Inspection of 23 October 2025 — Inspection Report
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (a) (b) Six written and validated references in relation to the four new staff members were not available for review on the day of inspection. Four references on file were not validated
- A review of documentation evidenced that the requirements of Regulation 9(2) had not been completed prior to 4 staff members being appointed, assigned, or allowed access to or contact with a child attending the preschool service as outlined above under point 2(a)(b)
- The registered provider could not furnish the required certification of qualification for two adults who were observed to be working directly with the preschool children
Provider's corrective action:
- In a written response the registered provider stated: (2) (a) (b) All validated references have been submitted. A staff checklist has been introduced to ensure all paperwork is in place
- A staff checklist has been introduced
- Evidence of qualifications for the two staff members has been provided
Regulation 22 — Food and drink
- On the day it was observed that no hot meal alternative was provided to a child who refused the main meal. On discussion with the staff members the inspector was informed that the child does not eat hot meals, and a snack is provided from home. When asked if another child refused the meal, could an alternative be provided the inspector was informed no. This was later confirmed by the person in charge at the closing meeting
Provider's corrective action:
- In a written response the registered provider stated: The staff members have been made aware of Ballinamore Childcare CLG healthy eating policy, attention has been drawn to the issue if a child is refusing the hot meal that they are provided with an alternative meal. This issue is also on the agenda for the next staff meeting as a revision of policies
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. There was no safety protection on the bathroom doors in the ‘mini movers’ sanitary accommodation. On a review of accidents and incidents, two children caught their finger in the bathroom door within a two- month period resulting in injury to the child. Contrary to the service ‘incident and accident policy’ no risk assessment was completed after these incidents which could have prevented an injury to the preschool child. 2. Garda vetting was available for all staff members. However, one of these vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. 3. Blind cords in the rainbow room were not secured. It is acknowledged that on the day of the inspection, none of the blind cords were within children’s reach. Infection Control: 4. The Nappy bins in the nappy changing areas were not the required foot pedal operated bins resulting in a risk of cross contamination. 5. In the toddler sanitary accommodation, adults’ coats and jackets were hung beside wash hand basins posing a risk of contamination. 6. Snacks were served to the preschool children directly onto the table, posing a risk of infection control. No plate was observed to be given to the preschool child. 7. Wall and ceiling vents contained a large build-up of dust, reducing their effectiveness in reducing odour and air exchange. 8. At nappy changing time, adults and children’s hands were not washed posing a risk of infection. 9. In the Wobbler 2 room, the bin for disposal of hand towels was an open top bin, not the required foot operated pedal bin. 10. In the wobbler room, cots were not placed 50cm apart, posing a risk of infection control. Administration of Medication: 11. On discussion with some staff members, they were not aware of the service administration medication policy, stating that they ‘do not administer’ temperature reducing medication. On discussion with the person in charge the service does administer temperature reducing medication when required. Staff members not being aware of the service policy on the administration of temperature reducing medication poses a risk of safety to the preschool child. Safe Sleep: 12. Four children under two years of age were placed to sleep on stackable beds. On discussion with staff members no risk assessment had been completed for the children under two years of age contrary to the service policy on safe sleep. 13. One child under two was placed to sleep with a pillow which is at variance with the services own safe sleep policy. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: In a written response the registered provider stated: 1. Safety guards have been installed on the bathroom door. All doors were risk assessed and we plan to install safety mechanisms across all doors. 2. Garda vetting renewal has been applied for and is now on file. We will complete a review annually to ensure all garda vetting is up to date. 3. Blind cords have been secured. Staff will complete morning checks to ensure cords are secure. Infection Control: 4. Nappy bins have been replaced with foot pedal operated bins. 5. Coats and jackets have been removed, and this area is free from personal belongings. 6. Plates are provided for all snacks. 7. Cleaning company has cleaned all vents and are aware to monitor for build-up of dust. 8. Staff have been reminded of the infection control policy and nappy changing policy and the importance of hand hygiene. This will be on the staff meeting agenda. 9. The bin has been replaced with a foot pedal operated bin. 10. Cots have been reduced in the room, ensuring the appropriate spacing between each cot. Administration of Medication: 11. Staff have been reminded of the administration of medication policy. This will be discussed at our staff meeting. Safe Sleep: 12. The children in this room have now tuned two years of age and are on stackable beds. All under twos will sleep in a standard as required. 13. The pillow has been removed, and staff have been informed of the service sleep policy
Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) • In the mini movers sanitary accommodation, there was a hole in the wall with rubble and exposed pipes that required securing. • In the wobbler 2 room, the children’s handwashing tap was broken
Provider's corrective action:
- In a written response the registered provider stated: • The hole in the wall has been replaced. • The handwashing tap has been fixed
Found compliant: Regulation 10, 11, 15, 16, 20, 26, 27, 28.