tusla inspection report - hse.pobal.ie · date of inspection: 0 4 0 5 2 0 1 7 no of pre-school...
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Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and Childcare Act 1991 (Early
Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016. Date Issued: 27
th February 2017 Revision Number: 4
REF: EYIIRFSESS03-2017
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TUSLA INSPECTION REPORT
TUSLA Identifier: TU2015CC271
Name of Service: Mitchelstown Montessori School
Address of Service: 9 Inner Ballinwillin Bungalows Ballinwillin Mitchelstown Co. Cork
Email Address: [email protected]
Date Service Registered: 3 0 0 6 2 0 1 6
Name of Registered Service Provider: Ms. Pauline Dillane
Name of Designated Person in Charge: Ms. Pauline Dillane
Type of Service Registered: Sessional
Date of Inspection: 0 4 0 5 2 0 1 7
No of Pre-School Children present during Inspection: AM 19 PM N / A
Address of the Early Years Inspectorate: Early Years Services,
Tusla, Child & Family Agency,
34 Queen Street,
Clonmel,
Co. Tipperary.
TUSLA Early Years Inspector(s): Ms. Helena Heagney
Areas which were the subject of this Inspection
Governance Health Welfare and Development of Child Safety
Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and Childcare Act 1991 (Early
Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016. Date Issued: 27
th February 2017 Revision Number: 4
REF: EYIIRFSESS03-2017
2 of 15
TUSLA INSPECTION REPORT
Description of Service This private service with a Montessori programme opened in September 2000. The
Registered Provider offers Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE) pre-
school care from 08:55 to 12:00. The service caters for children between the ages of 3
years to 5 years. The pre-school service caters for a maximum number of 22 children at
any one time. The aim of the service is to “provide children with the opportunities to
develop independence, self confidence and self-discipline skills for life”.
Premises The pre-school is located adjacent to the Service Providers home in a housing
development in the town of Mitchelstown, Co.Cork. The service consists of one pre-school
room. The pre-school children have the use of a designated, fenced off grass and concrete
surface grounds at the rear of the pre-school for outdoor play and fresh air.
Staffing The service is operated by the Registered Provider and 3 other childcare professionals. An
additional 1 adult with an educational background and a ministerial letter assists with
relief and extra-curricular activities.
One childcare professional caring for the children has a Level 8 in Early Childhood Care and
Education while 1 childcare professional has a Level 7 Early Childhood Care and Education
and 1 childcare professional has a Level 6 Early Childhood Care and Education and 1
childcare professional has a Level 5 Early Childhood Care and Education qualification.
Additionally, child care professionals have current training in Child Protection, Montessori
Diplomas, Manual Handling Training, Hospitality Solutions, Fellowship School of Music,
Speech and Language Training for Pre-school and Early Years Providers, Meeting the
Regulations in Montessori Classroom, Health and Safety, Speech, Communication and
Arts, Quality Management, Science Degree and Higher Diploma in Arts.
The childcare professionals have participated in the Buntus (The Irish Sports Council
physical activity programme).
The Registered Provider demonstrated documented evidence of staff members’ ongoing
professional development. The service offered an induction programme, staff monthly
meetings and performance reviews. The childcare professionals have experience in
working in childcare for a number of years.
Methodology The inspection was an unannounced Focused Inspection to assess compliance with the
Childcare Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and Childcare Act 1991 (Early
Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016. The Inspection focused on three themes;
Governance, Safety and the Health, Welfare and Development of the Child.
The findings detailed within this report are the result of the inspector’s assessment based
on examination of documentation, direct observation and interviews with the Registered
Provider and childcare professionals.
Authority to Inspect
The Tusla Early Years Inspectorate carries out inspections of Early Years Services under Section 58(J) of the Child Care Act 1991 (as inserted by Section 92 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013).
Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and Childcare Act 1991 (Early
Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016. Date Issued: 27
th February 2017 Revision Number: 4
REF: EYIIRFSESS03-2017
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TUSLA INSPECTION REPORT
Acknowledgements The Inspector wishes to acknowledge the cooperation of the Registered Provider, person
in charge, childcare professional and children who were present on the day of the
inspection.
GOVERNANCE
Part III - Management and Staff
Regulation 9 - Management and Recruitment
(1) A registered provider shall ensure that—(a) the service has a designated person in charge and a named person who is able to deputise as
required,(b) at all times during the period when the pre-school service is being carried on, the designated
person in charge or the named person referred to in subparagraph (a) is on the premises, and(2) A registered provider shall ensure that each employee, unpaid worker and contractor is suitable and competent
taking into consideration the nature of the needs of children, including by—(a) consideration of references from the person’s past employers, if any, and in particular the most
recent employer, if any,(b) consideration of references from reputable sources in the case of a person who has no past
employers,(c) consideration of the vetting disclosure received from the National Vetting Bureau of the Garda
Síochána in accordance with the Act of 2012 in respect of the person, and(d) ensuring, insofar as is practicable, that where a person has lived in a state other than the State
for a period of longer than 6 consecutive months, he or she provides police vetting from thepolice authorities in that state.
(4) A registered provider shall ensure that, without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (2) and subject toparagraphs (5) and (6), each employee working directly with children attending the service holds at least a majoraward in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework or aqualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent.
(5) Paragraph (4) shall apply—(b) on or after the date of registration in respect of all other pre-school services
(6) Paragraph (4) shall not apply before 1 September 2021 to a person who—(a) has signed a declaration on or before 30 June 2016 to the effect that he or she intends to retire from
employment in a pre-school service before 1 September 2021, and is in possession of a letter from theMinister confirming that paragraph (4) shall not apply to him or her before that date
(6A is inserted by S.I. No.632 of 2016 CHILD CARE ACT 1991 (EARLY YEARS SERVICES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2016 which states; Regulation 9 of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations (S.I. No. 221 of 2016) is amended - in paragraph (4), by the substitution of “paragraphs (5), (6) and (6A)” for “paragraphs (5) and (6)”, and (b) by the insertion of the following paragraph after paragraph (6): “)
(6A) Paragraph (4) shall not apply to an employee of a registered provider where - (a) the registered providerreceives funding for the employment of the employee pursuant to a scheme funded by the Minister and known as the Access and Inclusion Model, and (b) the employment of the employee is for the purpose of providing support, pursuant to the scheme referred to in subparagraph (a), for a child attending the service to enable the child to participate in the programme known as the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) funding Programme.”
Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and Childcare Act 1991 (Early
Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016. Date Issued: 27
th February 2017 Revision Number: 4
REF: EYIIRFSESS03-2017
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TUSLA INSPECTION REPORT
Part III - Management and Staff
Regulation 9 - Management and Recruitment
Compliance Information: (1)
(a) The Registered Provider ensured that she was the designated person in charge
and there was a named person able to deputise.
(b) On the day of inspection the Registered Provider was on the premises when the
Early Years Inspector arrived and remained on site for the duration of the
inspection. Staff rosters indicated that the designated person in charge or deputy
was available on the premises at all times when the pre-school children were
present.
(2)
(a) Five of the 10 validated references were on file in respect of the 5 adults were
from past employers.
(b) Five of the 10 validated references were on file in respect of the 5 adults were
from reputable sources.
(c) Garda vetting disclosures were available in respect of all adults.
(4) Three childcare professionals and the Registered Provider working directly
with children attending the service held at least a major award in Early
Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 on the National Qualifications
Framework.
Copies of Child Care Qualifications were available on file for the Registered Provider and 3 childcare professionals.
1 of the childcare professionals had a Level 8 in Early Childhood Care and Education
1 of the childcare professionals had a Level 7 in Early Childhood Care and Education
1 of the childcare professionals had a Level 6 in Early Childhood Care and Education
1 childcare professional had a Level 5 in Early Childhood Care and Education.
(5)
(b) 3 childcare professionals and the Registered Provider had their qualifications
prior to the date of registration.
(6)
(a) 1 adult had signed a declaration stating he was intending to retire before the 1st
September 2021 and therefore was not required to provide qualifications.
(b) Not applicable as funding from the Minister as listed under (6) (b) was not being
received by the service.
Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and Childcare Act 1991 (Early
Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016. Date Issued: 27
th February 2017 Revision Number: 4
REF: EYIIRFSESS03-2017
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TUSLA INSPECTION REPORT
Part III - Management and Staff
Regulation 9 - Management and Recruitment
Proof of Identification in the form of passport or drivers licence and Curriculum
Vitae were available in respect of the 3 childcare professionals, 1 adult with the
Ministerial letter and the Registered Provider.
Part III - Management and Staff
Regulation 11 -Staffing Levels
(1) Subject to this Regulation, a registered provider shall ensure that there is at all times an adequate number ofadults working directly with the children attending the pre-school service.
(3) Subject to paragraph (5), a registered provider of a sessional pre-school service shall ensure that at all times theminimum ratio of adults to children specified in column (3) of Part 2 of Schedule 6 opposite a particular referencenumber specified in column (1) of that Part in respect of the age range of the children specified in column (2)thereof at that reference number is satisfied.
(8) Without prejudice to paragraphs (2) to (7)—
(c) a registered provider of a sessional pre-school service shall ensure that, where the person incharge operates the service single-handedly, a second person familiar with the operation of theservice and in a position to provide assistance to the person in charge in operating the service is,at all times, within close distance of the service and available to attend the service to assist theperson in charge in the event of an emergency.
Compliance Information: (1) On the day of the inspection an adequate number of adults were working with
the children attending the pre-school service.
(3) During the session there were 19 pre-school children, aged from 3 years to 5
years present, with 3 childcare professionals directly supervising and caring for
them. Additionally, the 1 adult engaged in play activities with the children when
they were outside for a 30 minute period.
(8)(c) Not applicable as this service was not operating as a single handed service.
Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and Childcare Act 1991 (Early
Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016. Date Issued: 27
th February 2017 Revision Number: 4
REF: EYIIRFSESS03-2017
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TUSLA INSPECTION REPORT
Part IV – Information and Records
Regulation 16 - Record in relation to Pre-school Service
(1) A registered provider shall ensure that a record in writing is kept of the following information in relation to theservice
(h) details of attendance by each pre-school child on a daily basis;(i) details of staff rosters on a daily basis;(j) details of any medication administered to a pre-school child attending the service with signed parental consent;(k) details of any accident, injury or incident involving a pre-school child attending the service
Compliance Information: (1)
(h) Details of attendance by each pre-school child were kept in the pre-school
room on a daily basis; including arrival and departure times.
(i) Details of staff rosters including break times were kept on a daily and weekly
basis.
(j) There was evidence of an appropriate system for record keeping in relation to
the administration of medication including signed parental consent. It was
acknowledged that the service does not administer medication to any pre-school
child unless the child had a long term illness or in case of emergency.
(k) The service had a record in writing of the details of any accident, incident or
injury involving a pre-school child and there was evidence that parents orguardians were notified.
HEALTH WELFARE & DEVELOPMENT OF CHILD
Part V - Care of Child in Pre-school Service
Regulation 19 - Health, Welfare and Development of Child
(1) A registered provider shall, in providing a pre-school service, ensure that—(a) each child’s learning, development and well-being is facilitated within the daily life of the pre-
school service through the provision of the appropriate activities, interaction, materials andequipment, having regard to the age and stage of development of the child
Compliance Information: (1) (a) The Registered Provider ensured that each child’s learning, development and
well being was facilitated within the daily life of the service by:
Basis Needs of Infants & Children
1. At 10:50 the snack provided by parents or guardians in the pre-school
room consisted of crackers, bread sticks, pitta bread, yogurts, sweet and
savoury sandwiches, cheese strings, fruit pieces, bananas and raisins with
sugar free juice or water to drink. A fridge was provided for the storage of
the perishable foods provided by the parents and guardians for snack time.
Appropriate cutlery and plates were provided at snack time for the child’s
Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and Childcare Act 1991 (Early
Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016. Date Issued: 27
th February 2017 Revision Number: 4
REF: EYIIRFSESS03-2017
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TUSLA INSPECTION REPORT
Part V - Care of Child in Pre-school Service
Regulation 19 - Health, Welfare and Development of Child
age and stage of development. Drinking water was available and accessible
to allow children to “self serve” in the pre-school room.
Children’s toileting needs were promptly and sensitively attended to. Hand
washing by the children was supported post toileting.
Children had sufficient space to move about freely indoors. All children were
provided with an opportunity to play outdoors for fresh air and physical
activity.
The adults supported children to be sociable and respectful towards each
other and spoke and listened to them in a calm and sensitive manner.
Supporting Relationships around Children
Children sat at low tables and ate their snacks with the adults in an
unhurried environment that promoted social interaction with their peers.
A mixture of adult led play and child directed play was facilitated through
having a variety of Montessori special materials on display that were
interesting, accessible, complete, in good condition and in working order.
The classroom was organised into a well prepared, child centric
environment with natural and real life materials and activities.
A key worker system was in operation at the service. This supported the
adults to have more meaningful relationships with the children in their care.
Transitions were made as smooth as possible by childcare professionals
giving gentle verbal reminders and with the use of a bell.
The service operated in partnership with parents and guardians and
recognised parents and guardians play a crucial role as primary educators of
their children and that the service is committed to being open, inclusive,
welcoming and respectful of all parental and guardian input.
Information about the service and general information was displayed on the
notice board and in a parent handbook.
Parents and guardians were spoken to informally on a daily basis and formal
meetings with parents and guardians were also offered and arranged on
request.
The service had regular contact with the County Childcare Committee and
was a member of a number of national childcare organisations for training
support and networking purposes.
Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and Childcare Act 1991 (Early
Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016. Date Issued: 27
th February 2017 Revision Number: 4
REF: EYIIRFSESS03-2017
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TUSLA INSPECTION REPORT
Part V - Care of Child in Pre-school Service
Regulation 19 - Health, Welfare and Development of Child
Physical and Material Environment
The pre-school room was clean, bright and pleasant. Items of interest were
on low shelves and topic related work stations were at a child’s eye level.
Additional items were stored in a store area and rotated depending on child
interest or on the season or topic.
The service had a range of Montessori materials that offered stimulation,
exploration and imagination. Materials ranged from insets for designs,
sandpaper letters, alphabet find, a dinosaur egg which produced a baby
dinosaur when placed in water for 48 hours, objects and cards, books, map
of the world jigsaws, a globe, solar system and space, weather activities,
land/air/water, land formations, continents and oceans, calendars and
clocks, the importance of the sun, secret box, parts of animals, living and
non living things, matching, animal classification, plant classification, water
cycle cards, food pyramid, paints, crayons, cot, household items, socks, sand
trays, scissors, puzzles, a kitchen, boxes, art materials, connectors, trays,
pegs, microwave, maps, seasons, blocks, bricks, sandpaper numbers, sand
grading toggles, number rods and cards, numerical cards, golden bead, large
numerical cards, shapes, cylinders, broad stairs, pink tower, long and short
rods, colour boxes in red, yellow, blue, green, purple, orange, pink, black,
white, grey and brown, smelling jars, fabrics, mystery bag, geometric solids,
binomial cube, nuts and bolts, pegs and boards, dressing frames – braces,
Velcro, large and small buttons, fasteners, bows, laces, zip, hook eye and
buckles. The childcare professionals had created various envelopes with
visual aids on transport, sea life, bridges, the weather, horses, fruit and
vegetables.
The interest table consisted of a nest and bird, cones, watering can and
materials on the sun and summer.
There was a tree montage with children’s individual photographs and a
poster of ‘this is the sun’ and ‘my T-Rex fossil’.
Monthly folders were available of the arts, crafts, numbers, painting,
pictures, visual aids and badges and materials used.
Problem solving techniques, hop five times, walk down 4 steps with
alternative feet, throw ball with both hands, walk the line, sorting and
grouping, comparing and ordering, banking, reading 3 letter words,
sequencing, threading, sewing, opening and closing, rolling mats, blowing
nose, pouring and spooning, using clothes pegs, chatting at circle time, the
news, pretend and imaginative play were demonstrated and observed
throughout the session. The inspector observed children finger painting,
Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and Childcare Act 1991 (Early
Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016. Date Issued: 27
th February 2017 Revision Number: 4
REF: EYIIRFSESS03-2017
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TUSLA INSPECTION REPORT
Part V - Care of Child in Pre-school Service
Regulation 19 - Health, Welfare and Development of Child
gluing, sticking, and making hedgehogs and paper plate umbrellas.
The children sang ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’, ‘Days of the Week’, ‘Jack and Jill’,
‘Incy Whincy Spider’ and played ‘Simon Says’.
Children’s art and craft work were collated and given to parents and
guardians once a week on a Monday.
Celebrations and festivals such as St Patrick’s Day, St Bridget’s Cross,
Christmas, Easter and Halloween were acknowledged and explored.
Adult seating was available for childcare professionals to comfort a child.
Programme of Activities
The Registered Provider’s intention was to offer a Montessori based
programme of care with an emphasis on a pre-school child becoming
independent through learning. The curriculum focused on developing the
“whole child”, intellectually, emotionally, socially and morally. The
curriculum highlighted recognising and respecting children as individuals
with particular needs and interests and blending freedom with self
discipline. Practical occasions for developing social relationships through
free interactions was fostered and encouraged. Adults caring for the
children advised activities were introduced on a one-to-one basis or in small
groups. The childcare professionals advised children learn by making
discoveries with materials cultivating concentration, motivation and self
discipline and a love of learning.
Each child in the service had a file with their booking form, immunisation
record, consents for medical treatment/photographs agreement, consents
and contracts by parents and guardians of service’s policies and procedures.
The service kept individual pupil profiles.
The gathering of information for observational records considered a child’s
needs, wants, interests, perceptions and abilities. The child records showed
developmentally age appropriate assessments by observation through play
and under key themes. The observation records used “the cycle of
evaluative enquiry” model which included recording the observation,
reflection, questioning and any action/decision taken.
The progress reports examined the use of sensorial materials and any
exercises completed by the child including arithmetic, language, practical life
and geography with the aim for the whole child to become a “competent
and confident learner”. The child’s motor skills, social and emotional skills,
experiences and practical life exercises were assessed.
Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and Childcare Act 1991 (Early
Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016. Date Issued: 27
th February 2017 Revision Number: 4
REF: EYIIRFSESS03-2017
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TUSLA INSPECTION REPORT
Part V - Care of Child in Pre-school Service
Regulation 19 - Health, Welfare and Development of Child
The service kept a topic presentation plan which examined skills under the
headings of language, Irish, mathematics, science, geography, history,
music, drama, physical exercise and the interest table. Adults explored
materials required for the activities using the principles of the Aistear (the
Early Childhood Curriculum Framework) and Síolta (the National Quality
Framework for Early Childhood Education) and organised the presentations
and evaluated child’s engagement and experience by ongoing assessment.
The theme for the week included ‘5 little speckled frogs’, the Italian flag, the
life cycle of a frog, a new month and season and revision of letters and
sounds.
Non-Compliance Information:
Basic Needs of Infants & Children
1. Hand washing by children prior to snack and after outdoor play was not
observed on the day of inspection.
Corrective & Preventive Action submitted by the Registered Provider
On the 22.05.2017 the Registered Provider advised of the following:
Basic Needs of Infants & Children
Corrective Action 1. The children are now washing their hands as soon as they return from
outdoor play and before break time.
Preventive Action 1. All childcare professionals are training and vigilant regarding children
washing their hands.
Summary Comment The action taken by the Registered Provider has met the requirements of Regulation 19.
Part V - Care of Child in Pre-school Service
Regulation 19 - Health, Welfare and Development of Child
(2) A registered provider shall ensure that no corporal punishment is inflicted on a pre-school child whilst attendingthe service.
(3) A registered provider shall ensure that no practices that are disrespectful, degrading, exploitive, intimidating,emotionally or physically harmful or neglectful are carried out in respect of a pre-school child whilst attendingthe service.
Compliance Information: (2) The childcare professionals were aware of the prohibited practices, as detailed in
the Behavioural Management Policy and the staff Code of Behaviour. Children’s
Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and Childcare Act 1991 (Early
Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016. Date Issued: 27
th February 2017 Revision Number: 4
REF: EYIIRFSESS03-2017
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TUSLA INSPECTION REPORT
Part V - Care of Child in Pre-school Service
Regulation 19 - Health, Welfare and Development of Child
behaviour was managed in a competent and positive way and it was observed
that minor problems were handled promptly and positively by the adults.
(3) Children’s positive interactions were acknowledged and supported for example
taking turns, sharing and being kind to their friends. The adults employed a
range of strategies to support children’s behaviour. Language used was positive
in tone and the adults engaged with children in relation to their interests taking
account of their developmental ages and stages of learning. The inspector noted
that throughout the inspection adults caring for the children enabled them
where possible to correct themselves through their own experiences.
Part V - Care of Child in Pre-school Service
Regulation 20 - Facilities for Rest and Play
(1) Subject to this regulation, a registered provider shall ensure that-(b) There are adequate and suitable facilities for a pre-school child to rest during the day.
(2) A registered provider of-(a) a full day care , a part time service, a sessional preschool service, or a childminding service that
is registered for the First time on or after 30thJune 2016 or(b) of a full day care service, a part-time day care service, a sessional preschool service or a
childminding service that moves premises on or after the 30thJune 2016shall ensure that a suitable, safe and secure outdoor space to which the preschool children attending the service have access on a daily basis is provided on the premises
(4) Where outdoor space to which the pre-school children attending the service have access is provided on thepremises of a sessional pre-school service other than such a service to which paragraph (2) applies, a temporary pre-school service or a pre-school service in a drop-in centre, the registered provider shall ensure that such outdoorspace is suitable, safe and secure.
(5) Where pre-school children attending a sessional pre-school service other than such a service to whichparagraph (2) applies, a temporary pre-school service or a pre-school service in a drop-in centre have access to anoutdoor space other then such a space specified in paragraph (4), the registered provider shall ensure that suchoutdoor space is suitable.
Compliance Information: (1)
(b)The children were afforded the opportunity to relax as there was a bean bag
designated soft seating / quiet rest area in the pre-school room.
(2)
(a)The outdoor play area was secured by walls, fencing and locked doors. There
Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and Childcare Act 1991 (Early
Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016. Date Issued: 27
th February 2017 Revision Number: 4
REF: EYIIRFSESS03-2017
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Part V - Care of Child in Pre-school Service
Regulation 20 - Facilities for Rest and Play
were no ponds, pits or hazards observed in the outdoor play area.
The inspector was advised that outdoor activities were a major focus of the pre-
school activities. There was a lower level concrete area and a higher grass
surface area at the rear of the premises. A slide, tyres, balancing board, goalpost,
chairs, tables, footballs, a plastic greenhouse and a sand container (with a variety
of equipment) were in the outdoor area. On the day of inspection children were
observed playing group games, hopping, running, catching and engaged in sand
and pretend play.
(4) Not applicable as an outdoor space is available.
(5) Not applicable as the service had a suitable outdoor space.
SAFETY
Part VI - Safety
Regulation 23 - Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of child
A registered provider shall ensure that all reasonable measures are taken to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of a pre-school child attending the service and that the environment of the service is safe.
Compliance Information: The service had taken the following measures to safeguard the health, welfare and
safety of children attending by:
Infection Control
Hand washing was observed after toileting and after messy play.
There were paper towels at the wash hand basin to facilitate hand drying by
the children and the adults. A dispenser for liquid soap was provided at the
wash hand basins.
Table tops were sanitised before and after snack time and after art activity.
Waste was inaccessible as lidded bins were used in the pre-school room and
sanitary areas.
There was a daily and a weekly cleaning schedule.
Administration of Medication
The childcare professionals showed that they had a system for regularly
checking expiry dates of the contents of the wall mounted first aid box in
the pre-school room.
There was no medication stored on the pre-school premises.
Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and Childcare Act 1991 (Early
Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016. Date Issued: 27
th February 2017 Revision Number: 4
REF: EYIIRFSESS03-2017
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TUSLA INSPECTION REPORT
Part VI - Safety
Regulation 23 - Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of child
Outings
The service had an Outings Policy and risk assessed prior to each outing.
Outings were covered by the services insurance.
Childcare professionals advised that outings were offered to the local play
ground when adequate parents and guardians were available to also attend.
General Safety
Adults complied with the services Risk Management Policy, Critical Incident
Plan, Safety Statements and Health and Safety Policy.
The external play areas were secured so that children could not leave the
area unsupervised and unauthorised persons could not enter the area.
All cleaning agents were stored inaccessible to the children.
All toys and play equipment were safe and in good condition.
Warm water was thermostatically controlled and recorded at 36°C and the
pre-school room temperature was 19°C.
Pinch guards covered hinges on doors accessible to the children.
The legs of the children’s chairs had recently been painted a cheerful blue or
red colour.
The Registered Provider’s home was inaccessible to the children and had an
adult level safety latch.
Non-Compliance Information:
Infection Control
1. Table tops were sanitised with cloth towels and disinfectant spray rather
than disposal paper towels.
General Safety
1. At 11:15 the uncovered radiator temperature in the pre-school room
recorded at 64°C.
Corrective & Preventive Action submitted by the Registered Provider
On the 22.05.2017 the Registered Provider advised of the following:
Infection Control
Corrective Action 1. We are no longer using the cloth towels to clean the tables during school
time. Instead we are using paper towels and disinfectant spray.
Preventive Action 1. The service will continue to clean tables and counter tops with disposal
paper towels and disinfectant spray.
Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and Childcare Act 1991 (Early
Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016. Date Issued: 27
th February 2017 Revision Number: 4
REF: EYIIRFSESS03-2017
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Part VI - Safety
Regulation 23 - Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of child
General Safety
Corrective Action 1. The radiators were fitted with individual thermostatically controlled devises.
Receipt of purchase and photographic evidence submitted to the Early YearsInspector.
Preventive Action 1. The radiators will be monitored and thermostat checked to ensure
temperatures are safe.
Summary Comment: The actions taken by the Registered provider have addressed the non-compliances and meet the requirements of Regulation 23.
Part VI - Safety
Regulation 25 - First Aid
(1) A registered provider shall ensure that a person trained in first aid for children is, at all times, immediatelyavailable to the children attending the pre-school service.(2) A registered provider shall ensure that a suitably equipped first aid box for children—
(a) is safely stored in an easily accessible and conspicuous position on the premises, and(b) is available to the children attending the pre-school service at all times.
Compliance Information: (1)The service provided evidence that a person trained in first aid for children was
available at all times to the children attending the pre-school service. 4 adults
had current training in first aid for children.
(2)
(a) One first aid box was stored in an easily accessible and conspicuous position in
the pre-school room.
(b) The service demonstrated that the first aid items were available to the children attending the pre-school service.
Part VI - Safety
Regulation 26 - Fire Safety Measures
(1) A registered provider shall ensure that a record in writing is kept of—(a) any fire drill that takes place in the premises, and(b) the number, type and maintenance record of fire fighting equipment and smoke alarms in the
premises(4) A notice of the procedures to be followed in the event of fire shall be displayed in a conspicuous position inthe premises
Compliance Information: (1)
(a) A written record was available of the monthly fire drills completed in the service.
Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and Childcare Act 1991 (Early
Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016. Date Issued: 27
th February 2017 Revision Number: 4
REF: EYIIRFSESS03-2017
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TUSLA INSPECTION REPORT
Part VI - Safety
Regulation 26 - Fire Safety Measures
The last recorded fire drill was on 02.05.2017
(b) A record was kept of the number, type and maintenance of the fire fighting
equipment and smoke alarms on the premises. Fire fighting equipment and the
smoke alarm system were last serviced on 08.09.2016.
(4) A notice of the procedures to be followed in the event of a fire wasconspicuously displayed in the pre-school, near the parent’s notice board.
Part VI - Safety
Regulation 28 - Insurance
A registered provider shall ensure that the pre-school service is adequately insured.
Compliance Information: A current insurance certificate was available with an expiry date of 31.08.2017. The Registered Provider had adequate insurance cover for 22 children at any one time and to operate a sessional service.
Registration Status: Registered
Conditions If Applicable Not Applicable
Date of Registration 25st August, 2017