy, which outlined that “All medication is stored in line with manufacturer’s instructions out of reach of the children.” Infection control: 2. Three of the wash hand basins were not equipped with warm running water as follows: • The water temperature at the wash hand basin in the staff sanitary facility was recorded at 10.20C. • Respective water temperature readings of 10.40C and 10.50C were taken at the two wash hand basins, in the Butterfly room sanitary facility. Cold water temperatures may impede effective handwashing. 3. A foot pedal operated, airtight, leak proof bin was unavailable for the hygienic disposal of nappies. A lined, swing lid bin was in use, which increased the risk of cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General safety: 1. In her written reply, the registered provider stated that each day, all bags containing medication are moved to a high-level, out of reach of the children. Staff are now more vigilant. To reinforce this practice, a sign with large print, has been placed above the hooks where the bags are stored. A review of the safeguarding of children has also been completed. Infection control: 2. The service now has a procedure in place, before the session begins, which will ensure that the switch for the hot water is turned on. The manager and the deputy manager go through the opening checks every morning, to ensure that the procedure has been completed correctly. 3. A foot pedal operated, airtight bin is now in place in the nappy changing area. As a preventive measure, staff will keep up to date with the health, safety and welfare policies and regulations and will ensure that all bins in the preschool are pedal operated, airtight bins
Found compliant: Regulation 11, 19, 25, 28, 29.