(2)(d) See Statutory Notice section in relation to the Improvement Notice IN 1041 served. (3) The procedures as outlined in paragraph (2) were not carried out prior to adults working with or having access to children in the service, as evidenced by the following examples: • Garda vetting disclosures in relation to 2 adults prior to these adults having access to and contact with the children
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (2)(d) International police vetting was translated for 2 adults and submitted to the inspectorate. (3) The service changed their recruitment policy to ensure every new staff member undergo vetting before starting. Preventive Action (2)(d)(3) The service will be reviewing their recruitment policy on a regular basis
Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
(1)(j) A sample of eleven medication administration forms were reviewed in the service; they were not accurately completed as evidenced by the following: • Five forms were not signed by parents to authorise administration of medication. • Two forms (01/04/26 & 24/04/26) had not been signed by a parent or guardian on the child’s collection from the service to confirm that parents were aware that medication had been administered while the child was in attendance
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (1)(j) The service discussed the importance of parent signatures on all medicine forms at their staff meeting. Preventive Action (1)(j) All medicine forms will be checked twice a day , in the morning and in the afternoon . The service has reminders hanging up on the walls and staff notice board
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
Basic needs: 1. The children’s choice in their play was observed to be limited in the Preschool room as the activities were adult led. This restricts choice and independence for the children. 2. At 13:40hrs in the Toddler room a child who was asleep was observed being woken by a staff member. The child was upset and crying. The staff member stated that the child was being woken up to facilitate dinner. When asked, the staff member stated that dinner is not facilitated for children outside of the set time of dinner being served. This practice was not child led and caused unnecessary upset to a child and disrupted their sleep. 3. In the Baby room the children’s water bottles were stored in a container on a high shelf both out of sight and reach of the children, this did not facilitate the children in asking for or gesturing that they wanted a drink of water throughout the day. Physical and material environment: 4. The environments and interest areas were poorly developed in the Baby room, Toddler room and the Preschool room. For example, in the Toddler room there was no sink provided in the play kitchen and there was limited additional materials available in this area including real-life everyday objects such as food packaging to support the children to engage in role play. In both the Baby room, Toddler room and Preschool room there were no further areas of interest developed. In the Baby Room there were limited resources to support children’s physical development such as climbing area or climbing resources or a grab bar for children. 5. In the Baby Room a shelving unit and a wooden kitchen were observed to be turned away from the children and stored against the wall from 10.40am until sleep time at 11.50am which prevented the children from accessing the play resources contained within, which included cause and effect toys, animals and kitchen resources such as toy food. A child was observed to climb up on the sofa to reach the wooden kitchen. 6. There were no family photographs displayed in the Toddler room, this prevents the children from bridging the connection between the service and home
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action Basic needs 1. Management discussed with all the staff the importance of child led activities. The staff changed the layout of the preschool room and designed interest areas. 2. Staff were informed at the staff meeting about the child led routine. 3. Importance of children having access to their drinks was discussed at the staff meeting . The staff moved all drink trays and containers to the child’s level to make it accessible for all children. Physical and material environment: 4. The staff changed the equipment in the rooms to include the following; interest areas, real life materials for hairdresser baskets, doctor set and climbing equipment/frame in the baby room. The staff glued the sinks in all the toy kitchens. 5. Management explained to the staff that children need to have access to all the toys at all times. This was discussed in depth at the staff meeting. 6. Toddlers’ teachers made a family book. The book is on the bookshelf. Preventive Action Basic needs 1. Rooms and areas of interest will be checked and evaluated on a weekly/monthly basis. 2. Staff will be informed about sleeping children at dinner time, so dinner can be kept on hot hold and served once the child is awake. 3. Rooms will be checked and evaluated on a weekly basis. Physical and material environment: 4. Rooms will be checked and evaluated on a weekly monthly basis to follow and support the child's interests. 5. Rooms and access to the toys will be checked on regular basis (every day). 6. Reviewing the need in each room and evaluating on a regular basis
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. In the Toddler room a drying apparatus was hanging from the fire exit door. This could potentially cause delay in the event of emergency egress being required from the care room. Action submitted by the Registered Provider Corrective Action General Safety: 1. Drying apparatus was removed immediately. Preventive Action General Safety: 1. Staff were informed that all emergency exits need to be kept clear. There are reminders on the walls and on the staff information board. Supporting documentation submitted General Safety: • Staff meeting minutes. • Photograph of fire exit door. • Photograph of staff information board. Summary Comment The inspector has reviewed the actions and evidence submitted. The non-compliances under Regulation 23 have been addressed
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
(1)(b) An up-to-date record was not available of the number, type and maintenance of the firefighting equipment in the premises. Firefighting equipment was last serviced on the 11 April 2025. A non-compliance identified under Regulation 26 was identified at the last inspection on the 01 April 2025. The corrective actions submitted following that inspection failed to prevent recurrence of this non-compliance
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (1)(b) The fire company was contacted, and the service of the firefighting equipment was carried out immediately after the inspection. Preventive Action (1)(b) Management spoke with the fire company about continuing up-to-date services
Regulation 29 — Premises
(d) The registered provider did not ensure that the premises was being maintained in an appropriate condition as evidenced by the following: • A hole was present in the wall adjacent to the window and behind the door in the Preschool room. • A hole was present in the wall of one of the children’s toilets on the first floor of the service. • The casing covering on low level wiring in the Preschool room was cracked with the wires exposed. • The paint was peeling off the wall and there was wall damage at the sides of the gated entrance into the sanitary accommodation in the Baby room. • There were two holes in the wall with plaster exposed at both the top and bottom of the gate situated in between the Baby room and the cot room
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (d) Management booked a handyman to carry out maintenance jobs for August when the Creche is closed for 1 week. Preventive Action (d) Management plan to hire a handyman to work weekends or evenings
(2) The minimum ratio of adults to children was not maintained during the inspection at all times as specified in column (3) of Part 1 of Schedule 6, as evidenced by the following observation. • Preschool room: One adult caring for 9 children aged between 3 -5 years of age from 12.30pm to 15.10pm Two adults were required for the number and age profile of the children
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action: • The deputy person in charge reported that they have hired a new staff member who started on the 23 rd of April. Preventive Action: • The deputy person in charge reported that management reviewed Tusla Regulations in relation to adult child ratio and will adhere to the correct ratio
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
Basic Needs: 1. In the Toddler room, between 12.00pm and 12.35pm, the transitions at sleep time and settling children to sleep was not observed to be timely, smooth and organised. One of the children was upset and it took children some time to settle and go to sleep. Three children were not sleeping and were playing in the room at this time whilst other children were sleeping. 2. Snack time and dinner time in the Baby room was not observed to be an organised or social environment, as demonstrated by the following: • At snack time at 11.45am the seating arrangement consisted of four children seated at a circular low table while their five peers were positioned close by, on low floor chairs with trays, with two of these children having their backs to the four children at the table. This arrangement did not promote communication with their peers while having their food. • At dinnertime at 14.15pm the consistency of the food presented and the cutlery provided to the children were not suitable for the age and developmental stage of the children. As a result, the children had difficulty using the spoons to eat the large pieces of pasta independently. • At snack time or at dinner time staff did not sit with children at their level when eating. 3. In the Baby room, three children were observed to have their soothers in their mouth for long periods of time during the morning from 10.15am to 11.50am while they played in the care room and in the outdoor area. At 11. 50am the soothers were removed from the children for snack time. It is acknowledged that one child was settling into the care room however, the other two children did not show signs of requiring the soother as a source of comfort. Prolonged use of soothers limits the opportunity for language development. Physical and Material Environment: 4. In the Baby room the below examples of how the materials and the environment limited children’s play opportunities were observed: • Two cause and effect/battery-operated toys were not working which removed the functionality and developmental purpose of the toy. • The family wall was not displayed at the children’s eye level. This did not promote the relationships between family and home or the children’s sense of identity. • Chairs were stacked in the corner of the care room under the countertop and were not made available between meals to give the children the opportunity to sit and engage with tabletop activities such as jigsaws and puzzles
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Actions: 1. A staff meeting was held with changes introduced for unsettled children, and care routine/activities for children who are awake during the nap time. Training was held for all staff on the daily care routine. 2. A staff meeting was held to discuss the importance of mealtimes as a good time to create a social event and encourage communication. Forks were provided for babies and wobblers. 3. Staff sit with children during mealtimes. 4. A staff meeting was held and changes were made to the classroom cleaning sheet with a section added to check for batteries. Batteries are now available in every room. During the staff meeting, alternatives for the family wall were discussed. Staff developed a family book. T he layout of the baby room was changed and table and chairs are available all the time. Preventive Actions: 1. The deputy person in charge discussed that training will be held every 3 months for all staff to ensure all policies and procedures are followed. Parents will be informed if the child is unsettled. 2. Management will be visiting the rooms regularly. Training will be held every 3 months for all staff to ensure all policies and procedures are followed. 3. Management will be visiting the rooms regularly. 4. The deputy person in charge reported that there is a new layout in the baby room. Batteries are available in each room
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. The practice in relation to sharing accident and incident reports with parents was at variance to the services’ policy. The service policy states that “all accidents and incidents (minor and serious) are recorded and signed by management, the staff member who witnessed the accident/incident and the parent of the child involved.” However, of the 21 accident and incident records reviewed it was observed that 17 of the records did not have a parents’ signature. The app stated that the record had been ‘shared’ but not seen or signed. There was also one record that had not been shared with the parent. This variance of practice from policy without other actions in place to ensure parents have read the report, poses potential risk that parents may have not read and understood the report. This could prevent the parent from providing on-going care and supervision at home following an accident or injury. 2. The record of attendance for the service on the electronic application did not accurately reflect number of the children in the care rooms. Contemporaneous accurate record of attendance must be maintained to support the safe evacuation of children in an emergency. For example: • In the Baby room, one child in attendance who was settling from 8.55am to 11.20am, was not marked as being present in the service. • In the Baby room, one child who was in attendance in the service during the inspection was not marked as being present in the service, during the day, on the attendance record. • In the Toddler room, one child who was absent from the service during the day was not marked as present or as absent on the attendance record. 3. The service did not have documentation available to demonstrate that they had completed a risk assessment relating to the outdoor area, where the following was present: • Loose black bags in the sandpit square with tyres • A folded outdoor clothes dryer against the wall in the older children outdoor area • Debris in the corner of the baby outdoor area. This reduced the effective identification of the hazards, assessment of the risk and putting control measures in place to ensure it is a safe environment. 4. In the Preschool room at 3pm, there was a strong odour of disinfectant and the floor was wet while nine children were present in the care room. The staff member confirmed that they had cleaned the floors after dinnertime and had used a disinfectant in water to clean the floor. This increased the risk of the accidental ingestion of the substance and of injury due to presence of wet floors in the care room while children were present. Infection Control: 5. In the Baby room infection control measures were not always followed. The possible risk of the spread of infection was increased due to the following: • The children were not assisted to wash their hands before their snack time. • A soother which one child was using while having their nappy changed, in the nappy changing room at 11.55pm, was not sterilised on return to the care room. Safe Sleep: 6. Ten-minute sleep checks to monitor sleeping children’s colour, breathing and position were not maintained on five sleeping children under 2 years of age in the cot room during a period of time. These periods of time are stated below and occurred between the inaccurate wake-up time as noted on the electronic application to each child’s actual wake up time as follows: Child Wake up time inputted on electronic application Actual wake up time of children Child 1 1.42pm 2.15pm Child 2 1.41pm 2.07pm Child 3 1.40pm 2.07pm Child 4 1.40pm 2.05pm Child 5 1.40pm 2.15pm Physical sleep checks are required as stated in Tusla’s safe sleep guidelines. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: Corrective Actions: 1. The accident and incident report form and medicine report form were reviewed. It was decided to use a paper version for accidents and incidents reports and medicine administration forms. 2. A staff meeting was held and it was discussed that all children’s attendance is to be marked on the electronic application. This includes new children during the settling in period. If the child does not appear on the electronic application or if the electronic application is not working correctly the management are to be informed immediately. Children who are not in must be marked as absent. 3. There is a new garden risk assessment available next to the garden door, and it was discussed during the staff meeting who is taking responsibility for the garden. There is a new fairy garden in the place where the tyres were. All rubbish and debris have been removed and a power wash was carried out in the garden. 4. A staff meeting was held and training carried out in relation to supervision and the daily care routine. It was discussed that bleach is not to be used during the day where children are present. Floors will be cleaned at the end of the day or during the day as needed with an appropriate amount of disinfectant or floor cleaner. Preventive Actions: 1. Management will research electronic applications available on the market for possible transfer to be able to avail of different features for above forms. Management are to check the accident and incident report form and medicine report forms at the end or start of each day. 2. Management will check the electronic application every 1 to 2 hours. Staff training will be held every 3 months. 3. Management will regularly check the risk assessment and garden. Staff are informed who is taking responsibility for carrying the risk assessment out. 4. Staff training will be held every 3 months. Infection Control: Corrective Action: 5. At the staff meeting a new daily routine for the baby room and wobbler room was discussed which includes hand washing for mealtimes. Training was held in relation to the daily care routine and use of soothers. Preventive Action: 5. Staff training will be held every 3 months. Safe Sleep: Corrective Action: 6. At the staff meeting and training the following was discussed: • Children should not be marked as awake if they are still sleeping as this is extremely dangerous and may cause miscommunication and misinformation. • All sleep checks should be done every 10 minutes. • Any staff member taking over the room should be informed by other staff how many children are asleep and how many awake. This information should be factual, and the same information should be available on the electronic application. Preventive Action: 6. Management will visit rooms regularly to check the electronic application. Staff training will be held every 3 months
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
(b) A recent record was not available of the number, type and maintenance of the firefighting equipment. Documentation available demonstrated fire extinguishers within the service were last serviced on the 26 February 2024
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action: (b) A service for the fire extinguishers has been booked for 2026. A new fire extinguisher certificate is now available. Preventive Action: (b) A d ate has been marked in the management calendar for reminder of the service in 2026 for the fire extinguishers
Regulation 27 — Supervision
The children in the Preschool room were observed to not be supervised at all times. On arrival to the Preschool room the inspector observed that the staff member had left the Preschool room and was cleaning the bathroom at 14.52pm. The staff member returned to the room when they noticed the inspectors’ presence. On the inspectors return to the Preschool room at 14:57pm the staff member was absent from the care room and mopping the bathroom floor. During both instances there was no staff member supervising the children in the Preschool room. This posed a potential safety risk to the children in the Preschool room
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action: ➢ A staff meeting was held with training on supervision. The following was discussed: Staff members must call for cover if they need to leave the room. If the staff member needs to assist or check children in the toilet they should be standing in between room and corridor to be able to see children in the room and in the toilet. Preventive Action: ➢ Training will be held every 3 months. Cleaning will be scheduled for the end of the day
Regulation 29 — Premises
(d) 1.The registered provider did not ensure that the premises was cleaned and maintained in an appropriate condition as evidenced by the following: • One mechanical ventilation system in the nappy changing area was observed to be covered in dust. • The skirting board in the Toddler room was damaged with a section of the skirting board missing. • There were three holes in the wall that had peeling paint in the Toddler room. • There was no running water at the sink in the Preschool room
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Actions: • Vents have been cleaned. • The layout of the toddler room has been changed to cover holes and missing skirting board until this has been fixed. • The plumber has been scheduled for Friday 2nd of May to fix the water issue. Preventive Actions: • Regular checks will be carried out in every room. • The creche will be closed for 1 week in August to accommodate any DIY needed. • Cleaning vents have been added on the classroom cleaning form
(4) One staff member employed within the service did not have evidence to confirm they held a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications. The documentation available did not include a final certificate from the college to demonstrate that a full award had been achieved
Provider's corrective action:
(4) In response to the non-compliance the service has stated that the employee who has no cert to confirm their qualifications is currently working with afterschool group only. The employee has decided to leave and will cease their employment on the 14th of June. We have added a section to our Recruitment checklist to make sure to check qualifications with the DCEDIY
Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
(j) On review of 6 administration of medication records the following was observed. • One form did not include the child’s surname and two forms did not record the child’s date of birth. • The dosage of medication required was not recorded on 5 forms and the frequency and route of administration was not recorded on 6 forms. • The signature of the second staff member that witnessed the administration was not recorded following 2 administrations of medication. • The signature of the parent prior to administration of prescribed medication was not recorded on 3 forms and their signature on collection of their child to confirm that they were aware of the administration was not recorded on 10 administrations of medication forms. (k) On review of 13 accident and incident records in the Pre School 2 room it was observed that each form was not completed with the required information. For example. • One form did not include the child’s surname and five forms did not include the child’s date of birth. • Two forms did not include the time the accident or incident occurred, and one form did not have the staff members who witnessed the administration full name. • Thirteen forms did not include the parent’s signature on collection of their child to confirm that they were made aware of the incident and three forms did not include the signature of the manager. No facility was available on the form to record the date the parent signed the form
Provider's corrective action:
(j) and (k) To address the non-compliances the service has stated that they are using the electronic application to complete the Record of medicine administered and Accident report. They have also added missing sections on the online and on the hard copy forms in case they are needed. A staff meeting was held, and staff have been instructed what is needed on the forms. Every Friday the forms and signatures are checked. Management team will check the forms every once a week to ensure all details and signatures are on the forms
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
Basic Needs: 1. Morning snack and lunch time in the Baby room were not observed to be a sociable, and inclusive environment to promote relationships among the children and create enjoyment and appreciation of eating. For example, two children were seated at a low table while their four peers were positioned with their backs to them in low seats on the floor. This arrangement did not promote communication with their peers while having their food
Provider's corrective action:
1. In response to the non-compliance the service has stated that they have changed the layout of the room, to include a new, round table for children to be able to see each other. Staff were instructed that all children should be able to see each other during the mealtime. We spoke to the staff about the importance of social interactions. We printed Aistear/Siolta handouts for staff to familiarise with (Supporting quality interactions during care-giving routines). We will carry out monthly check-ups with the staff to check what is working in the room and what needs to be changed
Regulation 21 — Equipment and materials
1. The Baby room layout and materials available did not promote the independence and imagination of the children. For example. • Four large cause and effect/battery-operated toys were not working which reduced the interactions and enjoyment for the children. • The play kitchens contained no supporting equipment to enable the children to role play. • A covered sand tray was not used during the inspection and was not accessible to the children to enable them to enjoy sensory play. • The table and chairs available to the children were heavy and the children could not manoeuvre them independently. 2. Areas in the Pre School 1 room were poorly defined and did not encourage the children to engage or explore them. For example. • The dress up area was stored at the bottom of a display stand and not visually appealing to the children, as a result no child played with the costumes. • A family wall was present in the care room; however, it was not visually available to the children, this did not promote their sense of identity and belonging
Provider's corrective action:
1. In response to the non-compliance the service has stated that they have removed all not working toys from the Baby room. Each room has the box with new batteries to be able to replace batteries when it is needed. The service changed the layout of the Baby room. Sections were created, and kitchen area has needed equipment and food toys with easy access for children. A new table and chairs was ordered for the Baby room. The staff in a Baby room have been instructed to refill the sensory box/tray every morning. 2. To address the non-compliance the service has stated that the family wall is on lower level, with easy access for children. The service created sections in Pre School 1 room, and fixed the dress up corner. All costumes are hanging up. Each room has the box with batteries to replace in toys when it is needed. The service will have monthly check-ups with room leaders to check what is working and what is not working (layout, toys, activities) in their rooms
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1.The service did not have documentation available to demonstrate that they had completed a risk assessment relating to the designated fire exit in the upstairs sensory room being obstructed by a stair gate. This reduced the effective identification of the hazard, assessment of the risk and putting control measures in place to ensure the safe evacuation of staff and children in the event of an emergency. 2. Due to the layout of Pre School 1 room during snack time two children were observed to fall while trying to dispose of their waste into the bin. 3. Staff in the Baby room used spray disinfectant to clean the table while two children were sitting at the table. this increased the risk of the accidental ingestion of the substance. 4. Medication for a named child was stored in an accessible position to the children in the Pre School 2 care room. This increased the potential risk of children accessing the medication. 5. Trailing flexes were observed in the sensory room and Pre School 1 room and were accessible to the children. This increased the potential risk of injury or strangulation to a child. It is acknowledged that children were supervised while in the area. Infection Control: 6. Two mechanical ventilation systems in the nappy changing area were observed to be covered in dust. This reduced the effective circulation and removal of stale air. 7. The children in the Baby room were not assisted to wash their hands before their dinner. This increased the potential risk of cross infection. 8. At snack time in the Pre School 1 room children were observed placing their food directly on the tables. Plates were not provided to the children. This increased the potential risk of cross infection. Administration of Medication: 9.Written parental pre consent for the administration of required medication to two children in the event of an emergency was not available. Safe Sleep: 10. Sleep plans for two children aged between 18 to 22 months of age were not available to demonstrate that the service had engaged with parents and obtained written consent before placing them on low contour beds at sleep time. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: To address the non-compliances as identified on inspection the service has stated the following; 1. Safety gate was removed. All the emergency exits and safety gates on every fire drill will be checked to ensure that emergency exits are not obstructed. 2. The service have changed the layout of the room in Pre School 1. The tables are standing separately, and children have easy access to the tables and toys. The service will have monthly check-ups with room leaders to check what is working in their rooms. 3. At our staff meeting the staff have been instructed how to use the spray. The service have posters in the rooms to ensure no one will use the spray in front of the children and to remind staff to not to use the spray in front of the children. 4. All medication will be stored in the medicine cabinet. Medication will be checked once a month together with first aid box. 5. All trailing flexes have been removed. Infection Control: 6. All vents have been cleaned. Cleaning vents added to the cleaning checklist. 7. At the staff meeting all staff members have been informed about the importance of handwashing. 8. The service have plastic plates in each room to serve snacks on the plates. Administration of Medication: 9. The service have updated the allergy folder, and pre consent forms are now signed by parents. The updated folder with allergies and all consent forms is stored in the office. Safe Sleep: 10. The service worked on the sleep plan with parents. Sleep plans are now signed by parents. The service has the sleep provision folder in the office. The service printed sleeping guidance for staff in a Baby and Toddler room to familiarise with the guidelines
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
(4) A notice of the procedures to be followed in the event of a fire was not conspicuously displayed in the entrance hall of the service
Provider's corrective action:
(4) In response the service has stated that they have an emergency exit plan and fire drill instruction in the hallway entrance. Once a month, on our fire drill the service will check if all information is up on the walls and clear enough for everyone to understand. Summary Comment The service has addressed the non-compliance through the corrective and preventive actions taken
Found compliant: Regulation 11, 15, 25, 27, 29, 30.