Regulation 20 in Kilkenny

Facilities for Rest and Play: 2 non-compliance(s) in the latest reports we read.

An inspection records what inspectors saw on one day; services respond with corrective actions — how to read this.

14 April 2025

1. The physical environment within the Baby, Toddler and Pre-Montessori room did not provide children with equipment or materials to challenge their thinking or create opportunities for play. The service’s policy outlined that the physical environment was stimulating, challenging and interesting for children and focused on children’s active engagement with stimulating equipment for the children. However, based on the number of children and their age and stage of development, there was insufficient equipment available within care rooms on the ground floor; a. In the Baby room, the four children aged 1 to 2 years had access to one push-pull toy, box with music toys and a low-level chair. No other equipment was available or observed to be provided to the children while indoors. Within the room, there was an area which was sectioned off with low level plastic partitions which the children could not access. Within this area, there was soft matting, a blanket and a box of blocks. b. The six children aged 2 to 3 years in the Toddler room had access to an abacus, two play kitchens with no supporting materials, tractors/cars, a mirror, a trainset, magnetic shapes and a farm house. c. In the Pre-Montessori room, the children had access to a shelving unit with boxes containing books, variations of blocks, cars/trucks, magnetic shapes, a couch and a box with large blocks

Provider's corrective action:

Over the Summer, the service will review the equipment and purchase as appropriate. The service will engage and work together with a quality mentoring service to put a plan in place. The service looked at the room layouts and will always display all the equipment at the children’s level. Equipment is introduced during the morning and afternoon which includes sand, water and other activities such as music, dress up, story time props etc

28 February 2024

While staff practices were supportive of children’s sleep needs, the location where beds were set up for older children within the Mini Shamrocks room did not provide a suitable environment with softer lighting for sleep. The room was used for sleep and play; children from the Mighty Shamrocks room also cross through to access the outdoor area which can add to the activity level in the room. The following was observed: • At 1.30pm the inspector observed one staff member helping two children over two to settle to sleep. The staff member was kind and gentle stroking the children’s backs and speaking to them in low tones to soothe and settle them. However, there were three children awake in the room playing with a staff member who was engaging them and trying to keep them quiet. One child was pouring dried pasta into a metal bowl while children were trying to settle. • At 3.10pm two other children were observed asleep on cot beds in the room. The fluorescent lights were on full and while they slept, children returned to the room from outdoors. The sleeping children were observed to be disturbed at this point with the increased activity level around them. It is acknowledged that the manager discussed with the inspector how they have identified a possible alternative area to use for sleep to minimise the risk of disturbance to children sleeping within the Mini Shamrocks room on the ground floor

Provider's corrective action:

Children who do not wish to sleep will continue to be facilitated to play freely in the mini shamrocks room. the service will refrain from taking out loud toys such as musical instruments or the parachute which makes the children get excited. The service has started to set up all eight sleep beds so that all children can come and have a rest or have a look at some books while resting on the beds. Children who do not wish to lie down will be supported in quiet play in the room

Regulation 20 in other counties