# Caireen Early Years Ltd, Straffan — inspection reports and findings

> Caireen Early Years Ltd (Straffan, Co. Kildare): what Tusla inspections found — 2 published inspection(s), non-compliances and the provider's corrective actions.

## Caireen Early Years Ltd

Full Day · 0 - 6 Years · Straffan, Kildare · Tusla ID **TU2025KE001** · Registered since 9 June 2025

An inspection records what inspectors saw **on one day**; services respond with corrective actions — [how to read this](/methodology.md).

#### Inspection of 13 January 2026 — Inspection Report

Full report (PDF, Tusla)

##### Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

- There was only one reference available for two adults. Two written and validated references are required for each adult
- The registered provider did not ensure that the following procedures were carried out prior to nine adults commenced working in the service: • Twelve references were not validated prior to six adults commencing work in the service. • Seven Garda vetting disclosures in respect of seven adults were not received prior to the adult’s commencing employment in the service. • One international Police vetting disclosure was not received prior to one adult commencing work in the service
- An induction folder was available for all new staff members which included the policies and procedures of the service however, there was no written evidence that staff had completed full induction training. Staff stated they had received training on some of the policies and procedures however there was no evidence that staff had received an appropriate level of supervision or training in order to achieve compliance with the regulation

- (9)(2)(a)(b) The Registered Provider acknowledges the findings outlined in the inspection report and takes full responsibility for the identified gaps in recruitment and induction processes. The Registered Provider is committed to full compliance with regulatory requirements. The registered provider acknowledges that recruitment and induction processes did not meet regulatory requirements at the time of inspection. Once there was an awareness of non- compliance, immediate corrective actions were implemented. Systems are now in place to ensure that all outstanding second references have now been obtained for the two adults identified. All references previously unvalidated have now been formally verified, with documented evidence of validation retained on file. A full audit of all staff personnel files has been completed to ensure that each adult has two written and validated references in place. A revised Recruitment Checklist has been implemented and must be fully completed before any staff member commences employment. Responsibility for validating references has been formally assigned to the Manager
- A strict “No Vetting, No Start” policy has been formally implemented. Contracts of employment now clearly state that employment is conditional upon receipt of satisfactory Garda Vetting and, where applicable, international police clearance. The Person in Charge will verify receipt of all vetting documentation prior to confirming start dates. A recruitment compliance log will be maintained and reviewed monthly. Training has been provided to management on regulatory requirements relating to Schedule 2 documentation. (9)(7)(a) A formal Induction Record Form has now been developed. All existing staff have completed a documented induction review to ensure understanding of policies and procedures. Staff training records have been updated and centralised. Supervision meetings have been scheduled and documented for all staff. A structured Induction Programme has been implemented, including: 14/01/2026. Policy review and sign-off. Mandatory training completion, supervised shadowing signed off by the Person in Charge. Induction must now be completed and signed off within a defined probationary period. A Supervision Policy has been updated to ensure formal supervision sessions every 3 months (minimum), documented supervision records retained on file and an annual appraisal and performance review processes have been formalised. Governance and Oversight. To strengthen overall governance and prevent recurrence of non-compliance: A full audit of recruitment and HR systems has been completed. The CEO has initiated oversight to review recruitment practices effective February 2026. Monthly compliance reviews will be conducted by the CEO effective February 2026. The registered provider will oversee compliance reporting to ensure accountability effective February 2026

##### Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

- Infection Control: There was no handwashing observed in the Deer room throughout the inspection. Staff were observed wiping children’s hands with wet wipes and cotton wool. This practice is ineffective for infection control. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

- Infection Control: Staff were immediately trained of the requirement that handwashing with warm running water and liquid soap must be carried out at key times throughout the day. Wet wipes and cotton wool are no longer used as a substitute for handwashing, except where appropriate (e.g., visible soiling prior to proper handwashing). A review of handwashing facilities was conducted to ensure that: Sinks are accessible to children. Liquid soap and disposable paper towels are available at all times. Warm running water is available. Staff in the Deer Room completed refresher guidance on effective hand hygiene practices on the day of inspection. The Infection Control and Hand Hygiene Policy has been reviewed with all staff. Clear guidance has been reissued outlining when handwashing must occur. Handwashing procedures will be included in induction training for all new staff. Visual handwashing guides have been placed at sinks to reinforce correct technique. The Person in Charge will conduct regular spot checks to ensure compliance with the policy. The registered provider is committed to maintaining a safe, hygienic environment that promotes the health and wellbeing of all children

##### Regulation 27 — Supervision

- The children were not adequately supervised in the Fox room during the transition to sleep. The transition to sleep began when children finished eating their dinner at 11.23am. A staff member brought the floor beds into the room and stacked them on top of each other. The children were observed climbing and bouncing on the floor beds, running around the room and getting upset. One staff member was changing nappies and the other was getting cots ready whilst a third member of staff was left to supervise the children on her own. There was no plan in place to ensure the children who were tired and ready for bed were put to sleep. The transition took one hour to complete before all children were in bed at 12.23pm

- A staff meeting was held immediately following the inspection to review the supervision requirements under Regulation 11 and reinforce staff responsibilities. A revised sleep transition procedure was implemented with immediate effect. Floor beds are no longer brought into the room while children are active. Beds are now prepared in advance of the transition period. Staffing working time has been reviewed to ensure that: One staff member is assigned solely to supervise children. Nappy changing and room preparation are staggered and do not reduce active supervision levels. Children who display signs of tiredness are now prioritised and supported to rest promptly. The transition to sleep time has been reduced and structured to avoid unnecessary waiting

Found compliant: Regulation 11, 19, 32.

#### Inspection of 9 June 2025 — New Service

Full report (PDF, Tusla)

No non-compliance recorded in this report.

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[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/caireen-early-years-ltd-straffan/
Fonte: Tusla Early Years Inspectorate
Recolha: 2026-09-11
