Ballaghderg Pre-School, Letterkenny — inspection reports and findings

Full Day · 2 - 6 Years · Letterkenny, Donegal · Tusla ID TU2015DL008 · Registered since 1 January 2026

An inspection records what inspectors saw on one day; services respond with corrective actions — how to read this.

No non-compliance recorded in this report.

Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 15, 16, 19, 23, 25.

Immediate action notice. 1. An immediate action notice under

The following vetting information was not available: (a) Written validated references from past employers for two adults. (d) It was not possible to ascertain if police vetting from the police authorities in another state was required for seven adults

Provider's corrective action:

(a) Referees have been contacted, and References have been validated for these 2 staff. All staff files have been updated with new contents page. All staff files have been reviewed to ensure each staff member has 2 written references that have been validated. In future all references to be checked and validated before commencing position. (d) Audit of staff files was completed on 14-03-2025 to ensure all required information available. The only staff member to work outside of this country has police vetting completed. Remaining staff have confirmed that they have not worked or lived outside the Republic of Ireland. At recruitment stage with regards to candidates living overseas, each candidate is asked to declare at interview stage if they have lived outside Ireland for more than 6 months and if they advise yes, we then request Garda Vetting clearance from that Country from the candidate and once received it is then kept on the candidates' file. The candidate cannot commence employment until all required clearances are given. Work history and previous places of residence are established at time of recruitment

On day one of the inspection, there was no provision in writing for the following particulars for each of the children (c) Provision to record the date on which the child ceases to attend the service was not present. (h) Record of each child’s immunisation for two children was not available

Provider's corrective action:

(c) The admission form now reads (Date of Admission / Discharge) We also maintain a daily attendance record where you can establish the last day of attendance at this service. All paperwork with Admission date details has now got Discharge date beside it. (h) A review has been carried out of all children attending Ballaghderg to ensure immunisation records are available onsite. All immunisation records are now available onsite for each child. Parents will be requested to forward immunisation records to the preschool prior to child commencing their placement. An update on the immunisation status of the child will be requested at the annual review

(1) (a) Records in relation to staff experience was not held for adults working within the service

Provider's corrective action:

(1) (a) All staff currently employed in Ballaghderg have appropriate experience working with children either prior to commencing working in Ballaghderg or have gained experience in Ballaghderg over many years. Any vacant or new additional posts will be requested via HSE recruitment process. Business case will note requirements for the role. Prior to commencing post all staff will have relevant skill set, experience and qualification

There was no evidence provided that an adult trained in First aid for children was available to the children at all times attending the pre-school service

Provider's corrective action:

The First Aid Training was scheduled for Monday 10th February, Tuesday 11th February & Tuesday 25th February 2025. The Governing body Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) has provided training in First Aid Response. All staff have completed the training. Refresher training has been scheduled for the refresher on the 8th and 9th of February 2027. First Aid Training for children has been added to the site-specific training on the centres training matrix

Found compliant: Regulation 11, 26.

Ballaghderg Pre-School