(1) (h) Five out of the fifteen records viewed had no record of the children’s immunisation status. Which could pose a potential risk to the children in the event of an outbreak of a contagious illness in the service
Provider's corrective action:
We have drawn up a vaccination status disclosure and public health acknowledgement form. This form has been given out to the parents. This vaccination status disclosure will also be given out alongside the enrolment form for future children enrolled at community after schools’ project creche
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
Infection Control: 1. A nappy changing mat within the designated changing area was observed to be stained, which posed a risk of cross-contamination during nappy changes. 2. The toilet roll holder was broken in the children’s toilet, and the toilet roll was stored upon the cistern, which posed a risk of cross contamination of repeated touch of inner roll. 3. Underneath the changing area, there was an open storage box containing spare clothes for the children. This posed a cross-contamination risk to the children. 4. Two potties were observed to be in a poor state of repair and inappropriately stored, which posed a cross- contamination risk to the children, as they were located in close proximity to the children’s sinks. Action submitted by the Registered Provider Infection Control: 1. Changing mats have been replaced and old changing mats discarded. Th e changing mats have been inspected by us and are fit for use. Staff are being retrained on nappy changing procedure and are aware of wiping down mats before and after each use. We have drawn up a hygiene checklist that is recorded and filled in weekly. Management will check weekly to ensure equipment is clean and fit for use. 2. Old broken toilet roll holder removed and a new toilet roll holder was installed to store toilet roll. We have drawn up a hygiene checklist that is recorded and filled in weekly. Management will work collaboratively and ensure that all essential maintenance is carried out. 3. After the inspection all spare clothes were washed, dried and placed in labelled zip lock bags. The spare clothes will be washed regularly and stored appropriately as per inspectors’ advice. 4. Old potties have been discarded and new Potties bought, they are small and can be stored away when not in use. Management will check weekly to ensure equipment is clean and fit for use. Supporting documentation submitted Infection Control: Documentary and photographic evidence submitted. Summary Comment The inspector has reviewed the actions taken and evidence submitted. The non-compliances identified under Regulation 23; infection control have been addressed
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
(1) (b) The inspectors were unable to attain a record detailing the number, type, and maintenance of the firefighting equipment on the premises on the day of inspection
Provider's corrective action:
The RP obtained the fire maintenance certificate from the buildings facilities manager which shows a dated inspection of the equipment on 29 August 2025. The service has requested their own copy of the smoke alarm and fire equipment maintenance report so that it is available and onsite for future inspections
Immediate action notice. An immediate action notice was issued on the day of the inspection in relation to an observed risk under Regulation 23. A response which addressed the non-compliance was received from the registered provider on 12th of April 2024. Please see body of report for details. Part III – Management and Staff
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
(3) A review of available documents demonstrated that the procedure specified in paragraph (2)(b) consideration of references and (2)(c) consideration of garda vetting disclosure were not carried out prior to the employment of 1 staff member
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action The reference and validation are now available. Management will ensure to follow the Garda vetting procedure and obtain Garda vetting for each employee before starting their employment. Preventive Action Prior to employment all pre-employment checks will be completed, and audits carried out to ensure compliance
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
1(a) Basic Needs: 1. A child observed to require additional support did not have a care plan or documentary evidence of their strengths, challenges, or goals. A clear and detailed care plan would help inform and support staff to reduce risk to the child’s safety. Physical and material environment: 2. In the smaller care space separated with a partial divider the layout of resources was not accessible and inviting. This discouraged exploration, organisation, and extended play experiences for the children. The following was observed: • Resources were stacked and placed on deep shelving units with additional items placed in front creating a barrier for children to access the toys. • Toys were grouped at random in boxes without themes. • A large storage box filled with resources was heavy and difficult for children to remove from the shelf preventing access to the materials inside. • Shelving at the children’s level contained toys without supporting resources. For example, two shape sorters without accompanying pieces. • The toys stored inside boxes labelled with writing did not match their description. 3. Appropriately sized furniture was not available to suit the requirements of all children for example nine children were observed sitting at tables unable to reach the floor. One child was observed sliding on their seat back and forth and then to try repositioning themselves using the table during a mealtime to be in a more comfortable position. 4. In the larger care space, a storage box used to hold books did not display the books promoting them for use to the children and limited children’s engagement in early literacy resources
Provider's corrective action:
1. Corrective action: An individual education plan is in progress for the child. All children will have daily record books which will be shared with the parents. Preventive actions: An individual education plan will be developed for any children who require additional support. 2. Corrective action: The heavy storage box has been removed and children can access musical instruments from a basket placed on the floor. A plan is in place to replace deep shelving and label materials with photos by September 2024. Preventive action: Management will ensure that all equipment will be appropriate for all children attending the service. 3. Corrective action: All furniture will be changed in the creche, so it is appropriate for use by all children attending by September 2024. Preventive action: Management will ensure that all equipment will be appropriate for all children attending the service. 4. Corrective action: New bookshelves are in place beside the cosy area displaying the books and inviting children to engage. Preventive action: Management will ensure that all equipment will be appropriate for all children attending the service
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. On arrival to the service at 9:38am the main door was unlocked, and the inspectors were able to enter unrestricted. An inspector spoke with a staff member who advised generally practice is to lock the entrance. The door was checked again at 9:43am and remained unlocked. The main door opens directly into the care room which has a child safety gate in place. The door is accessed directly from the street which posed a potential risk of unauthorised persons gaining access to the service without restriction. An immediate action notice was issued on the day of inspection. 2. A wire was exposed at the bottom of a children’s pop-up tent. This posed a risk of injury. Infection Control: 3. Toys were observed to be stored in a sanitary area. This posed an infection control risk. Administration of Medication: 4. There was no care plan available for a child with emergency medication. Discussion with staff members confirmed they were not familiar with the administration procedures. This is not in line with the service policy that states that a written care and administration plan will be obtained on enrolment and staff will receive training on the proper use of equipment such as inhalers and auto injectors. 5. Staff advised that a child taking medication on the day of inspection regularly requires the medication while attending the service. There was no record of any medication administration for the child. This is not in line with the service policy that states medication will never be administered without written permission from parents or guardians. 6. Medication that was administered to a child was not labelled with the child’s name and stored in an original container. This is not in line with the service policy that states medication must be labelled with the child’s name and in the original container. Fire Safety: 7. Attendance records were not maintained in a timely manner. This posed the risk of incorrect information being provided to the fire services in the event of an emergency. At 11:22am eleven children were present on the premises but only nine children were signed in. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: 1. A door monitoring procedure has been put in place. 2. The broken tent has been removed and replaced with a new one. Management and staff will ensure that all broken equipment is removed and will carry out a daily risk assessment. Infection Control: 3. Toys have been removed from the sanitary area. No toys will be stored in the sanitary area. Administration of Medication: 4. A care plan is now in place for the child with emergency medication. Care plans will be in place for children with emergency medication before they start attending the service. 5 & 6. An agreement was made with the child’s family that the medication would be administered at home. Fire Safety: 7. Management will review the register to ensure attendance is recorded accurately in a timely manner
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
(4) There was no display of the fire evacuation procedures in the service
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action Evacuation plans are now placed throughout the service. Preventive Action Management have ensured that clear evacuation plans are up, that all staff and children are aware of the evacuation route and will do regular fire drills to ensure this