Deerpark Montessori School, Howth — inspection reports and findings

Sessional · 2 - 6 Years · Howth, Dublin · Tusla ID TU2015FL093 · Not Registered - Closed since 1 January 2026

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

(2)(a) Two references that were available for one staff member were not validated with the person who provided the references. (d) International police vetting was not available for 1 adult who had lived outside the State as adults for more than 6 consecutive months as an adult

Provider's corrective action:

Corrective Action (2) (a) The registered provider validated each reference by phone, in accordance with Tusla requirements. This document has now been added to the staff file. (d) The staff member has submitted the English official translation of the Vetting documentation. Preventive Action (2) (a) References will be validated as part of the recruitment process. (d) International vetting will be required for any staff member who has lived outside Ireland for more than six months. This step will be part of their recruitment process

(1)(a) Fire drills were not conducted in the service on a regular basis. The last fire drill occurred in February 2025. Fire drills must be conducted monthly to familiarise both staff and children with evacuation procedures in the event of an emergency. (b) A record was not available of the number, type and maintenance of the firefighting equipment and smoke alarms in the premises. The records were retained by the property landlord and were not available for inspection

Provider's corrective action:

Corrective Action (1)(a) Following the Tusla inspection, a fire drill was carried out with the children. This drill was fully documented, and the record was added to our daily logbook using the updated fire safety template. At present, they have completed and recorded two fire drills, one in November and one in December. (b) Manager requested smoke detector inspection certificate from landlord. Documentation not yet received due to delays caused by staff illness and ongoing alarm system upgrades. Preventive Action (1)(a) The service has implemented a monthly fire drill schedule, to be conducted during the first week of each month. All fire drills will be recorded in the daily logbook using the fire safety template, and documentation will be kept on file for inspection to ensure compliance with Regulations. (b) Certificate will be forwarded as soon as received. Annual alarm checks will be requested and kept on file going forward

Found compliant: Regulation 11, 15, 19, 23, 25.

(1)(a) A record was not maintained in the service of the name, position, qualifications, and experience of the person in charge and employees in the service

Provider's corrective action:

Corrective Action (1)(a) CV’s have been obtained for the 2 members of permanent staff and the 2 substitute teachers and are now on file. Preventive Action (1)(a) CV’s will be obtained for any future employees in Deerpark Montessori and will be kept on file

Basic needs: 1. The children’s water bottles were stored in their bags or in the corridor outside the care room and were not available to the children throughout the session

Provider's corrective action:

Corrective Action Basic needs: 1. The children’s water bottles are now kept on a tray in the classroom each morning so the children can access them when they wish throughout the day. Preventive Action 1. Each child will put their bottle on the drinks tray at the door of the classroom when they arrive to school each day as part of their daily routine. This will ensure that all children have access to a drink of water as they need it. Summary Comment The evidence submitted by the registered provider in relation to regulation 19 - Health, welfare and development of child has been reviewed and accepted

Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 15, 23, 25, 27, 28.

Deerpark Montessori School