Inspection of 16 March 2026 — Inspection Report
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (4) Evidence was unavailable to demonstrate that the qualification held by one staff member met the minimum requirement of a level 5 award in early childhood care and education, or was recognised by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE)
Provider's corrective action:
- The written reply outlined that the staff member has applied to the DCDE to have their qualification recognised. In the interim, adjustments to staffing have been made, to ensure that ratios are not disrupted. Going forward, staff files will contain the correct documents, demonstrating evidence of qualification recognition from the DCDE
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General safety: 1. The Garda vetting disclosures available for two of the adults who worked at the service, were not dated within the previous three years, in adherence to the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice, ‘EYI- RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. 2. It was observed that two trampolines were being used by children, in the outdoor play area. Trampolines are not permitted in early years services, due to the risk of injury they pose to a child. It was acknowledged that the trampolines were removed, once this was brought to the attention of a staff member. 3. A high-level blind cord in the Toddler room was not secured, as required to reduce the risk of injury to a child. The cord had become detached from the tension device and required repair/replacement. Infection control: 4. During three observed nappy changing procedures in the Toddler nappy changing area, the following practices increased the risk of cross infection: - The adult’s and children’s hands were not washed after any of the three nappy changes. Review of the nappy changing procedure displayed in this area, did not specify that the children’s hands should be washed following each nappy change. - The adult did not change their disposable gloves or apron in between nappy changes. 5. Warm running water, required for effective hand washing was unavailable at the following wash hand basins within the service: - In the Toddler sanitary facility, the water temperature at each of the warm water taps was recorded at 14.60C. - The water temperature at the wash hand basin in the Toddler care room was recorded at 14.20C. This tap also had low water pressure. - In the Baby room nappy changing area, a water temperature of 17.60C was recorded at the wash hand basin. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General safety: 1. The written reply stated that Garda vetting applications have been submitted for both staff members. As a preventive measure, a system will be implemented to track all Garda vetting expiry dates. This will ensure that renewals are applied for at least three months in advance of the three year requirement. A vetting log and reminder system will be maintained. 2. The trampolines were immediately removed from the outdoor play area during the inspection to eliminate the risk to the children. The outdoor area was checked to ensure that no prohibited equipment remains. Trampolines will no longer be allowed on the premises and staff will be made aware of this requirement. 3. The blind cord was immediately re-secured and fixed safely to the wall. The cord is now checked daily as part of our routine safety checks. Any signs of wear and tear will be reported and fixed immediately. It will be ensured that all staff are aware of the safety requirements and this will help maintain compliance and reduce risk. Infection control: 4. The nappy changing procedure in the changing room has been updated, to ensure that all staff follow correct infection control procedures, including handwashing for both adults and children and changing of PPE after each nappy change. This was implemented immediately and shared with all staff. Monitoring of nappy changing practices will be carried out, to ensure that all staff are following the correct procedure. 5. The person in charge was aware of this issue and had arranged for a plumber to attend the setting. The repair works took place on 19 March, and the issue is now fully resolved. Water temperature and pressure were checked and repaired to ensure they met requirement. To prevent reoccurrence, regular checks of water temperatures and pressure will be carried out and a maintenance schedule will be put in place, including routine servicing of the system
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
- (4) A fire evacuation notice was not displayed in the service. This posed a risk that staff members and visitors to the service may be unfamiliar with safe evacuation procedures, in the event of a fire
Provider's corrective action:
- The fire evacuation procedure is now clearly displayed in all rooms within the service, making it easily visible to staff and visitors. All staff will be made aware of the importance of the procedure being displayed and this will be enforced during inductions and training. Any missing or damaged procedures will be replaced immediately
Found compliant: Regulation 11, 19, 21, 25, 28.