Inspection of 26 November 2025 — Inspection Report
Immediate action notice. The inspection focused on an examination of compliance under regulations 9, 11,15,19, 23,25 and 26; however, on inspection additional non-compliance which posed a risk was identified under Regulation 8. These findings are outlined within the relevant regulations within this report.
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (4) Documentary evidence was not available to confirm that one staff member who was working directly with the children held a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5-8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) or a qualification deemed by the minister to be equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action (4) Immediate review of staff qualification and role upon identification of the non-compliance. They reviewed the qualification status and role allocation of the staff member referenced in the inspection finding. Clarification of staff member’s status: Manager confirmed that the staff member was engaged with the service in a work experience capacity, rather than as a qualified early years practitioner. The staff member is currently enrolled in a Level 5 Early Childhood Care and Education qualification, and is actively studying toward completion, with an anticipated completion date of April 2026. Preventive Action (4) This non-compliance arose due to insufficient documentation clarity, rather than the absence of appropriate qualifications within the service. To prevent recurrence, the following measures are now in place: Clear differentiation of staff roles and status. All staff engaged with the service will have their role clearly identified and documented (e.g. qualified practitioner, trainee, work experience), with duties aligned accordingly. Enhanced qualification documentation oversight. Management will ensure t hat up -to-date documentary evidence of qualifications, enrolment status, and anticipated completion dates is maintained and readily available for inspection at all times. Ongoing monitoring of staff in training. For staff currently completing qualification s, progress will be monitored, and role allocations will continue to reflect their training status until the relevant qualification is achieved. Governance review of staffing compliance. As part of routine management oversight, staffing compliance (includi ng qualifications and role assignments) will be reviewed periodically to ensure continued alignment with regulatory requirements
Regulation not named in the report text
- (1) The registered provider failed to notify the Early Years Inspectorate of a change in circumstances in relation to the following as per the schedule 4 Form for Notification of Change in Circumstances: The current service type and operating hours of the service are at variance with the information on the National register. The service is currently operating a part time service from 9:15 am to 1:15 pm however the service is registered to operate from 9.00am to 12 midday and from 12:45pm to 3:45pm
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action
- 1. Immediate engagement with the Enforcement Department and SOORS department and submitted a detailed written explanation outlining how the non-compliance arose. They are currently awaiting further instruction from SOORS regarding the appropriate next steps to regularise the service. Preventive Action
- The circumstances that led to this non-compliance are time-bound and transitional in nature. Once the required planning permission is granted and implemented, the variance between operational practice and the National Register will no longer arise. In addition, the following preventative measures are in place: • Permanent resolution through planning regularisation The submission and approval of the planning application to permit continuous operation from 09:00–15:45 will permanently remove the underlying cause of the non-compliance, ensuring that service operation and registration details remain fully aligned going forward. • Governance review following service transition As part of this service transition, management will complete a comprehensive review of all regulatory, planning,
Found compliant: Regulation 11, 15, 19, 23, 25, 26.