THE first HSE inspection reports covering 38 créches and Montessori nursery schools in Limerick found that while the majority were compliant, 16 were deficient in one or more areas.
Incomplete employee records such as missing CVs and references or a lack of Garda vetting for staff members were reported at a number of facilities.
Certain establishments were also found to have inadequate play equipment or facilities for the children, while others were advised to conduct a deep clean of particular areas in the crèche.
An inspection of Bruff Montessori School in Ballinlee, Bruff found that there was no appropriate soft seating in the quiet area and that a staff member stated that the children “had not accessed the outdoor play area for a long time”.
The report also found that there was no hot water for hand-washing and that the footpaths, tarmac and grassy area “were not clean, tidy and safe”.
Regarding the conduct of staff, the report found that that “the tone of voice and actions of staff while directing activities was inappropriate”.
Bruff Montessori School told the HSE that improvements to the outdoor area would be made at the end of term and that a code of conduct for staff would be implemented as soon as possible.
An inspection at Kilcolman Community Créche in Ardagh found that the premises were not “in a suitable state of repair and decoration” and noted that there was a build-up of dust in certain areas.
The report also found that the supply of books was limited and inaccessible to the children.
In addition, it noted that a staff member’s tone of voice was “high and sharp at times with the pre-school children” and that time out was used to deal with challenging behaviour.
The crèche since informed the HSE that a deep clean had been carried out and a cleaner employed, that all staff members had attended behavioural management training and that time out would no longer be practiced.
Further inspection reports are to be uploaded to www.pobal.ie in the days to come.
The crèche inspection reports have been published following an RTÉ Prime Time investigation into three crèches in Dublin and Wicklow.
Meanwhile, Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald has promised that new standards for crèche inspections would be in place by September to ensure that children receive the highest standard of care.
