Inspection of 14 May 2026 — Inspection Report
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
Provider's corrective action:
- 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
Provider's corrective action:
- 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
Provider's corrective action:
- 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
Provider's corrective action:
- 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
Provider's corrective action:
- 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.