# Cherryblossoms Creche Kanturk, Kanturk — inspection reports and findings > Cherryblossoms Creche Kanturk (Kanturk, Co. Cork): what Tusla inspections found — 6 published inspection(s), non-compliances and the provider's corrective actions. ## Cherryblossoms Creche Kanturk Sessional · 0 - 6 Years · Kanturk, Cork · Tusla ID **TU2024CC003** · Registered since 19 April 2024 An inspection records what inspectors saw **on one day**; services respond with corrective actions — [how to read this](/methodology.md). #### Inspection of 12 January 2026 — Inspection Report Full report (PDF, Tusla) ##### Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - (a)(b) Five references were not available in respect of three adults - The following statement was received from the registered provider: Corrective and Preventive Action References were received and saved on file. The service will ensure all staff files are maintained on digital format ##### Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service - Two records did not contain the parent/guardian signature. This could impact the safety of the child as there was no evidence that the parents/guardians were informed - The following statement was received from the registered provider: Corrective and Preventive Action Accident and incident forms will be signed by parents. A new system was introduced of recording accidents and incidents with instructions for use put in place for staff ##### Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General safety: 1. Stagnate water was observed in the following outdoor areas: • On a plastic chair in the preschool outdoor area. • In the wobbler and toddler outdoor area, it was observed that bowls in the outdoor kitchen contained stagnant water. This posed a risk of infection as it was easily consumable by the children. It is acknowledged that when brought to the attention of the staff, the water was removed. The staff informed the inspector that a risk assessment was carried out that morning in the outdoor area, however this was not effective as the water was not removed when the risk assessment was carried out. Action submitted by the Registered Provider The following statement was received from the registered provider: - General safety: The water was removed on the day of inspection. Staff were reminded to this and a poster was put up ##### Regulation 29 — Premises - (e) In the Preschool room, it was observed that warm water was not available in the two children’s sinks in the bathroom at one time as when one flowed the other appeared to stop. One sink is required for every 11 children and the Preschool room caters for a maximum of 12 children which requires two sinks to be available - The following statement was received from the registered provider: Corrective and Preventive Action The plumber inspected the concern and a new pump was put in place Found compliant: Regulation 10, 11, 19, 26, 28, 31, 32. #### Inspection of 8 September 2025 — Inspection Report Full report (PDF, Tusla) **Immediate action notice.** This inspection was triggered by information received by the Inspectorate. On the day of inspection, an Immediate Action Notice was issued to the registered provider under Regulation 23: Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of children. Water temperatures between 51°C and 51.3°C were recorded in the children sanitary area. This posed a risk of scalding to the children. On 9 September 2025, the registered provider outlined the steps taken to mitigate the risk. Further information can be found under ##### Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - (2) (d) Police vetting was not available in respect of one staff member who had lived outside of a state for longer than six consecutive months. This posed a possible safety risk to the children - One staff member working directly with the preschool children did not hold a relevant qualification in Early Childhood Care and Education or a qualification deemed relevant by the Minister. This posed a possible risk to the children’s wellbeing - The following statement was received from the registered provider: Corrective and Preventive Action (2)(d) Police vetting was received. All future employees will be asked about police vetting requirements before commencing employment. (4) The staff member has completed training but not has received official results. The registered provider had assigned the staff member to work in the kitchen area until qualification is received ##### Regulation 10 — Policies, procedures etc. of pre-school service - The following policies did not meet the regulatory requirements: 1. The staff training policy does not outline the following: • How staff training needs are identified and addressed, • Did not set out the resources provided for training, • Describe induction training, • Set out availability of ongoing training and professional development, • Does not detail how staff training records will be kept in the service. 2. Outdoor play policy does not outline the following: • How children are supervised during outdoor play, • Set out the safety requirements of the outdoor area. 3. Accident and incident policy does not outline the following: • Detail the measures to be taken to prevent accident and incidences, • The procedures to be followed when an accident or incident involving a pre-school child occur while the child is attending the service. 4. A risk management policy was not available in the service. Without a risk management policy, it is difficult to assess how risks are reviewed and documented. Therefore, the above policies and procedures may not adequately guide the staff in their care practices - The following statement was received from the registered provider: Corrective and Preventive Action 1. The service have updated the policy and will review it annually. 2. The service have updated the policy and will review it annually. 3. The service have updated the policy and will review it annually. 4. The service have updated the policy and will review it annually ##### Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child - 1. The children in the Wobbler Room were not taken outside on the day of inspection. Buggies were available to assist staff with moving the group of children outdoors if needed. The last recorded outdoor play was on 01 September 2025. Not having access to the change of environment and fresh air outdoors may impact on the opportunities for learning and gross motor development for the children. This was also a previous non-compliance on the last inspection 12 March 2025. 2. The inspector observed children from the Toddler Room in the outdoor area having no imaginative play material while playing at the kitchens. At the request of the inspector this material was brought out for the children to play with. Lack of play material did not allow for children for adequate stimulation of the children - The following statement was received from the registered provider: Corrective and Preventive Action 1. The service had a meeting to discuss the importance of daily outdoor play. A schedule for outdoor play times has been created. 2. Each room has their own box of outdoor toys ##### Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General safety: 1. Water temperatures of 51°C and 51.3°C were recorded in the hand basins in the children’s sanitary area in the Full Day Care Preschool Room. An Immediate Action Notice was issued to the registered provider on the day of inspection. It is acknowledged when the inspector informed the registered provider of the risk to children, the staff supervised the children at all times while in the area and ensured another water tap was used. The registered provider also regulated the water to a lower temperature. The inspector recorded further water temperatures of 28.9°C and 31.9°C. 2. The toy storage in the Wobbler Room was not anchored to the wall. There was an air cooler device on top of the storage unit which was not secured. This posed a safety risk to children as the storage unit or items placed on top could fall during use and potentially cause injury. 3. The inspector noted that seven stackable beds were stored upright in the Toddler Room. These beds were at risk of falling on the children and posed a safety risk. 4. A disused cooker was in the outdoor area for the preschool children. Sharp edges and rust were visible, and this posed a risk to the children. 5. A hoover was stored under the area where children’s coats were stored in the Preschool Room. This posed a safety risk as the power cable was easily accessible to children. 6. In the Full Day Care Preschool Room children were observed climbing on top of stacked chairs to get on to the nappy changing unit. This posed a safety risk to the children. 7. No records of risk assessments on accidents and incidents that had occurred in the service were available for review by the inspector. This was not in line with the services accident and incident policy. This posed a possible safety risk to the children. Infection control: 8. During observing the nappy changing procedure, the following practices posed a risk of contamination and cross infection. • Gloves not worn during the procedure. • Adequate handwashing procedures were not adhered to by a staff member after the nappy change. 9. In the Preschool Room, it was observed that paper towels could not be independently accessed by a child during handwashing. Staff members were not present to support the children to access paper towels. This posed a risk of inadequate hand washing. Fire Safety: 10. The inspector noted that the fire exit upstairs was partially obstructed by timber stored on the stairs. This increased the risk of children not being able to make a timely exit in the event of a fire. Action submitted by the Registered Provider The following statement was received from the registered provider: - General safety: 1. The system temperature was reduced and the plumber was contacted. Water temperatures will be checked daily. 2. Shelves are now anchored to the wall and the air cooler has been removed. All units will be anchored. 3. Stackable beds are now stored flat in the sleep room. 4. The cooker is now removed. 5. The hoover has now been moved and is stored in the office. 6. A new nappy changing unit with steps has been obtained. 7. A risk assessment incident folder was created in the office. Infection control: 8. The lead educators discussed with staff the importance of hand hygiene. A service meeting has been arranged with additional training on hand hygiene. 9. A paper towel holder was installed in the bathroom. Fire safety: 10. The stairway to the fire exit was cleared. The service will complete a daily check ensuring the fire exit is clear ##### Regulation 29 — Premises - (d) It is acknowledged that cleaning records were available and signed, however on review of the premises, effective cleaning and maintenance was not observed. The lack of cleaning and maintenance posed a risk of infection to both children and staff. The following was observed in the care rooms, hallways, and sanitary areas. • There were brown residue lines visible on the wall of the fire exit stairs. It is acknowledged that the registered provider informed the inspector that the roof had been leaking and repairs had occurred to the roof recently. • The floor in hallway into the bathroom in the Pre-school Room was noted to have parts with no tiles and visibly unclean. • The inspector noted a hole evident in the ceiling in the hallway upstairs. • The wall in the children’s downstairs bathroom was missing plaster and paint. There was a black residue evident in the lower corner of the wall. • The carpet in the sleep room downstairs was worn in patches and visibly unclean. • The wall in Wobbler Room was visibly unclean. (e) In the Preschool Room, it was observed that the taps for hot water did not allow water to flow unless held in position, which did not allow for easy hand washing and were difficult for the children to use independently. This was a previous non-compliance on the last inspection on 12 March 2025 - The following statement was received from the registered provider: Corrective and Preventive Action The repairs identified in the non-compliance are now completed. A maintenance check list has been updated ##### Regulation 31 — Notification of incidents - The registered provider did not notify the Agency in writing of (d) an injury to a child which required medical treatment in a hospital. A registered provider must notify the Agency in writing within three working days of any such incident - The following statement was received from the registered provider: Corrective and Preventive Action Parents were forwarded an up-dated policy to inform the service if children required medical attention after an incident that occurred in the service ##### Regulation 32 — Complaints - (a) No written records were available for complaints received in the relation to the service. This was not in line with the services complaints policy. (b) No written records were available in relation to how complaints were dealt with within the service and therefore could not be reviewed by the inspectors. This was not in line with the services complaints policy - (b) There were no records available in relation to complaints for the inspector to review on the day of inspection - The following statement was received from the registered provider: Corrective and Preventive Action A complaints folder was set up in the service Found compliant: Regulation 11, 15, 16, 21, 25, 27. #### Inspection of 12 March 2025 — Inspection Report Full report (PDF, Tusla) ##### Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - (2) (a)/(b) Of the 20 references required, 6 were not available and 4 references were not appropriately validated. (d) It could not be determined if police vetting was required for three staff as there was no curriculum vitae on file or the curriculum vitae on file was not adequate to detail where the staff had lived since they reached the age of 18 years. Not adequately vetting staff may allow for staff who may not be appropriate to care for children have access to them. (3) Eight staff had commenced working in the service prior to them being adequately reference checked. This may allow for staff that are not suitable to have access to children in the service. (4) Three of the ten new staff whose files were assessed and who worked directly with children did not have the required qualification in Early Childhood Care and Education at level 5 or above on file for assessment. Not having appropriately qualified staff available to the children may impede the appropriate care being delivered to the children attending. (7) (a) Documented evidence that was available indicating that staff received induction on policies was at variance with the responses of the staff who indicated they had not reviewed the policies since commencing in the service. Staff not being up to date on the policies of the service may allow for variances in care and service provision across the care rooms - (2) (a) (b) The registered provider has confirmed that all references will be checked in advance of commencing in the service. A cover sheet has been included to ensure all relevant files are assessed. (d) The registered provider has committed to ensuring that all staff CV’s are kept in a masterfile and will be assessed for the requirement for police vetting. (3) A commitment has been received that all references will be checked in advance of staff commencing in the service. (4) The registered provider has committed to ensuring that all staff qualifications will be available on file. (7) (a) The service has reverted to completing all staff induction records in paper format, this ensures a hand signed sheet is kept on file for proof of induction and policy review ##### Regulation 15 — Record of pre-school child - (1) (b) Eleven children’s records did not have a record of when the children commenced in the service. Not having accurate records may cause a problem when ascertaining what child was in the service and when they started - (1) (b) The registered provider has stated that all start dates have been updated in the children’s files in each of the rooms. A copy of each form will be held in the office and monthly checks will be completed to ensure all forms are current and up to date ##### Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child - Basic Needs: (a) 1. Additional support under the Access and Inclusion Model scheme (AIM) had not been applied for the children that were identified by staff to have additional needs and no plan for individual care was available. This was acknowledged by the registered provider that this AIM support had not been applied for, for these children. This may impact on the individual children’s ability to engage in small group activities or have one to one support as needed. 2. The staff in the Preschool Blue room did not recognise the cues of tiredness for two children indicating their need for sleep and rest. One child was observed falling asleep at the table while eating his dinner and a second child appeared to be falling asleep on the couch. The staff were prompted to place these two children on a low-level bed. Lack of rest and sleep may impact on the children’s wellbeing and play. 3. The children in the Toddler room were not provided with bibs when painting or when eating their meal. This allowed for paint and food stains to be on the children’s clothing. The clothes were not changed, and the staff stated the clothing would be changed before the children went home. Not ensuring the children’s clothes were clean and dry may be uncomfortable for the children. 4. The children in the Baby/Wobbler room were not taken outside to play on the day of inspection. The staff explained that this was due to the numbers of children attending and to the numbers of children that could not walk. Staff did not have access to a large buggy to assist them with moving the group of children outdoors. Not having access to the outdoors, to a change of environment and to fresh air may impact on the children’s gross motor development and the opportunities that outdoor play affords children. 5. The children in the Toddler room could not access the sink in the care room as there was no step-up available. The children could not access the sink so the staff either lifted them or got them to stand on a chair. This may lead to a fall and does not allow for independent access to the handwashing facilitates by the children. 6. Children in the Blue pre-school room and in the Toddler/Wobbler room were observed to finish their dinner quickly and were not offered additional food until promoted to do so by the inspector, some children from both rooms took more food when offered. Staff stated they did not routinely offer children additional food at meals. The lack of additional food when required by children may impact on the children’s wellbeing. Physical Environment: 7. There were limited sensorial play materials and messy play opportunities freely available in the upstairs Preschool room and the Blue Preschool room. No sensory space with open ended natural materials for children who needed an area to help them regulate when tired or deregulated was accessible. 8. In the upstairs Preschool room, the dress up clothes were stored in a basket and not hanging up, to ensure they were visible and readily accessible to promote independent access by children. There was no mirror to help extend the children's learning and play. (b) 9. A staff member was heard using words such as “stop, you are not listening, get back in line” when addressing the children while in a line to go downstairs from the Preschool room to the outdoor area for play. Using words and practices that are not positive can impact on the children’s self-confidence, learning and emotional wellbeing - 1. The registered provider stated that they have linked with the relevant children’s support and therapeutic services where necessary and a plan was provided. The registered provider also states that the remaining children as identified above did not qualify for AIM support and additional staff where possible will be available to assist. 2. The registered provider has with the staff, reviewed the routine to support sleep times for those requiring it. The timing of meals is being reviewed to ensure they align with the children’s need for sleep. 3. New bibs have been purchased and will be used daily. 4. Double buggies have been purchased to assist with transitioning the younger children outside. 5. A safety step has been placed beside the sink so the children can access the sink frequently when washing hands. 6. The registered provider has indicated how the management of portion sizes and having additional food available to the children will be managed. The service has designed the menu in consultation with the children, and staff will check with children if they require more food going forward. 7. Sensory materials of sand, water, playdough, chalk, moon sand have been added throughout the service. 8. Mirror and dress up clothes have been reintroduced. Th new stand is safe and cannot be climbed upon. (1) (b) The registered provider submitted that at the most recent staff meeting the use of Gentle Hands, Kind Words etc. was discussed and refresher information on positive language was sent to staff. The registered provider has committed to reassessing transitions, between rooms and making that a positive experience ##### Regulation 21 — Equipment and materials - 1. The Outdoor play areas to the rear and side of the building had limited equipment available on the day of inspection. There was a mud kitchen but no supporting sensory materials such as sand, water or other open- ended materials to support the children’s imaginative play and learning - 1. Outdoor play equipment had been purchased and has been installed. The registered provider stated that in addition to all equipment purchased they will work with the families to provide additional resources such as pots and pans ##### Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. The gloves, aprons and disposable nappy bags were accessible to the children in the nappy changing area used by the staff of the Baby and Toddler rooms; these posed a risk to the children of choking if accessed while the child was being changed. Infection Control: 2. Inadequate hand washing practices were observed throughout the service, with examples of this: • It was observed that children attending the Baby/Wobbler room did not have their hands washed after they had their nappy changed. • The staff were observed not to wash their hands before and after nappy changing in the area off the Blue Pre-school room and the designated nappy changing area used by staff and children from the upstairs Preschool room. • The staff and children in the Blue pre-school room and in the Toddler room were observed not to wash their hands before dinner. • The children and staff from the Pre-school room upstairs, who were playing in the outdoor area, did not wash their hands when they joined the children in the Blue pre-school room to have their dinner. These practices posed a risk of cross infection and contamination to the children and to others in the service and it was at variance with the information documented on the nappy changing and infection control policy. 3. The cots that were being shared between two children had a cloth mattress and the staff did not use a waterproof mattress protector when using this cot between children. As the cloth mattress cover was not easily cleanable between each use, this posed a risk of cross-infection. 4. A piece of unsealed wood was used to prop up the shelving unit were the nappies and supplies were stored in the nappy changing room accessible to the staff of the Baby and Toddler rooms. This wood was untreated and not easily cleaned and therefore posed a risk of cross-infection as children were observed holding onto it as they waited for the staff to take them back to their care room. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. A holder for the box of gloves has been attached to the wall. Infection Control: 2. The staff have been reminded of good hand hygiene practices and lesson plans have been developed to support this. 3. Additional cot mattress protectors have been purchased and have been added to the sleep room assessment. 4. The piece of wood propping the shelving unit has been sealed with paint to allow for easier cleaning ##### Regulation 29 — Premises - (d) 1. Two areas in the outdoors were not suitable for use by the children these include: • The grassy area to the side and the area at the back of the premises was unkempt and poorly maintained with overgrown bramble bushes, moss on the footpath, old leaves, and access to the rodent boxes, a gas bottle and three rubbish bins. • The metal railing in this outside area was in a poor state of repair with paint chipped and flaking. (e) In the toilets of the upstairs pre-school room the taps for hot water did not allow water to flow unless held in position, which did not allow for easy hand washing and were difficult for the children to use independently - (d) 1. The registered provider has stated that the outdoor areas have been cleaned up, all vegetation has been cut back and a cover has been put on the fence. (e) The taps upstairs have been replaced with leaver taps which can be easily used by children ##### Regulation 32 — Complaints - (3) (a) A complaint received by the service was reviewed. The registered provider did not follow the procedures as outlined in the service’s policy for the management of complaints. Although the registered provider did have notes of the staff meetings, the registered provider did not have any records of the dates and times the complaint was received and did not have any notes to indicate the outcome of the staff meeting or if the complainant was responded to in a timely manner. Not following the complaints policy and informing the complainant does not provide for good communication and for issues to be resolved - (3) (a) The registered provider has developed addition resources to support the service when dealing with complaints that they may receive. The templates will ensure the complainant will receive follow up in writing Found compliant: Regulation 10, 11, 22. ### Earlier inspections - 7 August 2024 — Change in Circumstance · PDF - 10 July 2024 — Inspection Report · PDF - 10 April 2024 — New Service · PDF ### Other services in Cork - [Cherryblossoms Cullen](/creche/cherryblossoms-cullen-cullen.md) Cullen - [Cherryblossoms Kiskeam](/creche/cherryblossoms-kiskeam-mallow.md) Mallow - [Child's Play Educare Cloughduv LTD](/creche/child-s-play-educare-cloughduv-ltd-cloughduv.md) Cloughduv - [Classes Childcare](/creche/classes-childcare-cork.md) Cork - [Cocoon Childcare](/creche/cocoon-childcare-ballincollig.md) Ballincollig - [Donoughmore Family Resource Centre CLG](/creche/donoughmore-family-resource-centre-clg-donoughmore.md) Donoughmore - [Happy Out Preschool](/creche/happy-out-preschool-charleville.md) Charleville - [Naíonra Ghleann Maghair Teo](/creche/naionra-ghleann-maghair-teo-glanmire.md) Glanmire - [An Tobar Eolais Montessori](/creche/an-tobar-eolais-montessori-clonakilty.md) Clonakilty - [Timoleague Community Playschool](/creche/timoleague-community-playschool-bandon.md) Bandon [Alert me when a new report is published](/help.md) · [Dated report on this service — €19](/report.md) --- Página: https://creche-inspection-reports.pages.dev/creche/cherryblossoms-creche-kanturk-kanturk/ Fonte: Tusla Early Years Inspectorate Recolha: 2026-09-11