Inspection of 10 March 2026 — Inspection Report
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- • One staff member did not have a second written and validated reference. • One student required 2 written and validated references. (4) On staff member did not have documentary evidence of their qualification being equivalent to a minimum Level 5 Childcare qualification
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a) The registered provider contacted the staff’s referee in order to validate the staff’s second reference. The registered provider stated that references were sought for the student which were then validated. Several actions have been taken to prevent reoccurrence. These include updating our recruitment procedures to ensure references are obtained and verified prior to employment, including updating our Student Recruitment to clearly outline what documentation is required on file, introducing a staff file checklist and assigning responsibility to a second senior member of management as a designated person for compliance oversight completing monthly checks on all files to ensure up to date compliance. (4) The registered provider contacted the staff members and requested that they make an application to the DCDE Early Years Recognition department and seek clarification regarding their certification meeting the minimum standard of qualification. Upon hiring staff members with qualifications outside the standard Irish Early Years Qualification Frameworks, we will request the provide proof of qualification & they can make an application for clarity before starting at the service. This has now been added to our recruitment policy
Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
- (k) • Thirty accident / incident forms were reviewed in Preschool Room and 15 had not been signed by the manager in the service and 2 did not have a parental signature. • In the Toddler Room 20 records were reviewed and none were signed by the manager. • In the Baby and Wobbler Room 26 were reviewed and 9 had no managers signature and 1 did not have a parent’s signature
Provider's corrective action:
- (k) All Accident/Incident Report Forms have been updated and completed with Managers/Parent signature. A managers checklist has been developed and will be completed monthly to ensure all documentation is up to date. Staff have been requested to bring the Accident/Incident Report Book to the Manager directly after the incident
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. The service did not adhere to the re-vetting timeframes for 1 staff member as outlined in the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice, requiring services to renew Garda vetting every three years. 2. There was a gap at the bottom of the entrance gate to the community pitch area, used by the Toddler children on the day of inspection. This area leads onto a busy car park area outside the premises. This was a potential health and safety risk should a child pass under the gate and exit the outdoor play area. 3. In one of the Preschool rooms there were unprotected sharp corners on brown shelving units. This was a potential injury risk. 4. In the Preschool Room / Quiet Area the cupboard under the sink which contained plastic bags and a bait box was unlocked and accessible to the children. This was a health and safety risk. In addition, the cupboard had been signed off on the daily checklist as having been checked. Infection Control: 5. The children in the Baby/ Wobbler room were observed to move directly from playing to having their morning snack and dinner. No handwashing was observed before children were served their food on both occasions, which poses an infection control risk
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. The vetting had been applied for before inspection and was issued on 24th of March 2026. A staff training checklist/spreadsheet has been developed highlighting renewal dates of mandatory certificates. We have added an extra field highlighting the date renewals must be submitted, 3-4 months prior to expiry leaving time for oversights/backlogs etc. This is displayed in a prominent area in the office with a designated person for compliance oversight completing monthly checks on all files to ensure up to date compliance. 2. Maintenance closed off the underside of the main gate in the community walking track. Black plastic skirting was fitted to secure the underside gap where a child could crawl under and escape. Staff were made aware of the risk and added this to the Outdoor Risk Assessment that must be completed by staff before using the area. 3. Furniture corner protectors were applied to all unprotected corners on brown shelving units to reduce the potential risk of injury. The Preschool Room Risk Assessment was updated and ensuring there are corner protectors attached at all times has now been added. Risk Assessments have been edited, making staff initial the risk they sign off on creating accountability making everyone aware of their duty of care to ensure areas are assessed and risk assessments are reflective of the actual environment on the day. 4. Locks were attached to all cupboard doors that are accessible to the children including the under-sink cupboard. The Preschool Room Risk Assessment was updated and ensuring the cupboard doors have locks attached at all times has now been added. Risk Assessments have been edited, making staff initial the risk they sign off on creating accountability making everyone aware of their duty of care to ensure areas are assessed and risk assessments are reflective of the actual environment on the day. Infection Control: 5. Staff were emailed our service’s handwashing policy, and it was displayed within their room. Child Friendly Handwashing posters were also displayed in the room at a child friendly height. A meeting was had with the Staff and Room Lead Educator and this was brought to their attention and reminded of their duty of care to the children, regarding their health & safety and infection control. They were reminded of the educational purposes of teaching the children life skills and healthy habits in line with our service policy. Staff were emailed the service’s policy and asked to sign a hardcopy to ensure their understanding of it. Hands are always washed before meals
Found compliant: Regulation 11, 19, 26.