Childcare report follow-on
In the Irish Examiner creche supplement it was incorrectly stated in a response to a HSE inspection report that Little Stars Montessori School, in Midleton, Co Cork, was closed for a period and reopened under new management.
Little Stars did not close at any time. It is a privately run creche. It is not run as a limited company and is not under new management.
We are happy to clarify this matter.
It has also been pointed out to us that all the issues highlighted in the inspection report have been addressed.
The owner of Little Treasures wishes to clarify that during the published inspection only one staff member was out doing an exam. She returned at 11am and was seen returning by the HSE.
Since the HSE issued the report, numerous repairs have been carried out at the facility. Child numbers have been reduced and the playground revamped with all weather play surfacing.
The owner says the creche meets all HSE standards now.
Our most recent inspection was on the September 8, 2008.
We also wish to clarify a number of issues raised in the inspector’s report including:
* The glass in the back patio is shattered: the glass was never shattered it had a crack in the glass in the utility room where the children have no access to. And we have had the glass replaced.
* Ensure children do not have access to the rear of the house and boiler area: there has always been a bolted lock across the shed where the boiler is and the children have no access to that area.
* Any hazards in this area should be fixed eg broken fence: the whole fence was replaced at a cost of €2,000.
* At the time of the inspection a 13-month-old child was observed sleeping on a pillow in a cot in the sleep room: the child’s mother specifically told us that her son was to have a pillow when sleeping.
* The monitor in the sleep room was broken: the monitor was replaced and with the introduction of the new regulations you have to check on the children sleeping every 10 minutes anyway.
* Four unlabelled bottles were observed in the fridge: we had two babies at the time. Both babies were on different brand name bottles. We knew what bottle belonged to the babies.
* A baby walker was noted in the baby playroom: the walker was removed right away. Up until that time we did not know we were not allowed them.
* A greater range of equipment shall be provided: we were not open that long and since than have spent a large sum of money on equipment.
Just 4 Kids would like to point out that on the day of the inspection the baby section was not overcrowded. The room was measured incorrectly by the HSE.
Regarding our food - on the day in question the food served to the children included oven chips. We do not have a deep fat fryer on the premises.
The day in question was our treat day for the children at dinner time. The food served that day would have substituted for any loss of vegetables. We have our own cook and all food is prepared fresh every day. We also provide a well balanced menu to parents.
Just 4 Kids had a follow up inspection on 13 of November 2008 and was fully compliant.
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