Britannia on East 7th - Group Child Care (30 Months to School Age)

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• 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. The site is slated for demolition and redevelopment in spring of 2026. The focus therefore is on any acute safety issues and simple mitigations. Today Manager and I noted which areas of rotting wood are hazards & mitigation required (i.e., those areas where the wood has worn - exposing a large metal nail or spike or wood has rotted and pitted - exposing a tripping hazard) and those areas where the wood may be simply removed. Staff will continue to conduct their daily inspections, monitor and then address any additional issues arising from now until demo-viction.

• 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. There are three large and ancient suitcases placed by the south exit onto the playground. Suitcases are labeled with expiry dates - food November 2027 and water April 2028. The suitcases are old, worn and the frames/ wheels demonstrate wear. Noted that containers have to withstand the weight and demands of transport across some distances in case of relocation. Manager agreed that current suitcases are unlikely to withstand this required demand. CCFL shared that most Britannia programs have rain proof, sturdy containers with large wheels that can accommodate children's comfort kits as well as other emergency supplies to shelter in place.

• 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. Commercial dishwasher was broken. Observed sign on dishwasher, asking staff not to use the appliance until further notice. Staff member informed me the dishwasher broke today. Observed staff member using the three step method of washing dishes. Overall the facility is aging, with signs throughout of wear and tear. Despite this, staff and board work in collaboration to maintain the facility indoors and out.

• 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. The staff team are aware of the wear and tear in the outdoor playground. The site is slated for redevelopment (within the not too distant future) so the focus is on any acute safety issues. Noted the wood landing into the sand pit is showing wear such that the nails are becoming more prominent. The condition of the landing has been monitored over the past year. It is now time for preventative action to prevent scrapes and cuts. Noted the gazebo had caution tape around it. Inquired with a staff members from both Under and Over 3 programs. Both said the gazebo was closed because the children had dug out the foundational earth under the gazebo (southwest corner) and moved to the mud kitchen area (some distance away - southeast corner). I wondered about filling in the earth under the gazebo and providing what the children had indicated they needed, mud in the mud kitchen area (by way of a dump of earth). Also noted the pretend furnishings and mud kitchen in the southeast corner was showing extensive wear. Both staff said this seemed like a reasonable option and they would raise it during an upcoming session to discuss the future of the site/ yard in March (23). Suggested conducting an inventory to confirm what was still functional and used by the children and what could be removed. Staff I spoke with also said this could be discussed on March 23. Manager post inspection shared that two support posts for the deck across from the gazebo are degrading. There is concern and handyman will be assessing and providing recommendation for how they may be shored up/ reinforced. In addition, some of the wood steps are being monitored and non slip strips will be applied. Structural supports may be needed as the steps age in place.

• 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. Overall the facility is aging and showing signs of wear and tear. Staff team and board work in collaboration to maintain the facility indoors and out. Noted some seasonal maintenance issues requiring attention.

• 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. The staff team and Manager are aware of repairs required in the outdoor play area. Discussed items with staff team member and then reviewed with Manager post inspection. Monitor condition of planks on platform leading to sand pit. Wear could leave nails exposed over time. Monitor second plank to the north of the tube on the Big Toy climber.

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

  All indoor and outdoor play materials and equipment accessible to children are suitable for the age and development of the children, safely constructed, free from hazards and in good repair. [CCLR Sec. 16(4)]

  Observation. Noted the indoor sand / water table is in a state of disrepair. Was unable to move the table. Confirmed with Manager that outdoor sand should not be used in the indoor sand table for reasons of hygiene.

• STAFFING / Emergency Training and EquipmentNon-critical

  Implementation of the fire drill system is practiced at least once each month, and implementation of the emergency plan is practiced at least once each year. [CCLR Sec. 22(2)(b)(c)]

  Observation. Emergency drill records are posted in the main activity room for both programs. Noted that an earthquake drill was conducted on February 3, 2023. The last fire drill recorded was December 2022. It appears that July and October 2022 were either skipped or not recorded. Staff and Manager stated they have been doing monthly drills but slipped in recording them. Discussed other emergency drills to create protocols for and practice. While power outage and lockdown procedures are not required under the regulation, they are highly recommended.

No violations recorded at this inspection.

• 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. This is an aging facility and work is required to ensure children's safety. There are two groups (12 toddlers and 25 3-5) using this playground all day on a daily basis. See the following required actions.