The registered provider failed to notify the inspectorate of a change in the number of children attending the service. There were 38 children present in the service when the inspector arrived. An additional child arrived at 10.03am, increasing the number to 39. Staff informed the inspector that the max number on any given day was 9 in the Baby room, 19 in the Montessori room, and 12 in the Toddler room. The service is currently registered to cater for 37 children and as such was found to be operating outside of the terms of their registration
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider stated the following corrective and preventive actions: The service immediately reviewed children’s attendance numbers and checked their register. They contacted parents to confirm children’s holiday and attendance. The attendance records have been reviewed to ensure numbers remain within the required capacity. The service responded to the email from SOORS to ensure them they are now back within their required capacity. All bookings, holidays and changes to attendance will be double checked and confirmed in advance. The service will continue to monitor daily attendance numbers closely to ensure the setting remains within the required limits
Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 16, 19, 23.
Inspection of 2 September 2025 — Inspection Report
(d) Police vetting was not available in relation to one adult who previously lived outside of Ireland for a period of more than 6 months as an adult. (3) Documentation reviewed evidenced that the procedures specified above under 9(2) had not been carried out prior to one of the adults commencing employment in the service as detailed below. • Documentary evidence available indicated that one adult did not have the second reference validated before they commenced employment. (4) During the inspection the person in charge reported that five adults had commenced employment in the service since the last inspection on 8 January 2024. A review of documentation and observation of practice evidenced that one adult employed to work directly with the children did not hold the minimum qualification as per regulatory requirement
Provider's corrective action:
(d) An application for police vetting has been submitted for the adult and the registered provider has carried out an individual risk assessment. A checklist has been introduced to ensure all required documentation is available before new staff commence employment. (3) The second reference for the adult has been validated, the person in charge now carries out monthly audits of all files to ensure all documentation is up to date and complete. (4) The adults contract of employment has been amended to reflect their status as a student on placement. The individual is supernumerary and does not form part of the adult child ratios. The adult is under direct supervision of qualified staff and is present in the service to observe practice and gain experience as part of their placement. Their responsibilities are outlined in their job description in accordance with their student role. The manager will ensure that the job responsibilities of future students complies with regulatory requirements
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
Infection Control: 1. The waste disposal bins in the two sanitary areas did not support effective waste management. Both bins required hand contact to dispose of waste. 2. A vinyl sofa in the Montessori room was observed to be torn, exposing the underlying fabric. This created a surface that cannot be effectively cleaned or sanitised. 3. Nappy changing practices observed in the baby room posed a risk of cross contamination and were at variance with the services nappy changing policy as detailed below: • Gloves were not worn for one nappy change • A staff member was observed cleaning the soiled changing mat after washing their hands following three nappy changes. Safe Sleep: 4. The sleep facilities provided for one child attending the Toddler room did not meet current safe sleep guidelines. During the inspection it was observed that a child under the age of two was sleeping on a sleep mat on the floor in the Toddler room. Staff reported that the child had transitioned from a cot to the sleep mat while attending the baby room. In addition, there was no risk assessment completed prior to the transition. The inspector acknowledges that a transition to floor bed form had been completed and signed by the parents. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
Infection Control: 1. Both bins were replaced with pedal operated bins, going forward all bins will have pedals to ensure hand contact is not required. 2. A new vinyl sofa was purchased and the torn sofa was removed. All soft furnishings will be inspected for damage weekly as part of the room safety checklist. 3. Management carried out nappy changing training following the inspection to remind staff of the correct procedure. A monthly spot check has been implemented to monitor nappy changing practices and staff will receive regular refresher training. Safe Sleep: 4. A safe sleep risk assessment was completed in partnership with parents of the child under two years of age who was using a floor bed. Going forward all children under the age of two will sleep in cots. The service will adhere to safe sleep guidelines for children under the age of two