Inspection of 15 January 2025 — Inspection Report
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- Basic Needs: 1.The children in the Toddler room did not have daily opportunities for change of environments and they spend long periods each day in the same space. This lack of variety could lead to boredom, frustration, and limited development of gross motor skills like coordination and balance. Making use of all vacant space within the premises at all times during the day could offer the change of environment required. Physical and Material Environment: 2.There was insufficient amount of play materials indoors to encourage gross motor development for the Toddler age group. There were limited tunnels and climbing structures that encourage physical activity and sensory exploration. Equipment/materials, e.g. obstacle courses that toddlers could navigate, to enhance their coordination, balance and motor skills were not available. 3. Childrens time outdoors was weather dependent There was no sheltered area outside which would allow children engage in outdoor play on rainy or windy days. Having access to more environment changes would alleviate boredom for children who are indoors for prolonged periods
Provider's corrective action:
- 1.Outlined in the corrective action report was a detailed plan of how children with their key workers now move to various different spaces indoors and outdoors and experiencing different play opportunities during each day. 2.Additional equipment to encourage and enhance children’s gross motor development were purchased for the service. 3. Work has commenced on planning and developing a sheltered outdoor area for children to ensure their time outside is not weather dependent
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. All internal doors were not appropriately secured where necessary to prevent children accessing any unsafe areas in the building. The handle of the door in the Toddler room was within easy reach of the children. On the day of the inspection the stair gate outside the Toddler room which was in place to prevent children accessing the stairs remained open. This posed a safety risk to the children in this room. Infection Control: 2. The mattresses in each cot in the sleep room did not have waterproof protectors in place. This posed a risk of cross infection. All mattresses are required to have waterproof coverings fitted. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. In the corrective action plan the registered provider stated that staff have been reminded about their responsibilities to ensure the safety of children in the toddler room on the 1st floor. The stair gate at the top of the stairs is monitored by management at the service throughout each day ensuring that it is closed at all times. Infection Control: 2.Waterproof mattresses protectors were purchased and fitted on all cot mattresses in the service
Regulation 29 — Premises
- (b) 1. Secure access to the service must be provided. On the day of the inspection the front door of the service remained opened for long periods of the day with a bin against the door holding it open. This was to facilitate staff and children accessing and leaving the outdoor play area. The gate entrance at the road had a handle located above the height of a child but was unlocked. To ensure the safety of all children on the premises, a system must be in place at the entrance to the premises to ensure any person entering the creche is always checked in by a staff member. (d) 2. The adult couches in each room were worn and some had areas where the covers were torn. To ensure a high standard of cleanliness in the service, all furnishings need to be a proper state of repair and easily cleanable. 3. Throughout the premises the paintwork has signs of wear and tear. Pain was chipping on many of the walls throughout the building. 4.The natural grassed area in the outdoor play space was not maintained and available for the children to use. The grass was high and needed to be cut. The pots used for planting were full of dirty, stagnant water
Provider's corrective action:
- 1.A keypad security system was fitted at the front door of the service on both the inside and the outside. 2. New couches were purchased for each room in the service. 3. A plan for the repainting of all rooms in the service was submitted with dates arranged for the refurbishments. 4. The grassed area outdoors was cut, the area cleaned, and all pots replanted
Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 28.