Immediate action notice. An Immediate Action Notice was issued to the service on 27 February 2026 in the absence of a Garda vetting disclosure. Further information is detailed under
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
(1)(c) While information was provided on the notice board in the main entrance hall outlining who the designated person in charge was and roles in relation to child safeguarding, there was no documented outline of the following information for parents: The specific roles of the designated person in charge, the role of the quality manager, the named deputy designated person in charge and their role, the designated room leaders and keyworkers for children in each classroom or any of the ancillary staff to inform parents clearly who the staff and what their roles were. (2)(a)(b) While there were two references from previous employers or reputable sources, available for each of five new staff members and one student who had commenced in the service since the last inspection on the 18 June 2025, there was only one reference available for one staff member and no references available for two third level students on placement in the service. (2)(c) While Garda Vetting for six staff members and three students who had commenced employment and placement in the service was available on file and the service had demonstrated compliance with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice requiring services to renew Garda vetting every three years. There was no Garda Vetting in place for the individual that was identified to the inspectors as being the incoming registered provider, as detailed in regulation 8. (2)(d) While police vetting had been obtained for one new staff member who had commenced employment since last inspection, police vetting disclosure certificates had not been obtained for two other staff members who had also commenced in the service and had lived in a state other than Ireland for a period of longer than six months
Provider's corrective action:
(1)(c) Parents are informed of staff roles and key persons during enrolment and settling-in. This has been further clarified to ensure that roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined for parents. Information on staff roles is kept up to date and communicated to parents as part of normal practice, including any changes to staffing. The service is also developing a website to further support visibility of staff roles for parents. (2)(a)(b) References for staff were in place, including verbal references obtained prior to commencement. At the time of inspection, not all references had been retained on file. This has now been addressed, and all required references are on file for the relevant staff members. In relation to students on placement, engagement took place directly with college tutors as part of the placement process. Where written references were not retained on file at the time, available documentation has now been updated where applicable. References continue to be obtained as part of the recruitment process and are retained on file within the service. Ongoing attention is given to ensuring that all documentation is fully recorded and available as required. (2)(c) Following the inspection, Garda Vetting for the incoming Registered Provider has now been completed and is on file. All vetting requirements via Tusla will be in place in a timely manner. (2)(d) Since the inspection the international police vetting process has been completed and is on file. Creche managers commit to ensuring that all vetting requirements are in place at all times
Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
(i) A staff roster for the week of 23 February to 27 February 2026 was presented to the inspectors. The roster was inaccurate and incomplete in some areas. The following examples were identified: • This roster was not updated daily to reflect the staff members in attendance on both days of inspection. On day two of the inspection two staff members who were present were not on the days roster and informed the inspector that they had been contacted the evening prior by the designated person in charge requesting them to work on day two of the inspection. • The roster detailed each staff member’s starting time, but no finishing time or break and lunch times were documented. • The roster did not provide information on what staff were available to cover staff breaks or lunches. • The roster did not detail the full name of each staff member. • There were no recorded times of attendance and staff breaks for the designated person in charge or the quality manager. • On day one of the inspection the inspector observed that the quality manager relieved for breaks to maintain adult to child ratios in classrooms. This was not reflected on the staff roster and in discussion with staff, the inspector was informed that this did not usually happen if relief cover was required. • No named staff members were recorded for cover in case of staff absences, which did occur on both days of inspection. The designated person in charge had previously submitted a corrective and preventive action to a non-compliance under regulation 11 in the last inspection on 18 June 2025 stating that “a floating staff member will be rostered daily”, “lunch cover schedule introduced, floating staff allocated as needed”
Provider's corrective action:
Updated staff roster is in place reflecting daily staffing arrangements. The roster now includes full staff names, start and finish times and break times for all staff, including management. The daily roster system has been reviewed to ensure that all staffing adjustments and operational changes are recorded in real time to accurately reflect practice. Creche Managers will be responsible for ensuring rosters are compliant, any changes on the roster due to staff absent will be corrected promptly
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
Supporting Relationships and Interactions around Children. On day one of inspection some children did not have the opportunity to eat with their peers at lunch time. Those attending part time ate alone in their classrooms while their classmates went to the dining room for lunch. Staff were involved in cleaning at this time and did not sit with the children
Provider's corrective action:
Staff have been reminded that, even in exceptional circumstances such as room closures, children must continue to be supported within normal mealtime routines as part of the daily practice. Children are not left to eat alone, and staff are always present to support and engage with children during mealtimes. Arrangements have since been updated so that all children attending the service, whether full-time, part-time, or sessional, now eat together. Lunchtime routines are organised so that children eat together as part of the daily schedule. Where a room is closed, children will continue to join other children for mealtimes in the dining area or designated eating space, depending on their meal arrangement (canteen or in-room snack). Staff remain present to support the routine and ensure consistency for all children during mealtimes
Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play
(1)(b) The Toddler room rest area required development; it consisted of a soft mat with no additional soft furnishings to invite children to relax. This was in contrast with rest areas in other rooms in the service which contained cushions and other soft furnishings
Provider's corrective action:
Rest areas have been reviewed. Cushions and soft furnishings are part of the designated rest environment and are made available to support children’s comfort during rest times. Where cushions and soft furnishings are temporarily removed for activities or room use, staff ensure they are returned and the rest area is reset as part of the daily routine prior to rest times
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. In the wobbler classroom, the pedal of the pedal operated bin was exposed with the metal rod of the pedal part posing a potential risk of injury to a child or adult using it. 2. In the toddler room, a trailing lead from a radio on a high-level shelf was accessible to children posing a risk of injury to children. Infection Control: Some aspects of practice and equipment did not support effective infection control. The following examples were observed: 3. In the two children’s toilets adjacent to the pre-school classrooms on the first floor, the inspectors observed that there was no supply of paper towels or liquid hand soap on both days of inspection. 4. On day two of the inspection the inspectors observed that the children from playschool room one did not wash their hands before their meal after outdoor play. 5. The changing mat in the changing area adjacent to the toddler room was observed to be torn and could not be disinfected efficiently between nappy changes. Safe Sleep: 6. Inadequate supervision of sleep was identified on inspection. In the sleep room adjacent to the toddler room a child was observed sleeping on a low-level floor bed without a staff member present in the room as required. Ten-minute sleep checks were completed and documented by staff members. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: 1. The pedal bin in the wobbler room has been checked and adjusted so that the mechanism is no longer exposed and is safe for use by children and staff. Daily checks of all room equipment are completed to ensure items remain safe, secure, and in good working order, including bin mechanisms and other potential hazards. 2. The trailing electrical lead in the toddler room has been repositioned. Infection Control: 3. The observation made during inspection have been addressed. Toilets are checked regularly throughout the day to ensure soap and paper towels are available. 4. The observation made during inspection have been addressed. Handwashing is carried out with children before meals as part of the daily routine, including after outdoor play. Handwashing is built into the daily routine before meals, including after outdoor play, to ensure consistency in practice. 5. The observation made during inspection have been addressed. Any items found to be damaged or unsuitable are removed and replaced. Safe Sleep: 6. Sleep arrangements have been reviewed. Sleep checks continue to be completed and recorded at regular intervals in line with safe sleep practice. The use of low-level beds in the sleep room has been reviewed to ensure appropriate sleep arrangements are in place. Where low level beds are used a staff member will be present. Staff will be reminded of safe sleep procedures and training re same provided at regular intervals
Regulation 29 — Premises
(e) 1. The inspectors observed that the water from the taps in both children’s toilets for the preschool classrooms, on the first floor of the main building was cold and not comfortable for the children to wash their hands. 2. On the first floor there were only 2 children’s toilets provided for the total of 26 preschool children on day 1 and 25 preschool children on day 2 of the inspection which is not in line with infection control guidance for pre-schools. It is acknowledged that an additional 2 children’s toilets were located further down the corridor, however access to these toilets by the children was blocked by a secured metal gate
Provider's corrective action:
1. The observations made during inspection have been addressed, and staff ensure that water is run prior to use so that children have access to warm water for handwashing. Water is checked throughout the day as part of normal routines to ensure it remains suitable for handwashing. 2. The gate is part of the building safety layout and remains in place due to the presence of stairs in the corridor area. Access is not restricted in practice. When children require the use of the additional toilets, staff supervise and escort children to ensure safe and timely access. Staff support children in accessing the additional toilet facilities as part of the daily routine, ensuring safe and timely access when required
Regulation not named in the report text
On arrival to the service the designated person in charge confirmed to the inspectors that the registered provider named on the Early Years Inspectorate national register of preschool services was no longer in position. While the quality manager and designated person in charge confirmed a person has been appointed to replace the registered provider this change was not notified to the Early Years Inspectorate Change in Circumstance department. A change in circumstances application form was not submitted to the Inspectorate regarding the change in registered provider which occurred in November 2025. This was also identified as a non-compliance on the last inspection 18 June 2025, and the preventative actions stated by the service did not prevent a reoccurrence
Provider's corrective action:
The Change in Circumstances (CIC) process in respect of the registered provider has now been completed. All required documentation has been finalised, and the service registration has been updated to reflect the current registered provider. This has been reviewed by the Board of Management and the management team to ensure that regulatory notification requirements continue to be addressed in a timely manner. The service is overseen by the Board of Management, working in coordination with the management team, with clear responsibility for ensuring that any CIC is progressed and notified as required. Appropriate oversight is maintained to ensure regulatory requirements are addressed in a timely manner
Immediate action notice. The inspection focused on an examination of compliance under regulations 9,11,19, 20, 23, 24 and 29; however, on inspection additional non-compliance which posed a risk was identified under regulation 8. These findings are outlined within the relevant regulation within this report.
Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
While the adult to child ratio within the service was maintained, an adequate number of adults were not available within the baby room during the inspection, considering the needs and care routines of the children in the baby room. During the inspection, an additional adult was required to support the staff members working directly with the children to carry out their duties including administering first aid and the completion of accident and incident records. In discussion with the registered provider, it was outlined that an additional adult was usually available, however, was not within the service on the day of inspection
It is noted that the adult to child ratio was maintained in the Wobbler room during the morning and afternoon. However, between 12.50pm to 1.30pm, during lunchtime, the adult to child ratio was not maintained in the Wobbler room. At this time, there were two adults caring for 11 sleeping children and two awake children aged 2 to 3 years. The minimum adult to child ratio for a child aged 2 to 3 years is 1 adult to 6 children. This was found non-compliant on inspection on 30 July 2024, and through the
Provider's corrective action:
s (CAPA) process the service submitted actions to address the non-compliance. These actions have not addressed the adult to child ratio within the Wobbler room during lunchtime. Corrective & Preventive Action submitted by the Registered Provider Corrective and Preventive Action The registered provider submitted the following corrective and preventive actions. Baby Room- Floating staff member rostered daily to provide support. Cover procedure in place if floating staff absent. Daily checks by Room Leader/Manager to ensure ratios and support are maintained. Person Responsible: Room Leader and Manager Timeline: Immediately Wobbler Room Rotas adjusted to ensure a third staff member is present during 12.50–1.30pm. Lunch cover schedule introduced, floating staff allocated as needed. Weekly rota reviews to ensure compliance with ratios. Person Responsible: Manager. Timeline: Immediately PIC to carry out monthly ratio audits in all rooms. Any non-compliance recorded and addressed immediately with corrective action. Person Responsible: Person in Charge (PIC). Timeline: Immediately
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
Basic needs 1. The children attending the baby room were not provided with an opportunity for outdoor play on the day of inspection. Through discussion with staff members, it was outlined that the children attending the baby room do not engage in outdoor play daily. This was at variance of the service’s outdoor play policy which stated that outdoor play was an important part of the daily curriculum at the service and that children play outdoors every day for a minimum of 30 minutes . This non -compliance was previously iden tified on inspection on 28 August 2023. Supporting Relationships and Interactions around Children. 1. The service’s behaviour management policy outlined that the social and physical environment is stimulating, challenging and interesting for children and is focused on their active engagement and involvement. However, the practices observed within the Wobbler room between 12.15pm to 1.30pm was at variance of the service’s policy as did not cater for the two awake children. The daily routine of the care room was outlined by the staff member which was that that 11 of the 13 children attending the room were provided with an opportunity for sleep after dinner time. The two awake children were directed to get a book from the cosy corner after dinner. The staff member present was engaged in cleaning duties, the children appeared bored. The two awake children were not provided with an activity or additional resources during this time
Provider's corrective action:
The following corrective and preventive action were submitted by the registered provider. Corrective and Preventive Action Daily timetable revised to include minimum 30 minutes outdoor play for all baby room children (weather permitting). Indoor physical play alternatives provided during unsuitable weather. Staff reminded of outdoor play policy; Room Leader to document outdoor play daily. Manager to carry out weekly audits of daily logs to ensure consistency. Person Responsible Room Leader and Manager. Timeline: Immediately. Awake children to be provided with meaningful activities (small-world play, puzzles, art, sensory trays) during rest time. Resource box for quiet play now available daily. Staff training completed on active engagement during rest time. Room Leader to monitor rest-time practice weekly; management to conduct monthly spot checks. Person Responsible; Room Leader and Manager. Time Frame: Immediately PIC to review outdoor play and rest-time practices monthly. Findings to be recorded; any non-compliance addressed immediately with corrective actions documented. Person Responsible: Person in Charge. Time Frame: Immediate
Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play
1. While the physical environments of the two cabin classrooms were observed to be very well equipped with defined interest areas, play equipment, materials and resources, the inspectors observed that the remaining classrooms required investment in their phys ical environments and lacked play material and resources. This was particularly noticeable in the Baby, Wobbler and Toddler room which lacked supplementation of the interest areas and age-appropriate equipment. For example, a. In the Wobbler room, the supporting materials and equipment for the kitchen area were stored on a window ledge which was out of reach of the 13 children. b. Natural or open-ended materials were not available for the children. The play equipment consisted of plastic toys and equipment. This does not provide children with materials to provoke curiosity, exploration or a sense of wonder. c. The battery-operated materials in the Baby and Wobbler room were not in working order. For example, play phones, light up equipment and cars within both rooms did not work. The inspectors acknowledge that the service has engaged with the early years quality initiative and staff explained that this was currently a work in progress with improving the physical environments. 2. Based on the age and stage of development of the children in the Baby and Wobbler room, the equipment which was provided for their mealtimes was not suitable. The service’s healthy eating policy recognised mealtimes as a social experience for children and staff members. It stated that, where possible, children and staff eat together and that age and stage appropriate equipment is available for children. a. There were three highchairs available for the nine children aged 1 to 2 years in the Baby room. In discussion with the three staff members within the baby room, additional highchairs were not available for the children at this time. This did not allow for the children to eat their meals together. b. The equipment provided for mealtimes within the Wobbler room was not suitable based on the age and stage of development of the children. On the day of inspection, there were 13 children aged 2 to 3 years present, and the following was observed: i. Six children ate their dinner in a highchair, ii. Five children ate their dinner at a table. During this time, the six children’s legs were in front of the table as the table was too low to fit underneath. iii. Two children sat in a wooden chair with an adjoining tray. (b) 3. Suitable facilities for rest and/or sleep were not available for children within the Baby and Wobbler room between 12.10pm to 1.30pm. Between 12.10pm to 1.30pm, the nine children aged 1 to 2 years in the baby room and two of the children in the Wobbler room did not have access to sleep facilities in the event where they may require sleep or rest. There was one designated sleep room available with nine standard cots and two low level sleep beds for the nine children aged 1 to 2 years in the Baby room and for thirteen children aged 2 to 3 years in the Wobbler room. For example: a. Staff members in the Baby room explained that the children generally sleep in the morning time. In discussion they explained that if a child from the baby room required a nap between 12.10pm to 1.30pm that they would need to wait until one of the children attending the Wobbler room woke up. They outlined that this posed challenges on some days. b. In the Wobbler room between 12.10pm to 12.30pm, 9 of the 11 children were brought to the sleep room. In discussion with a staff member, it was outlined that the remaining 2 children aged 2 to 3 years were provided with an afternoon nap as there was no cot available for them at this time. 4. Within the Toddler room, the rest area was not inviting as it consisted of a soft mat with no additional soft furnishings to invite children to relax
Provider's corrective action:
The following corrective and preventive actions were submitted by the registered provider. Corrective and Preventive Action Additional play resources, natural/open-ended materials purchased and introduced. Battery-operated toys repaired or replaced. Play equipment stored at child-accessible height. Monthly environment audits by Room Leaders to ensure resources remain stimulating and suitable. Person Responsible: BOM -Room Leaders and Managers. Timeline: 1-3 months. Additional highchairs purchased for Baby Room. Child-sized tables and chairs introduced in Wobbler Room. Staff reminded of mealtime policy as a social experience. Monthly equipment checks by Room Leaders; Manager reviews compliance with policy during monthly observations. Person Responsible BOM – Room Leaders and Managers. Timeline 1-3 months. Additional cots and low-level beds ordered. Rest schedules revised to meet individual children’s needs. Weekly checks by Manager to always ensure adequate facilities. Person Responsible: BOM and Manager. Time Frame: 1-3 months. Added soft furnishings (cushions, rugs, beanbags) to create a calm and inviting space. Room Leader refreshes and monitors rest area weekly. Person Responsible: Person in charge. Time frame: 1-3 months. Additional play resources, natural/open-ended materials purchased and introduced. Battery-operated toys repaired or replaced. Play equipment stored at child-accessible height. Monthly environment audits by Room Leaders to ensure resources remain stimulating and suitable. Person Responsible: BOM -Room Leaders and Managers. Timeline: 1-3 months
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. The vinyl floor covering at the rear exit door of the Wobbler room into the outdoor area, was torn and the solid cement floor underneath was observed to be crumbling. This could cause an adult or child to trip and fall. 2. The slide in the outdoor area which was in use by the thirteen children posed a pinch risk for the children. The plastic at the base of the slide was cracked. This was at variance to the service outdoor play policy which stated that a daily risk assessment is carried out and any broken items are removed. 3. In the play area at the front of the building and in the three soft play areas at the back of the building, the inspectors observed gaps in the patterned edges of the soft play surfaces. Noticeably the soft play surfaces in the three play areas at the back of the service were wider and deeper, approximately two inches deep and two inches wide. These gaps pose a trip hazard to a child or adult. This non-compliance was previously identified on inspection on 04 October 2024. 4. The inspectors observed that the first windowsill to the right of the main entrance door posed a risk of injury to children playing in the front outdoor play area if they were to fall against it and suffer a physical injury. 5. There were dangling electrical wires, which had not been secured following recent works, in the passageway used by children to access the play areas at the rear of the building. 6. The service did not take measures to ensure that equipment was anchored appropriately to reduce the risk of injury. The low-level table in the baby room and a shelving unit in the Wobbler room were unsteady. 7. The highchairs in the baby room were not used in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance. The straps for the high chairs were not accessible due to a cover used on the high chairs and as a result, were not used by the staff members while children sat in them during the mealtimes. This posed a potential fall risk to a child. 8. A child aged 18 months in the baby room was observed to be placed into a piece of equipment on two occasions during the inspection which was not suitable for their age and stage of development. The equipment was not used in accordance with the manufactures guidance’s which stated it is for children who are not yet walking. This was at variance with the service’s accident and incident policy which stated that only suitable and age-appropriate materials and equipment are available to children. Infection Control: 9. The rubbish bin in Playschool 1 had a broken lid, posing a risk of spread of infection in the service. 10. Children’s hands and faces were wiped using baby wipes following dinnertime in the Wobbler room. This was at variance with the service’s infection control policy which stated that warm water and soap is used for handwashing. 11. The six high chairs used by the children in the Wobbler room appeared unclean with food debris embedded on the trays. 12. Play equipment was stored within the Wobbler room nappy changing area. And, children’s personal items, including bags were stored within close proximity to the nappy changing area. This posed an increased risk of cross contamination. 13. The floor cushion in the Wobbler room was torn. This did not allow for effective cleaning and posed a risk of the spread of infection. 14. Children’s soothers in the Wobbler room were stored within individual children’s cubbyholes and not in sterile containers. This posed a risk of contamination. Safe Sleep: 15. It is acknowledged that staff members carried out and recorded physical checks on each sleeping child’s sleep position, colour and breathing while they were asleep. However, at 1.20pm, three children aged 2 to 3 years old slept with their mouths covered with a blanket or comforter. The staff member was requested by the inspector to remove these items from the children’s faces. This posed a risk as the children’s breathing or skin colour could not be clearly observed by the staff member carrying out the sleep check. Fire Safety: 16. While it is acknowledged that the service-maintained records of monthly fire drills carried out in the service and the annual maintenance checks of the fire alarm system and firefighting equipment in the service, there was no clearly documented fire exit pathways displayed in each classroom. 17. The presence of two gates at the top of the stairs leading to the first-floor classrooms in the main building posed a potential risk of obstruction to the fire exit pathways for children and staff to safely exit the service in the event of a fire. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: The following response was submitted. Vinyl flooring and underlying cement will be repaired/replaced by contractor. Weekly maintenance checks will be introduced to identify hazards. Person Responsible: BOM and Manager. Time Frame: 1-3 months. Slide will be removed from use and replaced with safe equipment. Daily outdoor checklist will be updated to ensure damaged items are removed immediately. Person Responsible: BOM and Manager. Timeframe: Immediate. Damaged surfacing has been repaired. Quarterly inspection of surfaces will be carried out going forward. Person Responsible: BOM and Manager. Time frame: ASAP (weather permits) Protective padding will be installed. Play zones will be repositioned. Person Responsible: BOM and Manager. Time frame: 1 month. Corrective action was taken immediately, and the windowsill has been fitted with appropriate safeguards to eliminate the risk of injury to children in the outdoor play area. Person Responsible: BOM and Manager. Time frame: Immediate. Wires will be secured permanently by electrician. post-works safety sign-off will be required before reopening areas. Person Responsible: BOM Manager and Maintenance. Time Frame: 1 month. Furniture will be anchored securely. Stability checks will be conducted quarterly. Person Responsible BOM Manager and Maintenance. Time frame 1 month. Highchairs will be fitted with manufacturer-approved straps. Staff will be retrained. Spot checks during mealtimes will be carried out weekly. Person Responsible: Room Leader and Manager. Time Frame: 1-3 months. Equipment will be removed. Monthly suitability review of all equipment will be implemented. Person Responsible: Room Leader. Time Frame: 1-3months. Fire exit pathways will be displayed in each classroom. Fire safety audits will be carried out monthly. Person Responsible: Manager. Time Frame: 2 weeks Gates will be removed/replaced with compliant alternatives. Fire safety consultant will review environment annually. Person Responsible: Manager and Person in Charge. Time Frame: 1-3 months Infection Control: The following response was submitted by the registered provider. Bin will be replaced with a new covered bin. Person responsible: Manager. Time Frame: Immediate. Liquid Soap and warm water handwashing will be carried out. Refresher staff training on infection control will be scheduled. Person Responsible- Room Leader and Manager Training Scheduled-Immediate. A deep cleaning rota will be established. Cleaning schedule will be signed off daily Person responsible Room Leader. Time Frame - immediate. Equipment will be relocated. Additional storage will be provided. Person Responsible: Manager. Time Frame: 1-3months Cushion will be discarded and replaced. Weekly soft furnishing checks will be carried out. Person Responsible: Room Leader. Time Frame: 1-3months Sterile soother containers will be introduced for each child. Staff will be instructed on correct storage. Person Responsible: Room Leader and Manager. Time Frame: Immediate. Safe Sleep: The following actions were submitted by the registered provider. Refresher training on safe sleep will be carried out. Weekly spot checks on sleep practices will be introduced. Person Responsible: Manager. Time Frame: Immediate
Regulation 24 — Checking in and out and record of attendance
(1) While it is acknowledged that staff were observed to check in and out children within the service, the following was observed by the inspectors on the day. On review of the attendance records in the Wobbler room at 12.30pm, the records were not reflective of the children present within the room at the time. There were 13 children present within the room, and there were 10 children marked as present. The inspector advised the staff member present and the records were updated. It is noted that the attendance record was reviewed at 4pm and it was reflective of the children present
Provider's corrective action:
The following response was submitted. Staff will be reminded that attendance records must be updated in real time as children arrive, leave, or move rooms. A daily attendance check-in procedure will be introduced: Room Leaders will check records three times daily (morning, midday, afternoon). Any discrepancies will be corrected immediately and reported to management. Staff will receive refresher training on Tusla attendance recording requirements. Manager will carry out weekly spot checks to ensure accuracy across all rooms. Non-compliance will be documented and followed up with additional staff support or retraining. Person Responsible: Room Leaders and Manager. Timeline: Immediate. PIC will review attendance records during monthly audits to ensure compliance is maintained. Person Responsible: Room Leader and Manager. Time Frame: Immediate
Regulation 29 — Premises
(c) The recommended temperature of 18 - 22°C was observed not to be maintained at the following times. 1. On two occasions at 16:10 hours and 16:20 hours the inspectors observed that the room temperature in the baby room was 24.5°C and 25.7°C. The inspectors observed that the staff encouraged the children to participate in an activity in an area of the baby room where a gentle breeze was blowing through an open window. It is acknowledged that the outside temperature on the day was 25 to 27 °C and that staff ensured the children were dressed in the lightest minimal clothing and frequently encouraged to drink water. 2. The mechanical ventilation system in place in the baby room’s nappy changing facility was inadequate as the foul air in the nappy changing room was not being extracted efficiently from the room. (d) The service was not maintained and repaired, as required. The following was noted. 1. The inspectors observed that there were cobwebs and black stains on the tiles on the back right hand corner of the dining area in the toddler room. The black mould, which the staff present acknowledged, had previously been observed on the previous inspection on 30 July 2024. The actions submitted by the registered provider did not prevent the re-occurrence of the non-compliance. 2. In the wobbler classroom, the walls and skirting boards were not maintained and required repairs. The inspectors observed that paint was peeling from the wall and the paint on the skirting boards was chipped with exposed wood with areas of flaked paint which could not be effectively cleaned. (e) 1. While it is acknowledged that the management have made improvements to the nappy changing areas provided for the younger children on the ground floor, it was observed that on the first floor of the main building the children present did not have access to all the toilets available. There were two toilets and two handwash basins accessible to the children in both preschool classrooms of which the maximum capacity of children is 30 in total. A wooden gate prevented access to the additional sanitary facilities that are provided further down the corridor. The recommended number or toilets and handwash basins in a preschool service is 1 toilet and handwash basin: 11 children
(1)(3) On arrival to the service the designated person in charge confirmed to the inspectors that the registered provider named on the Early Years Inspectorate national register of preschool services was no longer in position. While a person has been appointed to replace them, this change was not notified to the Early Years Inspectorate Change
Provider's corrective action:
The following corrective and preventive actions were submitted. Temperature monitoring will be carried out every 2 hours and recorded. Fans, blinds, and ventilation will be used to regulate indoor temperature during hot weather. Policy will be updated to include staff action when external temperatures exceed recommended levels. Person Responsible: Room Leader. Time Frame: Immediate. Professional deep clean and treatment will be carried out to remove mould. Damp prevention plan will be introduced with quarterly checks. Person Responsible: BOM and Manager. Time Frame: 1- 3months. Peeling paint and exposed wood will be repaired and repainted with wipe- clean, child-safe paint. A rolling maintenance programme will be implemented across all rooms. Person responsible: BOM, Manager and Maintenance Committee. Time Frame: 1-3 Months Access to additional toilets down corridor will be reinstated (removal/repositioning of gate). A plan will be developed to ensure required ratios of toilets/handwash basins (1:11 children). Daily checks will be carried out to ensure facilities remain accessible. Person Responsible: BOM Manager and Person in charge. Time Frame: 1-3 months. Manager will introduce monthly environment checks covering temperature, ventilation, hygiene, and maintenance. PIC will audit sanitary facilities quarterly to ensure compliance. Any non-compliance will be recorded and addressed immediately. Person Responsible: Manager and Person in Charge. Time Frame: Immediate
Immediate action notice. An immediate action notice was issued to the registered provider on the 30 July 2024 regarding non-compliances identified under regulation 23 Safe Sleep. An adequate response was received from the designated person in charge on the 31/07/2024. A regulatory compliance meeting took place on the 04 October 2024 to address outstanding non-compliances found on inspection that were not adequately addressed during the Corrective Action and Preventive Action (CAPA) process.
Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
(1) The inspector observed that there were inadequate staffing levels in place at points during the day as demonstrated under 11(2). 11 (2) The minimum adult child ratios were not adhered to in parts of the service on the day of inspection as evidenced by the following observations. 1. On the initial walk through of the service at 10:00 hours, the inspectors observed that in Preschool 1, there were 20 children aged 4 to 5 years of age being directly supervised by 2 staff members. The adult to child ratio of 1:8 for children aged 3 to 6 years of age was not maintained at this time. It is acknowledged that subsequently a third staff member was bought from the school aged service to maintain adult to child ratios. This was not reflected on the staff roster. The inspector observed that the timing of staff breaks compromised the minimum adult: child ratios in parts of the service. On review of staff timecards and in discussion with staff, the inspector observed that staff were instructed to take their half hour lunch break, in turn, at the following times, 12:45 hours, 13:00 hours and 13:15 hours. It was observed by the inspector that by taking lunch breaks at these times, the adult to child ratio was not maintained for 15 to 30 minutes during this time, depending on the number of children in attendance on the said day, as observed below on two occasions during the inspection: 1. In the Toddler room, during the staff lunch time, the inspector observed that there was two staff members directly supervising 15 children (5 in cots in the sleep room and 10 in the classroom) aged 2 to 3 years for a period of 15 minutes while the other staff member went on lunch break. 2.. In the Wobbler room at 12:50 hours, when 2 staff members had gone to lunch, the inspector observed that there were 2 staff members with 11 children, 1 under 1 year and 10 aged 1to 2 years. Three staff were required to meet the minimum staffing ratio. That staff roster did not clearly demonstrate how staff breaks were covered to maintain adult to child ratios in each classroom
Provider's corrective action:
The designated person in charge submitted the following corrective and preventive actions: Management and Staff If movement of staff is required during the day this will be reflected on the staff roster. Lunch breaks will now start at 12:45, 13:15, 13:45. Two afterschool staff will take their break after 14:00, this allows them to cover lunch breaks from 12:45 to 14:15. They are not required in afterschool until 14:50 hours. One staff member who works mornings will remain until 14:15 hours
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1.The service did not demonstrate compliance with the Early Years Inspectorate regulatory notice requiring services to renew Garda vetting every 3 years. There was one staff who did not have their Garda vetting renewed in line with the regulatory notice. 2.The inspectors observed that in the front outdoor play surface, spaces had developed between the soft surface design lines, which could potentially cause a child or adult to trip and fall. Infection Control: Baby and Wobbler room sanitary facilities. 1. There was one nappy changing facility available for the 5 infants in attendance in the baby room and for the 13 children in attendance in the wobbler room. This was not in line with the requirement to have one unit per 11 children and was previously identified as a non-compliance on inspection on 28 August 2023. It is acknowledged that the installation of an additional nappy changing unit was under process. Toddler room sanitary facilities. 1. The inspector observed that there were cloth towels hanging over the toilet doors of the sanitary accommodation adjacent to the toddler room. This poses a risk of cross contamination and the spread of infection. 2.There were no aprons available in the nappy changing area adjacent to the toddler room. 3. There was no hand wash basin directly available for staff to wash their hands in the toddler nappy changing area. Staff had to use the hand wash basin in the staff toilet next to the nappy changing area. Safe Sleep: An Immediate Action Notice was issued onsite on the day of inspection in relation to high sleep room temperatures and the lack of action taken by staff on the day, in relation to providing a safe sleeping environment for the children. Baby/Wobbler Sleep Room. At 12:15 hours the baby/wobbler sleep room thermometer, which also provided a colour warning display, was observed to record a room temperature recording of 23.6℃ with an amber warning colour displayed. The inspector recorded an air probe temperature in the sleep room of 23.3℃. At this time the inspector observed that staff were placing children, three under the age of 1 year and three aged between 1 to 2 years down to sleep in their full clothing with blankets or in sleeping bags. At 12:20 the inspector requested that staff consider the temperature of the sleep room and their safe sleep guidelines. The inspector requested that staff take mitigating actions, such as removing outer layers of clothing and sleep bags, to reduce the risk of children overheating. The inspector felt the need to prompt staff to look at additional measures to lower the room temperature. The two room windows were already open, and a black out blind was in situ to reduce the heat from the glass panel between the corridor and sleep room. Staff activated a room purifier in response, which was not appropriate to reduce air temperature, and the inspector recommended that staff inform the designated person in charge. At 15:00 hours the room temperature was recorded as 24.6℃ by the inspector. The service thermometer indicated a temperature of 24℃. At 16:07 hours the inspector recorded a temperature of 26 ℃, while the service thermometer continued to record a temperature of 24 ℃ and remained red. The sleep room temperature was not maintained within the recommended range of 16 to 20℃ for children under 1 year of age as per safe sleep guidelines. Toddler sleep Room. At 13:00 hours the inspector recorded the sleep room temperature as being 23℃ which was not within the recommended sleep room temperature of 18 to 22℃ for children over one year of age. Both windows in the room were opened to circulate air. At 15:34 hours, the temperature was recorded at 23.4℃. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
SAFE SLEEP On the 31 July the designated person in charge submitted a response to the Immediate Action Notice stating that the following corrective and preventive actions had been taken. 1.Staff were informed that during hot weather children are not to be put down to sleep in baby sleep grows. 2.The children are to be placed to sleep in their vests and underwear during hot weather. 3. All windows are to be opened. 4. The designated person in charge stated she had ordered two fans and a blackout blind. The designated person in charge stated that in the long-term air-conditioning units will be installed in both sleep rooms. On the 05 November 2024, the following additional actions were submitted by the registered provider. In response to the serious breach of the Safe Sleep policy, the manager convened a meeting with staff specifically to reaffirm the provisions of the safe sleep policy. BRCF Safe sleep policy and the Tusla Safe Sleep Policies were shared with staff and staff were requested to sign and return these policies, in acknowledgement of the fact that they had received the policies and understood their contents. All staff will complete a certified refresher CPD course on safe sleep entitled ‘Facilitating Safe Sleep’. The Board will pay for this course. Certificates of Completion will be retained on file. The assistant manager will be responsible for oversight and carry out regular inspections. GENERAL SAFETY 1. A renewed Garda vetting certificate has been obtained for the staff member and is now on file. The designated person in charge states that regular audits of staff files will be conducted to ensure all necessary documents are updated. 2. An adhesive was obtained on the advice from the supplier, having filled in the spaces between the soft matting it was only a short time solution as it started to crumble once the children started to play on it again. The team are now again consulting with suppliers and maintenance to determine the best solution for securing the matting and preventing further separation. Once a solution is found for the matting, regular inspection of the matting will take place to identify any issues early. On the 05 November the following additional response was submitted by the registered provider. As an interim measure, the team procured supplies to seal the openings in the soft matting play area. Staff will continue to monitor and maintain any necessary repairs, as they arise. With a view to seeking a more durable/ sustainable flooring, the service is consulting with suppliers to agree a timeline for completion of more permanent resurfacing. They advise that this is weather dependent. INFECTION CONTROL Baby and Wobbler Room Sanitary Facilities 1.The completion of a new baby changing room is in process. Toddler Room Sanitary Facilities 1.&2. The team understand seriousness of having cloth towels in toilet areas and not having aprons in the apron dispenser. Management have reinforced our hygiene and safety protocols with the staff to prevent similar occurrences in the future. 3. The service is engaging with a maintenance man who will be on call and will address these issues promptly. The following additional response was submitted by the registered provider on the 5 November 2024- The maintenance team met and agreed a plan of action. The manager has consulted the plumber, and he will install a handwashing sink unit by Monday 28th October 2024 in the toddler nappy changing area. Shelving will be removed, and a curtain rail installed to preserve the child’s dignity during nappy changing. Secure shelving will be installed
Regulation 29 — Premises
(d)1. The door frame and skirting boards of a proposed new nappy changing room in the baby room, were not treated or painted, to aid cleaning and infection control procedures. 2.There was no splash back behind the new sink that was installed in the baby room to protect the wall from splashes during handwashing and cleaning of toys and equipment which could potentially pose a risk of cross infection in the service. 3. In the kitchenette/ messy play area of the Toddler room the inspector observed that there was damp water stains and black mould on the shelving and wall on the right-hand side. Black mould was also observed on the tile grout on the wall underneath. In the same area broken tiles were observed at the skirting level of the wall on the left-hand side. (e) The nappy changing room that has been installed in the baby room was not suitable. 1.The walls of the room were uneven with old plaster and paint and one wall and part of the ceiling had exposed hard board which had not been plastered and finished to a wipeable surface. 2. Handles were missing off the cupboard under the hand wash basin. There were no liquid hand soap dispensers or paper towel dispensers provided. 3. The nappy changing unit in the room was oversized and not suitable for the size of the nappy changing room, which posed a physical risk to staff and children in the small space they had to manoeuvre in, to use the nappy changing table
Provider's corrective action:
The designated person in charge submitted the following corrective and preventive actions. Corrective and Preventive Action Baby Room (d)1. Door frame is now painted in washable paint but the door of the unit and skirting boards in the changing area at present are under coated. 2. The splash backs are still not in place at the hand sink in the changing room or at the sink in the main room. 3. The team are engaging with a maintenance man who will be on call and will address these issues promptly. (e)1. The old plaster has been removed from the wall in the in the new changing area in the baby room. One wall has washable paint but the other walls at present are still only undercoated with white paint. 2. Handles have been placed on the cupboard under the hand wash sink. Liquid soap dispensers have been placed at the hand sink; the paper towel holder is ready to be attached to the wall. 3. A new smaller nappy changing unit has been installed