Creche Inspection Reports

Charlies Childcare (Donabate)

Full Day · 1 - 6 Years · Donabate, Dublin · Tusla ID TU2023FL003 · Registered since 22 September 2023

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

5published inspections
5non-compliances at latest report read
1immediate action notices
0registration conditions

Inspection of 30 June 2025 — Inspection Report

Full report (PDF, Tusla)

Immediate action notice. An Immediate Action Notice was issued to the registered provider due to elevated ambient air temperatures all of which exceeded the recommended room temperatures of 18-22°C in both the care rooms and sleep room in the service. The chief operating officer provided the inspectorate with written assurances of appropriate preventive actions being implemented in the service to reduce the likelihood of the ambient air temperatures exceeding the recommended temperatures within 24 hours of the notice being issued.

Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service

  • (k)At 11:59am a child in the Wobbler room was lying on teddies, when a unit placed next to the teddies moved slightly causing the child to slowly tumble on to the floor. The child was upset and comforted by staff, and a cold compress was used. Staff were not observed to create a record of the accident/accident following the event. The inspector asked to review the accident report at 4:01pm to which a staff member advised it has not been created
Provider's corrective action:
  • Corrective Action (k) Accident report form was completed prior to child going home on the day. Preventive Action (k) Staff have been reminded to complete all incident reports in a timely manner on the day the incident occurs

Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child

  • Basic needs: 1. Children’s water was not readily available to them in either the Baby room or the Pre-school room 2. In the Baby room the water was stored in a drawer which the children could not easily access and in the Preschool room 2 the children’s water was stored in a cupboard with the door closed. This prevented the children in the Baby room from indicating that they wanted their water and the older children from retrieving their water bottles easily when they were thirsty
Provider's corrective action:
  • Corrective Action Basic needs: 1. Beakers /Cups are now readily available and accessible in both rooms. Preventive Action 1. Management have reminded staff of the importance of easy access to drinking water throughout the day

Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play

  • 1. In the Toddler room there was 1 child aged 23 months who was observed sleeping on a stackable floor bed which is at variance to Tusla guidance on safe sleep provisions for children under 24 months. There were sleep plans in place and available for this child, but this was completed for the use of cocoon beds only
Provider's corrective action:
  • Corrective Action
  • 1. Child is now of age to be on a stackable bed, however immediately after inspection was placed on a cocoon bed. This was an error on the day as there was a sufficient number of cocoon beds available. Preventive Action
  • 1. Staff were retrained on the 18th of July by senior staff member and external consultant R.R. who provides in house training to all staff

Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

  • General Safety: 1. The ambient temperatures in the following rooms were not maintained of 18-22°C as detailed in table 1.1 below. These temperatures posed a risk to the safety and comfort of the children in attendance. It is acknowledged that, when asked by the inspectors, the staff members accurately described the safe air temperature range and implemented and continued to implement control measures seeking to achieve this through opening windows (on the ground floor of the service) and doors to enhance ventilation in the rooms, in addition to using portable fans. However, although partially effective as evidenced in the temperatures recorded during the afternoon, these measures did not prevent the room temperatures from remaining high. (1.1) Date Location Air temperature Time recorded 30/06/2025 Sleep room 27.3°C 11:20 am 27.3°C 12:14 pm 25.3°C 1:10 pm 23.9°C 4:45 pm 30/06/2025 Baby room 23.8°C 12:30 pm 22.5°C 2:08 pm 30/06/2025 Wobbler room 26.8°C 12:14pm 26.2°C 2:10pm 30/06/2025 Toddler room 25.7°C 12:23 pm 25.3°C 1 pm 30/06/2025 Preschool room 1 27.3°C 12:42pm 27.3°C 2:15pm 30/06/2025 Preschool room 2 29.4°C 11:55am 26.9°C 1:19pm 26.8°C 4 pm 30/06/2025 Preschool room 3 28.6°C 12:46 pm 26.8°C 2:19pm 2. Cleaning items were stored in an unsecured under counter cupboard in Preschool 3 which the children could potentially access. It is acknowledged that a locking device was fitted but not in use. Infection Control: 3. The steps in the services nappy changing policy were observed not to be followed as evidenced by the following: ➢ Some of the children were observed not to have their hands washed following nappy changing. ➢ A staff member was observed not to wash their hands after changing children’s nappies. 4. The children in the Baby room and Pre-school room 2 (pink room) did not have their hands washed before they ate. This is an infection control risk. 5. The paper towel in the nappy changing area used by the children attending the Toddler room were not hygienically dispensed. The rolls of paper were stored loosely on worktops and were subjected to repeated handling; this was inadequate for infection control purposes. 6. A distance of 50cm was not maintained between the cots in the sleep room adjacent to the Baby room, this is inadequate for infection control purposes. 7. The staff in the Baby room prepared baby formula for a child in attendance daily. This practice is at variance with the Food safety Authority of Ireland guidance which states that if infant formula is made in Early years services a separate milk kitchen is required. 8. On discussion with staff members in the Baby room and in the Wobbler room the services policy for the sterilisation of soothers was not being followed. Staff stated that they sterilised the soothers in boiling water and sterilising solution which is at variance with the service policy. Administration of Medication: 9. Care plans reviewed for two children that had food allergies were incomplete. This did not support the accurate care of the children should they develop an allergic reaction whilst in attendance in the service. ➢ One record detailed the food item the child was allergic to; however no further information was provided such as a procedure to follow in the event that the child consumed this food item. ➢ The second care plan was fully completed with step-by-step guidance for an emergency, however the medication outlined that the child was to be given was not available on the premises. Safe Sleep: 10. Staff members in the Baby room were observed conducting the children’s sleep checks at variance with the services safe sleep policy. At times the staff members viewed a small monitor in the care room to check the children who were sleeping in the sleep room beside the care room. All sleeping children must be physically checked every 10 minutes to include checking the child’s colour, breathing and sleeping position. Furthermore, on the day of inspection the ambient air temperature of the cot room was on 2 occasions measured at 27.3°C which further increased the risk to the children. Fire Safety: 11. Cocoon beds were stored at the bottom of one of the stairs in the service which could impede the egress of staff and children in the event of an emergency. Action submitted by the Registered Provider Corrective Action General Safety: 1. Air conditioning units were installed in all classrooms. 2. Locking device is now in use. Infection Control: 3. All staff retrained on nappy changing policy. 4. Staff reminded / retrained on handwashing policy. 5. Hand paper towel dispensers ordered and will be installed as soon as they arrive. 6. Cots have been moved back to original places. They were moved on the day due to additional fans in sleep room. 7. This practice was stopped immediately as it also goes against their policy. Staff were retrained on 18th July. 8. Staff retrained on policy again. Administration of Medication: 9. Care plans updated and medication on site for second child. Safe Sleep: 10. This practice was stopped immediately, and staff were retrained on safe sleep policy. Fire Safety: 11. Half of the cocoon beds have been stored in another location now clearing the area up. Preventive Action General Safety: 1. As a full air conditioning system has been installed, service does not foresee this non-compliance reoccurring. However, they have additional fans/ air con units available if needed. Management reminded to report to Snr Management immediately should there be an issue with room temps again. 2. Staff reminded of the importance of using locking devices that are installed, Manager to check these daily. Infection Control: 3. Manager will sporadically check nappy changing to ensure procedure is being followed. 4. Manager will sporadically check to ensure procedure is being followed. 5. Ensure that all paper towels/blue roll are in dispensers. Manager to check. 6. Air con has been installed and floor fan no longer required, remind staff not to move cots around the room. 7. Managers to oversee and ensure that staff and parents are aware that they cannot prepare formula in the service. 8. Managers and external consultant to remind staff of policy and it is part of their basic training that all staff receive. Administration of Medication: 9. Area Manager will review all care plans monthly as part of their monthly risk assessments with manager and ensure all medications and plans are up to date. Safe Sleep: 10. Managers to remind staff and supervise sleep checks to ensure policy is being adhered too. Fire Safety: 11. Manager and Area Manager will ensure area is clear as part of monthly risk assessment. Supporting documentation submitted Receipt for the purchase of air conditioning units in addition to photographs of air conditioning in situation. Cupboard with locking device. Service nappy changing policy. Receipt for the purchase of paper towel dispenser. Copy of the protocol for the sterilisation of mouthed toys. Copy of care plans. Copy of safe sleep policy. Summary Comment The inspectors have reviewed the actions and evidence submitted. The noncompliance identified under regulation 23 - Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child has been adequately addressed

Regulation 25 — First aid

  • (1) One staff member only had in date FAR training. From a review of the staff roster this staff member is not available in the service at all times during the operational hours of the service. For example, from 07:30am to 08:00 am and from 5 pm to 6pm from 30/06/25 to 04/07/25 none of the rostered staff members held in-date FAR training. It is acknowledged that of the 12 staff files reviewed 2 staff members held paediatric first aid training
Provider's corrective action:
  • Corrective Action (1) Two more staff members completed FAR training. Awaiting certificates. Preventive Action (1) Ensure a FAR trained staff member is on site at all times. There had been a changeover in staff etc and previously there was additional staff with FAR. Area Manager to monitor this

Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 26.

Inspection of 13 September 2024 — Inspection Report

Full report (PDF, Tusla)

Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

  • (d) International police vetting in relation to two staff members was not available for review. • One staff members curriculum vitae indicated that they had resided in 2 international jurisdictions for more than 6 consecutive months as an adult, therefore requiring second international police vetting disclosure. • International police vetting on file for a second staff member not available in English/Irish as required. (4) Two staff members who work directly with children in the service did not have documentary evidence to demonstrate that they held a major award in childcare at Level 5-8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) or a qualification deemed by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) to be equivalent. Documentation on file for one staff member suggested a third level qualification had been obtained, but it was not translated to English/Irish therefore it could not be determined that this qualification met the regulatory requirements
Provider's corrective action:
  • The registered provider provided the following response to the non-compliance. Corrective Action (9)(d) International police vetting from a second jurisdiction in relation to one staff member has been obtained. In relation to the vetting disclosure not translated, this staff member left the service days after the inspection and no longer works there. (9)(4) Both staff members were qualified on the day, however a letter of qualification recognition had not been obtained. This is now on file. The second staff members qualification had not been translated to English. This has been translated and is now on file. Preventive Action (9)(d) This was an oversight on HR’s behalf and going forward there will be additional checks of CV’s by area managers to ensure all police clearance is obtained and translated

Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child

  • Physical and material environments: 1. The environments of the Toddler room and Wobbler 2 room did not support children’s opportunities to engage in self-directed and meaningful play experiences leading to mostly adult led activities on the day of inspection. • The Toddler room lacked organisation and identifiable interest areas, and the selection of materials available were limited in range and variety. For example, a damaged play kitchen was available with no supporting play materials, other than a dolls crib, to encourage home life and imaginary play. Most materials that were available were stored in large fabric storage boxes which were not organised or labelled impacting on a children’s opportunities to plan for play. One storage unit with 8 shelving spaces had 6 empty shelves. • Materials in the Wobbler 2 room, such as the kitchen play equipment, were stored in large fabric storage boxes on raised shelving which was difficult for the children to access independently relying on the staff to create opportunities for play. 2. There was a reliance on plastic toys in the Wobbler 1 room. Although the staff member explained they had made sensory bottles before that they plan to make again, young children should have an opportunity to access natural and sensory materials on a daily basis. Supporting relationships around children: 3. The family wall in the Wobbler 1 room was on display high up the wall out of children’s direct eyeline limiting opportunities for interaction with family photographs alone or with peers. There was no provision of a family wall/photos/book in the Toddler room
Provider's corrective action:
  • The registered provider provided the following response to the non-compliance. Corrective Action 1. Additional resources have been purchased for the Toddler Room to create more identifiable interest areas. We are still awaiting some of the items to be delivered to finish this. Kitchens have been replaced in Wobbler 2 and Toddler room. The toys have been moved from fabric boxes to clear boxes on lower-level shelving to be more accessible. 2. Additional sensory items and resources have been created and implemented in the room. 3. Family books have now been completed. Preventative Actions 1. Area Managers will assist Managers to ensure the classrooms are set up with defined areas and appropriate resources. We have also self-referred to Better Start Quality Development Service for help with this. Staff engaged in training on Aistear and Siolta to support child-led practice. 2. We are engaging with Better Start for help with layout and resources. 3. The inspection took place early September when we were two weeks into the new term, the team had requested photos and was in the process of gathering them for the family walls. The team will request family photos in advance of start date from parents in order to have them in as soon as possible

Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play

  • 1. In the Toddler room there were 3 children aged 22 months who were observed sleeping on stackable floor beds which is at variance to Tusla guidance on safe sleep provisions for children under 24 months. There were sleep plans in place and available for 2 of these children, but these were completed for the use of cocoon beds only. 2. Two children in the Wobbler 2 room were sleeping on cocoon beds without a completed sleep plan in place which is required under Tusla guidance on safe sleep provisions for children under 24 months when children move from sleeping in a cot to a floor bed
Provider's corrective action:
  • The registered provider provided the following response to the non-compliance. Corrective Action 1. Additional cocoon beds have been ordered. 2. Sleep plans have been completed now for these children. These children had just transitioned onto cocoon beds and were awaiting on signed plans. Preventive Action 1. Managers and staff have been reminded of the safe sleep policy and it was addressed at a staff meeting. 2. Sleep plans will be completed in advance of children transitioning. This was addressed at staff meeting

Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

  • General Safety: 1. On the day of inspection children in the Wobbler 1 and 2 room and the Toddler room were served sausages for dinner which were not cut appropriately to minimise the risk of choking, mainly cut diagonally and in 1 room were served whole before the inspector advised the staff member to cut the sausage. It is recommended that, to reduce the risk of choking, cooked sausages should be cut lengthways before cut into smaller pieces. 2. A choking hazard was identified when a child in the Wobbler 2 room was observed to have food from dinnertime remaining in their mouth while being placed down to sleep on a cocoon bed after dinner. The Inspector brought this to the staff members attention, who then retrieved the piece of food. Safe Sleep: 3. During the transition to bedtime in the Wobbler 2 room, three children were observed to be given bottles of milk while being placed to sleep on cocoon beds. This practice is in variance to the services Safe Sleep policy where it is states “all bibs, bottles and toys to be removed” before children are placed in cots/beds. Infection Control: 4. Infection control procedures were not always followed in the service. o During an observation of nappy changing, the staff were observed to wear the same pair of gloves and apron for the changes of three individual children. No handwashing was observed after nappy changing procedures by adults or children. o Children in the Wobbler 1 and Wobbler 2 rooms were not facilitated to wash their hands before morning snack or midday dinner. Staff were observed to wear disposable gloves when serving food, which does not mitigate the requirement of handwashing practises o In the Wobbler 2 room the tables were not cleaned after play and prior to food being served. 5. On review of the soother sterilisation policy on display in the care rooms and following discussion with staff current practices it was discovered that staff were following the procedures of the previous policy which was deemed inadequate at the last inspection. The soother sterilisation policy and procedure which was submitted as a corrective action to the previous non-compliance was not in place and implemented in the service. Action submitted by the Registered Provider The registered provider provided the following response to the non-compliance
Provider's corrective action:
  • General Safety: 1. All staff were retrained on the food/feeding safety at a training day held on October 19th. This matter was also addressed at the staff meeting held September 23rd. 2. Staff were reminded and retrained on this at staff meeting and training day. Training on safe sleep is included in induction process. Safe Sleep: 3. Staff were reminded that this practice is not in our Safe Sleep policy and were retrained on this at staff meeting and training day. Infection Control: 4. Infection control procedures addressed at the staff meeting and included in the training day content carried out October 19th. This included nappy changing procedures, handwashing policy and procedures and general infection control practices. Going forward Managers will demonstrate the nappy changing policy and hand washing procedures to all new staff members upon starting. They will also be provided with training on this at the offsite training days which take place throughout the year. 5. The old policy was removed immediately from the centre and replaced with the correct one. This was an oversight. The correct policy has been circulated to all locations and is visible in each classroom. The Area Managers have checked it is on display and staff are aware of it. It was also covered at the training day

Regulation 29 — Premises

  • (c) The lighting in the Wobbler 1 room could not be dimmed or turned off. On the day of inspection, children in this room were observed looking to rest in the cosy soft area provided in the room. As the lighting could not be dimmed or turned off, it was not conducive to creating a more relaxed environment within the care room to support casual resting. The staff members also agreed that having more suitable lighting would help them when settling new children within the room who are transitioning to sleeping in a cot room
Provider's corrective action:
  • The lighting in the centre operates on sensors. This issue had already been identified and an electrician was due to change it. This work has been completed. All classrooms now have controls to either dim/turn off lighting

Found compliant: Regulation 11, 25.

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