Octopus Academy

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / EnvironmentNon-critical

  The facility, the furniture, equipment, fixtures and supplies are of sturdy and safe construction.  They are easy to clean, and are clean and in good repair and free from hazards. [CCLR Sec. 13(2) and Sec. 15(1)(a)]

  Observation. LO observed packaging tape used to secure corner protectors on the corners of bathroom counters in 1 classroom. The tape was beginning to peel and deteriorate, and is not easy to clean and sanitize.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• CARE AND/OR SUPERVISION / Group Sizes and Employee to Children RatiosNon-critical

  Staff ratios and group sizes comply with Schedule E. [CCLR Sec. 34(2)(a)]

  Observation. LO observed that there were 12 children in attendance in classroom G, which is licensed for 10 children. An application for amendment to increase capacity in the classroom to 14 children was received by CCFL on April 18, 2024, however the increase has not yet been granted. LO has not been advised of Municipal approval and the application is still in progress.

• POLICIES AND PROCEDURES / Emergency Training and EquipmentNon-critical

  There is an emergency plan that sets out procedures to prepare for, mitigate, respond to and recover from any emergency. [CCLR Sec. 22(1)(b)]

  Observation. LO observed that a fire extinguisher and a fire pull system in the facility's reception area are blocked by boxes and stored items, and are not accessible to staff.

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Care PlansNon-critical

  The licensee does not keep a current care plan for each child requiring extra support. [CCLR Sec. 58(1)]

  Observation. LO observed that several allergy care plans are incomplete or out of date.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• RECORDS AND REPORTING / Care PlansNon-critical

  Care plans are not reviewed at least once a year with a parent of the child requiring extra support and any person requested by the parent. [CCLR Sec. 58(2)(b)]

  Observation. LO observed that an anaphylaxis care plan was developed for a child in July 2020. It is unclear whether the plan has been reviewed since that time.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Play Area, Materials and EquipmentNon-critical

  Not free from hazards.

  Observation. Comments from the routine inspection on July 19, 2021: it was observed that there is an area of the outdoor space that has equipment and old toys stored, these are accessible to children. There was also a gate to this space and another gate that leads out of the playground that were not closed. Some additional items noted in the outdoor space are - small wooden fence needing repair, screws exposed in wood box, Garbage behind shed, space behind shed is large enough for a child to hide in or become stuck. There is also a climber that is closed off to children (with tape), the centre will be removing it and in discussion to determine what to replace it with. Prior to any equipment being installed, please remember to contact LO to discuss this further. During today's inspection LO observed that some items have been removed from the outdoor area but there are discarded toys and equipment remaining. Manager stated that these items are scheduled to be removed.

• STAFFING / Character and skill requirementsNon-critical

  Criminal record checks have not been obtained. [CCLR Sec. 19(1)(a)]

  Observation. Comments from the routine inspection on July 19, 2021: While it does appear that staff files are complete, some of the files have CRC's that are from locations other that this facility, and even though staff have Certificates that appear to be valid, some do not have proof of validation from the ECE Registry in Victoria. During today's inspection LO observed that staff ECE certificates have been validated and all except for 2 staff have Criminal Record Checks on file that were issued to the facility. Manager stated that all paperwork has been submitted and they are waiting for results.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Furniture, Equipment and FixturesNon-critical

  Furniture or equipment for sleeping is used by only one child at a time, is clean and comfortable, and is appropriate for the size, age and development of the children intended to use it. [CCLR Sec. 15(2)]

  Observation. Mats were observed to be spread out with space between each, but when stored some were piled with sheets and/or the bottom touching each other. LO discussed with the manager concerns around cleaning.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Hazardous Objects and SubstancesNon-critical

  Hazardous objects and substances are inaccessible to children. [CCLR Sec 17]

  Observation. Licensing observed the following items in various rooms that could be a hazard to children - shelving not bolted to the wall, cleaning supplies accessible in low cupboards that were not latched/locked, fabreeze and bleach spray bottles that were within reach of children.

• PHYSICAL, EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHING / Play Area, Materials and EquipmentNon-critical

  The entire outdoor play area is enclosed and constructed in a manner that is suitable for the age and development of children, and ensures that children are free of harm. [CCLR Sec. 16(3)(a)(b)]

  Observation. it was observed that there is an area of the outdoor space that has equipment and old toys stored, these are accessible to children. There was also a gate to this space and another gate that leads out of the playground that were not closed. Some additional items noted in the outdoor space are - small wooden fence needing repair, screws exposed in wood box, Garbage behind shed, space behind shed is large enough for a child to hide in or become stuck. There is also a climber that is closed off to children (with tape), the centre will be removing it and in discussion to determine what to replace it with. Prior to any equipment being installed, please remember to contact LO to discuss this further.

• STAFFING / Character and skill requirementsNon-critical

  Prior to employing staff the manager has met with each person and has obtained the appropriate documentation. [CCLR Sec. 19(1)]

  Observation. While it does appear that staff files are complete, some of the files have CRC's that are from locations other that this facility, and even though staff have Certificates that appear to be valid, some do not have proof of validation from the ECE Registry in Victoria.