# Bright Beginnings, Mullingar — inspection reports and findings

> Bright Beginnings (Mullingar, Co. Westmeath): what Tusla inspections found — 2 published inspection(s), non-compliances and the provider's corrective actions.

## Bright Beginnings

Sessional · 1 - 6 Years · Mullingar, Westmeath · Tusla ID **TU2015WH058** · Registered since 1 January 2026

An inspection records what inspectors saw **on one day**; services respond with corrective actions — [how to read this](/methodology.md).

#### Inspection of 14 May 2026 — Inspection Report

Full report (PDF, Tusla)

##### Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

- Two written validated references were not available from past employers or from sources other than a previous employer in respect of the new staff members. (d) The inspector could not determine if police vetting was required in respect of the second new staff member as there was no curriculum vitae available for review
- The registered providers did not ensure that the required vetting procedures in respect of references were not completed prior to the commencement of two new employees in the service

- The registered providers stated in the response that two written validated references are now available from sources other than a previous employer in respect of one new staff member. The second staff member left the service. The service will ensure that they follow up on new employees for references before starting in the setting. (References included) (d) The registered providers stated in the response that a curriculum vitae is now in place in respect of the staff member. (Curriculum vitae included)
- The registered providers stated in the response that the required vetting procedures in respect of references are now completed. The service has developed a document for new staff members to have to hand a list of things to do before they start in the setting. Summary Comment In respect of corrective actions taken documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet regulatory compliance

##### Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play

- In the sleep room one cot was not fitted with a waterproof mattress or covering

- The registered providers stated in the response that a waterproof mattress cover is now in place on the cot mattress. All mattresses now have a waterproof cover so this should not be a future issue. The service will ensure if the covers need to replaced that it will be done. (Photograph included) Summary Comment In respect of corrective actions taken photographic evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet regulatory compliance

##### Regulation 21 — Equipment and materials

- The chairs for children attending the wobbler room were not age and stage appropriate and suitable for the children in attendance. The chairs did not provide an appropriate fit for the children. The children could not place their feet on the floor which was necessary to provide a suitable base of support to the child

- The registered providers stated in the response that new tables and chairs were ordered that are age and stage appropriate and adjustable. (Receipt included) Summary Comment In respect of corrective actions taken documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet regulatory compliance

##### Regulation 22 — Food and drink

- The quantity of protein provided to the children in the main meal was insufficient as it did not meet the requirements of the “Nutrition Standards for Early Learning and Care Services” The “chicken hot pot” for 53 children was prepared using three packets of raw chicken breast each weighing 284g. A combined total weight of 852g not taking account of the loss of water during the cooking process. At least 1,590g of cooked poultry was required in line with the Nutrition Standards for Early Learning and Care Services page 43 which states that 30g of cooked poultry constitutes a serving which is required for the main meal provision

- The registered providers stated in the response that the service has increased the amount of chicken that goes into the chicken hot pot. The service will ensure that all food meets the requirements of the “nutrition standards for early learning and care services”. (Photograph included) Summary Comment In respect of corrective actions taken to date photographic evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet regulatory compliance. The practices as stated will be reviewed on the next inspection

##### Regulation 30 — Minimum Space Requirements

- 1. The service was found to be operating outside of its registered capacity as an additional five children were in attendance. The service is registered with Tusla to accommodate a maximum of fifty children in the premises. Fifty-five children were present on inspection on 14 May 2026

- 1. The registered providers stated in the response that they responded to communication received from Tusla SOORS department. The response was accepted by Tusla and the case was closed. (Letter included) Summary Comment In respect of corrective actions taken documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet regulatory compliance. The contents of the report are compiled by the inspectorate body. Additional Information A referral was submitted to TUSLA services operating outside of registration department (SOORS) on 18 May 2026 and accepted by the SOORS department on 21 May 2026. Acknowledgments The inspectors wish to acknowledge the co-operation of the registered providers, staff and children who were present on the day of the inspection

Found compliant: Regulation 11, 18, 19.

#### Inspection of 31 October 2024 — Inspection Report

Full report (PDF, Tusla)

##### Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

- General Safety: 1. The most recent Garda vetting disclosure presented in respect of one staff member was not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. 2. In pre-school room one a screw was protruding form the cistern in the toilet located to the left. 3. In the toddler room and pre-school room two the stereo cords required securing. 4. In pre-school room two the press containing mouse traps required securing. 5. The old metal hinges on the nappy changing unit in the sanitary accommodation attached to pre-school room two required removal as they had not been removed when the hinges were changed and posed a potential injury risk. 6. Nonslip backing was required for the floor mats in pre-school room two to minimise any risk of slips or trips. Infection Control: 1. In the sanitary accommodation located in the main entrance hall a hands-free bin for the hygienic disposal of soiled nappies was not available. Action submitted by the Registered Provider General Safety:

- The registered providers stated in the response that: 1. We have applied for an up-to-date Garda vetting of staff member keep a constant check on staff files. Have a checklist easily accessible with renewal dates for each staff member. (document included) 2. The screw has been fixed back into place on the cistern. Ensure that all appliances are checked regularly for any possible risks. (photograph included) 3. Clips are now applied to secure stereo wires to the wall and check that wires are always secured to the walls and replace when required. (photograph included) 4. Press door locks are now in place in preschool two room check regularly and replaced as required. This has been assigned to the core staff member in that room. (photograph included) 5. The hinge was removed from the changing unit and if changing hinges again make sure to remove old ones at the same time. Keep a check on unit for obvious wear and tear. (photograph included) 6. Nonslip backing put under the mat in pre-school room two and ensure all mats have a non-slip backing. (photograph included) Infection Control: Corrective & Preventive Action The registered providers stated in the response that: 1. A new hands-free bin for disposal of nappies has been purchased to ensure that best practice and guidance is followed. (photograph included) Summary Comment In respect of the corrective action taken photographic evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement

##### Regulation 29 — Premises

- (c) 1. The window in the toddler room required repair to enable it to be openable. The push action piece was missing on the left window, and the handle was not secure on the right window. The window seal was coming away from the window. (d) 7. A radiator cover was required for the hallway outside the toddler room. 8. The foot operated pedal bin in pre-school room two required replacement as the pedal operation was not functioning. 9. The vent in the wall in the lobby attached to pre-school room two required replacement as a piece was missing. 10. The lid of the foot operated bin in the sanitary accommodation located in the main entrance hall was broken and required replacement. 11. The flush operation of the toilet located to the left in the in the sanitary accommodation located in the main entrance hall was not functioning. 12. A build-up of dust and physical debris was noted around the windows in the sanitary accommodation located in the main entrance hall which required cleaning. 13. The drain located externally and outside pre-school room two was overflowing and required maintenance to ensure appropriate functioning. 14. The hole in the wall where the radiator in the sanitary accommodation was located in the main entrance hall required repair. 15. The nappy changing mat in the sanitary accommodation located in the main entrance hall was torn and required replacement

- (c) 1. The registered providers stated in the response that the wobbler room window handles, and seal have been replaced. (photograph included) (d) 1. The registered providers stated in the response that a radiator cover was purchased for the radiator outside the wobbler room and that they would ensure that all radiators are covered. (photograph included) 2. The registered providers stated in the response that a new foot operated pedal bin was purchased for preschool two and they would keep regular maintenance checks. (photograph included) 3. The registered providers stated in the response that a new vent was put in place in the lobby and the old one removed and they would keep regular maintenance checks. (photograph included) 4. The registered providers stated in the response that the bin in the sanitary area off the main hall has been replaced and they would keep regular maintenance checks. (photograph included) 5. The registered providers stated in the response that the toilet on the left in the sanitary area off the main hall is now flushing appropriately and they would keep regular maintenance checks. (photograph included) 6. The registered providers stated in the response that the windowsill area was washed and is now free of any dust or debris and they would make sure cleaning is up to standard and checked regularly. (photograph included) 7. The registered providers stated in the response that drains were cleaned out and covers placed over to reduce what goes in and will reduce further blockages and will ensure that the drains are cleaned regularly. (photograph included) 8. The registered providers stated in the response that the hole in the wall has been repaired and they would keep regular maintenance checks. (photograph included) 9. The registered providers stated in the response that the nappy changing mat has been replaced. (photograph included) Summary Comment In respect of the corrective action taken photographic evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement

Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 16, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30.

### Other services in Westmeath

- [Bright Star Academy](/creche/bright-star-academy-mullingar.md) Mullingar
- [Busy Bodies](/creche/busy-bodies-raharney.md) Raharney
- [Cairdeas Childcare](/creche/cairdeas-childcare-kinnegad.md) Kinnegad
- [Children of Lir Multyfarnham Children Services](/creche/children-of-lir-multyfarnham-children-services-multyfarnham.md) Multyfarnham
- [Grovelands Childcare Ltd](/creche/grovelands-childcare-ltd-athlone-2.md) Athlone
- [Mullingar Academy of Childcare & Education](/creche/mullingar-academy-of-childcare-education-mullingar.md) Mullingar
- [Dunaree Childcare & Pre-school LTD](/creche/dunaree-childcare-pre-school-ltd-rochfortbridge.md) Rochfortbridge
- [Irene's Pre-School](/creche/irene-s-pre-school-mullingar.md) Mullingar
- [Naíonra An Muileann Gearr](/creche/naionra-an-muileann-gearr-an-muileann-gearr.md) An Muileann Gearr
- [Grovelands Childcare](/creche/grovelands-childcare-athlone.md) Athlone

[Alert me when a new report is published](/help.md) · [Dated report on this service — €19](/report.md)

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Página: https://creche-inspection-reports.pages.dev/creche/bright-beginnings-mullingar/
Fonte: Tusla Early Years Inspectorate
Recolha: 2026-09-11
