Busy Bees Day Care & Family Centre Ltd, Gurteen — inspection reports and findings

Sessional · 0 - 6 Years · Gurteen, Sligo · Tusla ID TU2015SO005 · Registered since 1 January 2026

An inspection records what inspectors saw on one day; services respond with corrective actions — how to read this.

Inspection of 13 February 2026 — Inspection Report

Full report (PDF, Tusla)

No non-compliance recorded in this report.

Found compliant: Regulation 9, 10, 11, 15, 23, 24, 26, 29.

Inspection of 12 August 2025 — Inspection Report

Full report (PDF, Tusla)

Immediate action notice. 1. A written immediate action notice under

Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: 1. The wall-mounted sensory board in the outdoor area was observed to include metal components that exhibited rust. Additionally, several items on the board had potentially sharp edges and points that could result in injury to a child. 2. In the outdoor area, a wire was observed to be accessible to preschool children, having come away from the wall. 3. In the outdoor area, a rodent bait box was observed to be accessible to preschool children. Although the box was located in an area with a gate that could be locked, the lock was not in place at the time of inspection. 4. The wooden gate in the outdoor area had missing slats, allowing children potential access to the oil tank. The wood was severely eroded, resulting in sharp edges and exposed rusty nails within reach of children, posing a significant safety hazard. Infection Control: 5. During several observed nappy changes, staff were seen accessing the bins using their hands, as the foot- operated bins were not functioning. Additionally, children's hands were not routinely washed after nappy changes, and staff did not consistently change their aprons before beginning a new nappy change. These practices increase the potential for cross-contamination Safe Sleep: 6. On the day of the inspection, the temperature in the sleep rooms exceeded the recommended range of 18–22⁰C, with a recorded ambient temperature of 24.2⁰C at 13:29 hours while four children aged 1–2 years were sleeping. Although fans and open windows were in use in an attempt to reduce the temperature, an Immediate Action Notice was issued to the registered provider. It is acknowledged that the provider responded promptly with actions taken to mitigate the risk. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: 1. The wall-mounted sensory board previously located in the outdoor area has been fully removed. Should a replacement sensory board be installed in the future, it will be monitored closely and removed promptly at the first sign of rust or deterioration. This measure has been formally noted in the outdoor area risk assessment. 2. The external wire has been re-secured using tape and adhesive to prevent any potential tripping or safety hazards. Staff have been informed of this adjustment, and it has been added to the outdoor area checklist to ensure ongoing monitoring. A note has also been included in the outdoor risk assessment, advising staff to check the wire’s positioning prior to outdoor activities to ensure it remains securely fixed to the wall. 3. The lock on the gate leading to the area containing the rodent bait box has been reinstated and is now kept locked at all times when children are present outdoors. All staff have been reminded of the importance of ensuring the keypad lock is secure during outdoor play. This procedure has been added to the outdoor risk assessment, with a designated staff member responsible for checking that the gate is locked prior to children accessing the outdoor area. 4. Chicken wire has been temporarily installed to cover the area of missing slates on the fence while awaiting full replacement, which is scheduled to take place following the installation of new outdoor equipment in the coming weeks. The section of fencing with rusted nails has been removed to eliminate potential hazards. A daily risk assessment of both indoor and outdoor equipment has been implemented, with any damaged items to be removed immediately. Staff have been reminded to replace broken slates promptly in future, and this has been added to the outdoor risk assessment. Additionally, staff are now required to position themselves near the fence during outdoor play to ensure ongoing supervision and safety. Infection Control: 5. The nappy changing policy has been updated to reinforce best hygiene practices. Key changes include the requirement for staff to change aprons between each nappy change and to assist children with handwashing immediately afterwards. All staff have read and signed the updated policy to confirm their understanding and compliance. These procedures are now embedded in daily routines to ensure consistent implementation and to uphold high standards of care and infection control Safe Sleep: 6. Following the inspection, an action plan was implemented to address temperature concerns in the sleep room. As part of this plan, new fans were purchased and installed. Since these measures were introduced, the temperature in the sleep room has noticeably decreased, creating a more comfortable environment for children. During periods of hot weather, staff are instructed to close the blinds first thing in the morning to prevent direct sunlight from heating the room, and to switch on fans early in the day. These procedures are clearly outlined in the action plan and have been communicated to all staff

Regulation 24 — Checking in and out and record of attendance

1. Although a record of children in attendance was maintained, it was not consistently updated in real time. Children who moved from the arctic room to the desert room during sleep hours were not signed in or out of either room. Additionally, one child who was present in the service on the day of inspection had not been signed into the attendance record. 2. On the day of the inspection, the inspector was not asked to sign into the premises, and there was no visitor sign-in book available

Provider's corrective action:

1. A new system for signing children in and out of rooms during sleep transitions has been developed collaboratively by the staff team. This system is working effectively and has been implemented across all rooms, with individual sheets stored alongside each room’s register. Staff have been trained on the new procedure and reminded of the importance of accurately recording transitions, including marking children as absent or sick where applicable. 2. Additionally, a new Visitors Book has been introduced and placed in the hallway. It includes all relevant headings and must be signed by the staff member who permits entry. The book is clearly visible and accessible to all staff to ensure consistent use and accountability

Regulation 29 — Premises

1. A significant amount of black mould was observed in the desert Room bathroom. Although mechanical ventilation was present, the walls were visibly damp with wet stains, and black mould spots were evident on the floor. This indicates inadequate ventilation and moisture control, posing a health and hygiene risk to children and staff

Provider's corrective action:

1. Mould spray has been used to treat and clean areas of mould in both bathrooms, followed by repainting to restore hygiene and appearance. A daily mould check has now been added to each room’s risk assessment to ensure early detection and prompt action. Additionally, a specialist ("Mould Master") has been booked to assess the affected areas and inspect the ventilation systems. Plans are in place to repaint the bathrooms following this assessment to further support long-term prevention

Busy Bees Day Care & Family Centre Ltd

Inspection of 13 February 2026 — Inspection Report

Inspection of 12 August 2025 — Inspection Report

Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

Regulation 24 — Checking in and out and record of attendance

Regulation 29 — Premises

Inspection of 28 September 2023 — Inspection Report

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