Inspection of 11 March 2026 — Inspection Report
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The following vetting information was unavailable for inspection: (2) (a) Two written, validated references from past employers particularly their most recent employers were required for one of the adults. (d) The work history/curriculum vitae on file for one staff member had gaps in information and was incomplete. Additional information was required to confirm that international police vetting was not required for the staff member in relation to these gaps. (4) The documentation available for inspection regarding the qualification for a staff member who worked directly with the children was insufficient to show that the qualification met the regulatory requirements
Provider's corrective action:
- The service advised in writing that: Corrective and Preventive Action (2)(a) The staff curriculum vitae has been reviewed, and references have been obtained from the two most recent previous employers. The service has Introduced a mandatory recruitment validation form for all candidates and has planned a monthly audit of staff files. (d) All staff files were reviewed and any gaps in employment were identified and clarified directly with the staff member. Curriculum vitae were updated to reflect accurate employment and education/training timelines. The service has introduced a curriculum vitae screening checklist requiring all gaps to be explained before progressing a candidate. Recruitment staff have been trained and monthly audits scheduled in the service. (4) The staff member has received confirmation from the relevant body that the qualification does not meet the regulatory requirements. The staff member is in the process of undertaking the training required to complete the award and is not now considered in the adult:child ratio. An additional qualified staff member is now working with the children in the playroom while the staff member completes their award. The service will inform the Inspectorate when the qualification has been completed by the staff member
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for eighteen staff members. However, the vetting disclosure for one staff member was not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. 2. A gate in an outdoor area not used by the children during the inspection required additional measures to ensure security of the gate. An additional securing mechanism was placed on the gate by the designated person in charge during the inspection. 3. A cupboard lock was broken in the Waddler room which could pose a potential access/safety risk as there were paints in this press. 4. On the day of inspection at 11.38hrs, there was a temperature reading of 46.8°C, from the warm water tap at the wash hand basin, used by children in the nappy changing area. At 11.50hrs, there was a temperature reading of 47.3°C. These water temperatures were above the recommended 43°C upper safety limit to prevent potential risk of scalding. 5. The foot operated pedal bin in the Toddler room was broken, and a flip top bin was observed in hallway. Action submitted by the Registered Provider The service advised in writing that:
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. All staff files were reviewed on 11 March 2026 to identify expired or soon‑to‑expire Garda Vetting. Renewal of Garda vetting has been added to the mandatory annual staff file audit. A Garda Vetting tracking log has been created to record vetting dates and renewal deadlines for all staff. A risk assessment form has been created. 2. A securing mechanism was placed on the gate on 11 March 2026 to ensure it remains closed at all times during operation. Staff were informed of the updated procedure and reminded to check the gate as part of daily safety checks and during the day. A monthly premises safety audit will check that all gates are functioning correctly with any issues reported immediately to management and logged. 3. The broken cupboard lock was replaced with a secure child‑proof locking mechanism.. Staff were reminded immediately of the requirement to ensure all hazardous materials are always inaccessible to children and report any issue to management immediately. A monthly premises safety audit will now include inspection of all locks, gates, and storage areas containing hazardous materials. 4. The sink taken out of use on the day of inspection. The thermostatic controls were adjusted by the maintenance staff and will be inspected and serviced every 6 months or sooner if issues arise. Staff have been reminded of the requirement to test water before children use sinks. Any temperature outside the safe range must be reported immediately and recorded in the maintenance log. 5. The bins were replaced and staff were reminded that only foot‑operated bins are permitted in children’s areas for hygiene and infection control. Staff have been instructed to report any damaged or unsuitable equipment immediately using the maintenance log. A stock of spare foot‑operated bins will be kept on site to allow immediate replacement if needed
Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) 1. The lid of the toilet cistern in the staff sanitary unit was missing and required replacement. 2. The tap at the wash hand basin in the Waddler room was broken and required replacement
Provider's corrective action:
- The service advised in writing that: Corrective and Preventive Action (d) 1. A new cistern lid was fitted securely and the toilet was checked to ensure that it is safe. 2. The broken tap in the waddler room was replaced by a tradesman. The new tap was tested after installation to ensure it is functioning correctly, provides safe water flow, and poses no risk to children or staff. To prevent recurrence of issues, a qualified plumber is to be contacted by staff immediately for any plumbing‑related maintenance concerns. All staff have been informed that plumbing issues must be reported on the same day using the maintenance log. The Person in Charge will arrange a plumber promptly
Found compliant: Regulation 11, 19, 22, 24, 27.