This article is from page 2 of the 2007-06-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
THE owner of a creche in Ennis has been charged with 50 offences relat- ing to the running of the business.
Before Ennis District Court on Friday was Martina Baker, of Hop- scotch Childcare and Montessor1, Quin Road, Ennis.
The case, relating to seven sum- monses, totalling 50 alleged offenc- es, 18 being brought by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The alleged offences relate to a number of separate dates between March 2006 and January 2007.
The allegations against Ms Baker include that she failed to take all reasonable measures to ensure the
health, safety and welfare of all pre- school children; that she failed to en- sure every child had a suitable means of progression and development with books, games etc, regarding his/her age and stage of development and that she failed to ensure the furniture and fittings on the premises were kept in a proper state of repair and in a hygienic condition.
Ms Baker is accused of failing to ensure there was a sufficient number of competent adults to supervise pre- school children in the service at all mb ealeKy
She is also accused of failing to ensure adequate arrangements were in place to summons medical assist- ance promptly or at all in an emer-
gency. The charge relates to a young child who allegedly suffered an in- jury. She is charged with failing to keep a record, in writing, of details of the injury.
She is also accused of failing to ensure the premises was adequately heated and failing to ensure there was sufficient nutritional and varied food available for the children.
She is facing charges of failing to ensure there was adequate and suit- able facilities for the storage, prepa- ration, cooking and serving of food, and adequate eating and washing facilities provided where food was consumed on the premises.
She is also accused of failing to en- sure suitable facilities were available
for the pre-school children to rest and play indoors and outdoors dur- ing the day.
Ms Baker is also charged of fail- ing to ensure there were adequate suitable sanitary facilities provided. She is accused of failing to ensure all waste and refuse was disposed of frequently.
The HSE’s solicitor told the court on Friday that the case, involving 17 witnesses, is expected to last two days. He said the alleged offences are under the Childcare Act. A number of professional witnesses, including two doctors, will give evidence in tem er Kor
Judge Joseph Mangan adjourned the case until later this year.