Inspection of 21 January 2026 — Inspection Report
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (9)(2)(a)(b) Two written validated references were not available in respect of one staff member. Two written references from a previous employer were not validated in respect of one staff member employed in the service
Provider's corrective action:
- References have been obtained for one staff member who did not have any on file, and have been validated. Two references which were not validated have been validated by the registered provider
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. A child was observed to have whole grapes for their lunch presenting a potential choking hazard. 2. The side gate in the outdoor play area was observed unlocked throughout the inspection. The hook and eye lock on the outside of the side gate was not secured for the duration of the inspection. Children were observed in the outdoor play area playing at the gate out of sight of the two staff members in the outdoor area. A slide bolt on the inside of the gate was within children’s reach. If children opened the side gate, they could exit the front of the service gate which was open throughout the inspection. Infection Control: 3. The paper hand towel dispensers in the sanitary accommodation were not stocked. Children were observed to use a communal hand towel after washing their hands. This presented a risk of cross contamination. Outing: 4. The registered provider advised that the children are taken on outings to the park for nature walks and to places in the community such as the Garda Station. However, documented risk assessments relating to outings that had previously occurred were not available to support the practice and ensure the safety of the children. This was at variance to the outings policy which stated that a risk assessment is undertaken before each outing. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. The registered provider cut the grapes on the day of inspection and sent a reminder text message to the parents regarding cutting small fruit. 2. The registered provider moved the lock on the side entrance gate up high out of reach of children. The gate is locked until collection time. A sign saying ‘please close the gate’, was put on the front gate to encourage parents to close the gate during drop off and collection times. Infection Control: 3. The hand towel dispensers have been refilled, and extra stock placed in the storage room. Outing: 4. Before any future outings, staff will read the service risk assessment and follow the points to create a safe outing for the children to experience. Regular meetings with staff members to occur to update all policies and consider changes
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
- (1) (a) A written record for fire drills undertaken was available on the premises. No fire drill was conducted during the month of December. The last fire drill was recorded as taking place on 14 November 2025. Monthly fire drills must be conducted. (b) Firefighting equipment was not serviced on an annual basis. Records indicated that the last maintenance check was 29 August 2024
Provider's corrective action:
- (1) (a) A fire drill was conducted on the 26 January 2026. Monthly fire drills will be put into the diary and carried out regularly. (b) The firefighting equipment was serviced on 23 January 2026
Found compliant: Regulation 11, 19, 25, 28.