Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. Five of 18 adults did not have garda vetting disclosures dated within the previous 3 years in adherence to the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice “EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting” posing a potential safety risk to the children. It was acknowledged that a garda vetting disclosure for one of five of the adults was received on 25/03/2026. 2. Hot water, in the wash hand basins in the children’s sanitary area, on the ground floor on day 1, were recorded over 43°C posing a safety risk to the children. It was acknowledged that a plumber had been in attendance by day 2 and these were rectified with the temperatures recorded under 39.7°C. 3. On day 1 a flex from the air conditioning unit in sleep room 2 was accessible to the children. It was acknowledged that when informed the area manager secured the flex out of reach of the children. Infection Control: 4. On day 1 the pedal on the nappy changing bin in the Junior Toddler sanitary area was broken, posing a risk of cross infection from the number of hands in direct contact with the lid. It was acknowledged that this was replaced on the day 2 of inspection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
The following statements were received from the registered provider; General Safety: 1. Garda vetting renewals are now on file for the 5 adults whose garda vetting had expired. In future, all garda vetting will be regularly checked to ensure compliance. Renewals will be carried out three months prior to expiry. 2. A plumber was called and the hot water in the wash hand basins in the children’s sanitary area on the ground floor was rectified. All hot water in the wash hand basins have been thermostatically controlled to ensure the correct temperature range and these will be checked regularly. 3. When informed the flex from the air conditioning unit in sleep room 2 was secured, out of reach of the children. The manager stated that staff will ensure that no flexes or cords are accessible to the children. Infection Control: 4. The nappy changing bin in the Junior Toddler sanitary area was replaced before the service opened on day 2 of inspection. A spare nappy changing bin will be kept in the service to ensure that there is no risk of cross infection in the event that there is a broken bin which requires replacing
Regulation 29 — Premises
(d) 1. It was observed on day 1 that the middle tap in one of three wash hand basins in the children’s changing area, on the ground floor, could not be turned on. In conversation, a staff member stated that this had been reported to management previously. It was acknowledged that on day 2 a new tap had been ordered 2. On day 1 it was observed the vent in the ground floor changing area was covered in dust. It was acknowledged that this was had been cleaned on day 2. The area manager stated that the vents would be added to the cleaning schedule
Provider's corrective action:
The following statements were received by the registered provider; (d) 1. All taps have been replaced in the children’s changing area on the ground floor. These will be monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure that they are working effectively. 2. The vent in the ground floor changing are a was cleaned on day 2. These have since been added to the cleaning schedule to ensure that they are kept clean
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. Five of 18 adults did not have garda vetting disclosures dated within the previous 3 years in adherence to the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice “EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting” posing a potential safety risk to the children. It was acknowledged that a garda vetting disclosure for one of five of the adults was received on 25/03/2026. 2. Hot water, in the wash hand basins in the children’s sanitary area, on the ground floor on day 1, were recorded over 43°C posing a safety risk to the children. It was acknowledged that a plumber had been in attendance by day 2 and these were rectified with the temperatures recorded under 39.7°C. 3. On day 1 a flex from the air conditioning unit in sleep room 2 was accessible to the children. It was acknowledged that when informed the area manager secured the flex out of reach of the children. Infection Control: 4. On day 1 the pedal on the nappy changing bin in the Junior Toddler sanitary area was broken, posing a risk of cross infection from the number of hands in direct contact with the lid. It was acknowledged that this was replaced on the day 2 of inspection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
The following statements were received from the registered provider; General Safety: 1. Garda vetting renewals are now on file for the 5 adults whose garda vetting had expired. In future, all garda vetting will be regularly checked to ensure compliance. Renewals will be carried out three months prior to expiry. 2. A plumber was called and the hot water in the wash hand basins in the children’s sanitary area on the ground floor was rectified. All hot water in the wash hand basins have been thermostatically controlled to ensure the correct temperature range and these will be checked regularly. 3. When informed the flex from the air conditioning unit in sleep room 2 was secured, out of reach of the children. The manager stated that staff will ensure that no flexes or cords are accessible to the children. Infection Control: 4. The nappy changing bin in the Junior Toddler sanitary area was replaced before the service opened on day 2 of inspection. A spare nappy changing bin will be kept in the service to ensure that there is no risk of cross infection in the event that there is a broken bin which requires replacing
Regulation 29 — Premises
(d) 1. It was observed on day 1 that the middle tap in one of three wash hand basins in the children’s changing area, on the ground floor, could not be turned on. In conversation, a staff member stated that this had been reported to management previously. It was acknowledged that on day 2 a new tap had been ordered 2. On day 1 it was observed the vent in the ground floor changing area was covered in dust. It was acknowledged that this was had been cleaned on day 2. The area manager stated that the vents would be added to the cleaning schedule
Provider's corrective action:
The following statements were received by the registered provider; (d) 1. All taps have been replaced in the children’s changing area on the ground floor. These will be monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure that they are working effectively. 2. The vent in the ground floor changing are a was cleaned on day 2. These have since been added to the cleaning schedule to ensure that they are kept clean
Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 15, 16, 19.
Inspection of 26 February 2024 — Inspection Report
Immediate action notice. The inspection focused on an examination of compliance under regulations 11,however, on inspection additional non-compliance which posed a risk was identified under Regulation 8,9,19,21,23,and 29. These findings are outlined within the relevant regulations within this report.
Regulation 8 — Notification of change in circumstances
( (4) There were 3 adult working directly with children who was not able to provide evidence that they had obtained at least an award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider stated the following: Corrective and Preventive Action The staff members that could not provide evidence that they had obtained at least an award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework, have applied to the Department of children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to assess if their qualification is applicable. All staff must provide evidence of a recognised qualification prior to commence employment in the creche
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
Basic Needs of the Child. 1. The dignity of the child was not protected during nappy changing, as the door of this sanitary area was left open during nappy changing and the child that was been changed could be seen from the corridor. 2. In the nappy changing area, there were no dividers between the 3 nappy changing units to ensure that each child’s dignity was respected at nappy changing. 3. The staff in the Nursery playroom were observed to not notice children’s need for sleep. Two children under the age of 2 years and 1 child over the age of 2 years were observed to have fallen asleep on the matting adjacent to the ball pool. These children were moved to appropriate sleeping facilities when the inspection team alerted staff
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider stated the following: Corrective and Preventive Action 1,2. Dividers were installed between nappy changing stations and self-closing devices were installed on the doors in the nappy changing room and the children’s sanitary area on the ground floor . 3. Staff induction training will include how staff can pick up on children’s ques for children requiring sleep and rest
Regulation 21 — Equipment and materials
1. The adults in playrooms caring for younger children namely the Nursery, Junior, Senior and Wobbler room did not have a comfortable place to sit, hold, feed infants , to read, interact and to comfort the children in their care. On day 2 of inspection, 2 adult chairs suitable to hold and feed children were placed in the Nursery room. 2. There was no adult chair in the playrooms. On day 2 of inspection 1 adult chair was placed in the upstairs Junior ECCE playroom. On day 3 of the inspection, adult chairs were observed in all of the playrooms. 3. There was a lack of materials and equipment and toys in the following playrooms Nursery, Senior and Junior Toddler rooms, Wobbler room, Preschool room and senior Preschool rooms to provide a rich and varied environment for the children, for e.g. • The Kitchen units in all of the playrooms had limited toy accessories to play with. • Dolls houses in the playrooms had limited furniture or were void of any furniture or dolls for the children to play with. • There were 12 building blocks in the Nursery room for 17 children in the afternoon. • There was an inadequate number of jigsaws and puzzles in the four playrooms on the ground floor for the number of children attending the service. • There was no sensory equipment or treasure baskets in the playrooms that catered for the babies and younger children. • Dress up clothes was sparse and shared between the four playrooms on the ground floor. • The library area in the Senior Toddler room was void of any books, • The shop units in the playrooms were void of play accessories. It is acknowledged that some books and toys were introduced into the playrooms by the 2nd day of inspection. On day 3 of the inspection, it is acknowledged that some improvements were made with the physical and material environment of the playrooms. 4. 4.The children did not have access to enough varied materials and equipment e.g. The senior playroom upstairs which can cater to up to 19 children had only 5 jigsaws to play with and only 2 of the jigsaws contained a picture of completed tasks which could assist the children to complete the puzzle. Small world toys were limited in all of the playrooms. On day 3 of the inspection, no new puzzles were introduced to the senior playroom upstairs. 5. There was limited soft seating in the Playrooms e.g. Senior preschool room, with only 1 small sofa catering for up to 19 preschool children. Children were observed sitting directly on the floor while they were playing in the library or dress up area. There was no soft seating available to children in the Nursery room. On day 3 of the inspection, extra soft seating was introduced in the Senior playroom. 6. There was a poor selection of books available in all of the playrooms and it was observed that a number of what was available were torn and ripped. This was evident in all of the 7 of the playrooms. On day 3 of the inspection, extra books were observed in all of the playrooms. 7. In the Nursery playroom, there were battery operated “cause and effect” toys that were not working. It was acknowledged on day 2nd day of inspection the batteries in these toys were replaced. 8. In the Nursery playroom there were no support bars located in the playroom to support babies that were learning to stand up. On day 3 of the inspection, support bar was in place in the Nursery
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider stated the following in their reply. Corrective and Preventive Action 1.2. Appropriate adult chairs were introduced into all of the playroom. 3.Replacement toys and equipment order and toys will be replenished when removed or broken. 4.Rooms were restocked with jigsaws, puzzles and dress up costumes. 5. New soft seating is in place and will ensure soft seating remains in the playrooms. 6.Books have been placed in all of the playrooms and weekly checks will take place to replaced ripped books. 7.Batteries were replaced and weekly checks are in place to ensure all battery-operated toys are in working order. 8.Mirror support bars are in place in the Nursery Summary Comment The actions taken by the registered provider addressed 6 of the 8 non compliances. While it is acknowledged that the registered provider had made improvements to the physical and material environment of the playrooms by providing toys and equipment, but these had not fully addressed the non- compliances identified. The findings documented at points 3 and 4 remains non-compliant
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. A rocking chair present in the Nursery playroom posed a safety risk to the infants and children who were crawling on the floor. It is noted that this rocking chair was removed by the 2nd day of inspection (17/02/2024). 2. The junior playroom had a lock on the door which prevented access to the playroom and in an emergency may present as a safety risk to children. It is noted that this lock was removed by the 3rd day of inspection (26/02/24) 3. The office door was left open throughout the inspection allowing children access to a variety of safety hazards, which included staff personal belongings in staff bags. It is noted that a pin pad lock was installed on the door to the office ,this was observed on the 3rd day of inspection (26/02/2024. 4. The hot water in the children’s sanitary areas was recorded between 49.2 C° and 50.7 C° which may present as a scalding hazard for a preschool child. It was noted that the water temperature recorded on the 3rd day of inspection was 41 C°. Infection Control The following points posed a risk of cross infection: 5. A basket of 3 unlabelled skin barrier creams and nappy powder were left on a basket on the nappy changing table, and staff stated that there were spare ones to be used if required. On the 2nd day of inspection (17/02/24) the basket was removed from the nappy changing table. 6. There was inadequate storage for cleaning equipment e.g. stained, dirty and broken brushes and dust pans were stored in the playrooms . This was not rectified by the 3rd day of inspection as the said brushes and dust remained in the playrooms. 7. Powdered infant formula for the young children in the Nursery room was prepared on the premises by the staff and not prepared in accordance with the Food Safety Authority best practice guidance. This was rectified by the 3rd day of inspection
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider stated the following: Corrective & Preventive Action 1. Rocking chair removed and replaced with a suitable adult chair. 2. The clip was removed from the door. 3. A pin pad lock was installed on the office door and will remain closed throughout the day. 4. The temperature of the water was adjusted and a thermostatic control was installed. 5. Soothers are now stored in sealed labelled containers. 6. Unlabelled creams were removed from the service, only labelled creams are to be used and will be stored in the children’s individual boxes. 7. Brushes and Pan were replaced and brushes now hang on the wall outside each playroom. 8. Baby formula policy reviewed and a copy sent to each parent and will be reviewed every 3 months Summary Comment The actions taken by the registered provider addressed 7 of the 8 non compliances . The findings documented at point 7 remains non-compliant as a number of stained dirty broken bushes and dust pans remained in the playrooms and sweeping brushes were observed hanging uncovered outside playroom doors
Regulation 29 — Premises
(b) 1. Bookshelves and storage units were positioned in such a way that children could gain access to unrestricted Velux windows in the Senior preschool upstairs and in the downstairs preschool and wobbler rooms where children could gain access to the car park and possibly fall from the window into the outdoor area. It is acknowledged that on day 2 of the inspection, these windows had been fitted with restrictive opening devices. (d) 2. The area around the Velux window in the upstairs foyer area had evidence of dust and cobwebs. It was acknowledged that on day 2 of the inspection that this area had been cleaned, however when the inspectors returned on day 3 of the inspection there was evidence of cobwebs and dust in the same area. (26/02/24) 3. There were areas of mould around the Velux windows in the upstairs preschool, which posed a risk of cross infection. This area remained uncleaned on day 3 of the inspection. (26/02/24) 4. There were 4 cots in the smaller sleep room that were not appropriately maintained as they were exhibited areas of wear and tear on the top rails of the cots. New cots were in place by day 3 of the inspection. (26/02/24) 5. There was a number of areas in the creche that had areas of peeling paint or sections of interior window ledges that were void of paint, which made it difficult to effective clean these areas. On day 3 of the inspection(26/02/24) It is acknowledged that areas of the creche were repainted but the works were not completed (e) 6. There was an inadequate amount of nappy changing facilities in the service. There were 36 children in nappies and only 3 nappy changing mats. The ratio required is 1 nappy changing station to every 11 children in nappies. On day 3 of the inspection ,a new nappy changing station was inspected , it was not appropriate as the nappy mat in use was torn and a posed a risk of cross infection. 7. Foot pedal bins were not provided in the sanitary area for the disposing of paper towels. On day 3 of the inspection foot pedalled bins were in place in the sanitary areas. 8. The staff toilet upstairs was used as a storage area for cleaning equipment and play equipment. On day 3 of the inspection the staff toilet was still used as a storage area. 9. The children’s sanitary areas were not maintained in a hygienic state, children’s toilets were observed to be unflushed in a number of occasions and tissues were observed on the floor. On day 3 of the inspection the children’s sanitary areas were maintained in a clean state. 10. The doors of the children’s sanitary area remained open throughout the session. On day 3 of the inspection , the children’s sanitary areas remained opened, the door in children sanitary upstairs were not filled with slow closing devices
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider stated the following: Corrective and Preventive Action 1. Restrictive opening devices were installed and will be checked regularly to ensure they are still in place. 2. The dust was cleaned from the Velux windows and all areas are cleaned regularly. 3. Not noted. 4. New cots were purchased and will be checked on a regular basis for wear and tear. 5. The creche was repainted and will be checked on regular basis. 6. A new nappy changing facility has been added to the children’s sanitary areas. 7. Foot pedalled bins are now in place. 8. Staff toilets are not used for storage. 9. A cleaning rota is in place to include the children’s sanitary areas. 10. Children toilet doors are closed at all times and are fitted with slow closing devices
Regulation not named in the report text
The servic e converted the dining room into a playroom for children age between 12 months and 24 months (Wobbler room).The changes were not notified to the National Registration Office prior to opening
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider stated the following: Corrective and Preventive Action A Change in Circumstance form was submitted to the Early Years Inspectorate, outlining changes made to the dining room. In future all changes of rooms will be communicated to the inspectorate in advance. Summary Comment The regulation remains non-compliant as the change in circumstances application to the Early Years Inspectorate has not been finalised