Ms Fiona McDonnell:

Adult to child ratio is a significant concern with regard to overcrowding. Fire safety is also a significant concern. When fire safety issues are identified, we refer them to the local fire authority. The biggest red flag we look for on inspection is governance in terms of the appropriateness and suitability of the person in charge and ensuring there are good policies, induction, training and one-to-one meetings in place. If those are not present, it is a significant red flag as they are key areas. There is a requirement for services to comply with 21 policies and regulations. On inspection, if the childcare workers in the rooms do not know about the policies, it is a red flag. An accumulation of non-compliance issues over time is of concern. The majority of providers rectify any issues that are identified. Those which do not go to the national registration panel which considers a proposal to remove them from the register.