# Discoveryland Creche and Montessori, Wexford — inspection reports and findings > Discoveryland Creche and Montessori (Wexford, Co. Wexford): what Tusla inspections found — 5 published inspection(s), non-compliances and the provider's corrective actions. ## Discoveryland Creche and Montessori Sessional · 0 - 6 Years · Wexford, Wexford · Tusla ID **TU2015WX041** · Removed Registration since 1 January 2026 An inspection records what inspectors saw **on one day**; services respond with corrective actions — [how to read this](/methodology.md). #### Inspection of 14 October 2025 — Inspection Report Full report (PDF, Tusla) **Immediate action notice.** This inspection was conducted as a follow-up to assess the implementation of the corrective and preventative actions from the previous inspection of April 2025. Repeat non-compliance was identified on this inspection under Regulations 11, 15, 19, 20, 23 and 30. Previous corrective and preventive actions provided by the registered provider following inspections on 10th September 2024 and 29 and 30 April 2025 had not been implemented in a manner that achieved sustained compliance. The overall governance of the service was inadequate to ensure the care, safety and welfare of children as demonstrated under Regulations 11, 15, 19, 20, 23 and 30 within this report. **Immediate action notice.** The registered provider was referred to the National Registration and Enforcement Panel (NREP) for consideration of escalatory action due to the persistent and significant nature of the non-compliance identified on the previous inspection in April 2025. The service remains under consideration of the panel at the time of this inspection. ##### Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - (7) There was a failure in the oversight of the registered provider to ensure that risks which were identified on the previous inspection were mitigated. Some corrective actions submitted by the registered provider in response to findings about governance and risk following the last inspection in April 2025 had not been implemented or did not achieve sustained compliance. The inability of the registered provider to mitigate and manage risk was apparent. The following examples demonstrate where the registered provider failed in their duty to ensure all reasonable measures were in place to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of children attending the service. 1. The registered provider did not ensure that adequate or effective measures were in place for the sharing of information with the person in charge and/or staff members. In response to the inspection in April 2025, the registered provider submitted actions and supporting documentation to illustrate the measures they said were being implemented to address the non-compliance identified. On inspection, through discussion with the person in charge and staff members it was confirmed that they were not familiar with actions and/or supporting documentation which were described by the registered provider as being implemented in the service: a. The registered provider stated in their last CAPA submission that certain agenda items such as discussions on service policies and findings from the previous inspection would be scheduled for the next planned team meeting. This included the following: • To review a policy each month, which includes the safe sleep policy, • A discussion regarding the importance of communication with parents, • Completion of accident and incident records, • Medicine book. Staff and the person in charge told the inspectors that a staff meeting did not occur since December 2024. This was at variance with the service’s corrective actions and their staff training policy, which stated that there were regular and consistent team meetings. b. It is acknowledged that staff members confirmed that the service’s policies were emailed to them to read. However, it was confirmed by staff that the team meeting proposed by the registered provider did not take place and there were no other measures in place to discuss the service’s policies and procedures. This was at variance with the service’s staff information policy that there would be regular two-way communication between staff and management on the service’s policies. c. The registered provider stated that there would be regular checks of accident and incident records to ensure they were completed. The registered provider submitted a ‘Medical/incident report book checklist’ to the inspectorate. This was shown to the person in charge during the inspection, and they confirmed they were not familiar with the form. They outlined that templates were often developed by the management of the service, and the staff team were not informed to use them. Despite repeated assurances from the registered provider through the CAPA process, there were repeat failures to train and communicate information to staff about the regulations, policies and procedures of the service, and to supervise them sufficiently in their roles. This has contributed to repeated non-compliance under regulations 15,19 and 23 which impacts care, safety and welfare of children. 2. The registered provider did not ensure that staff members were provided with the relevant training and information to carry out their roles and responsibilities. This non-compliance was found on the previous inspection in April 2025. Ineffective governance structures did not ensure that compliance was reached or sustained, and the lack of training, support and information provided to staff members continued to pose a potential risk to the safety of the children and the care received as follows: a. The service’s induction policy stated that staff appraisals would be carried out for each staff member within the first six months of their appointment. The person in charge confirmed that staff appraisals do not take place. The inspectors spoke with two additional staff members who confirmed they had not had an appraisal. b. Inspectors found that the registered provider had not implemented effective measures to identify and respond to the support, supervision and training needs of staff. The staff training policy stated that supervision is a core part of the development of staff within the service. The policy outlined that supervision meetings were carried out monthly and referred to a supervision agenda for each meeting, which referenced training needs. In discussion with staff members, it was confirmed that supervision did not take place within the service. The absence of a support and supervision framework does not effectively allow for staff support and training needs to be identified and responded to. 3. The registered provider did not ensure that the staff members were provided with information to carry out their role as mandated persons as follows: a. The service’s induction policy stated that every staff member will be provided with an induction training programme when they commence work to ensure they are fully trained in the first number of months of work. The policy outlined that this induction procedure was to ensure that staff members were familiar with the service’s Child Safeguarding Statement and Child Protection Policy. In discussion with the person in charge and staff members, it is acknowledged that the staff members had completed online safeguarding training ‘Introduction to Children’s First E- learning programme’ since the previous inspection. However, it was determined that two staff members completed the training 6 to 12 months after commencing their employment, and not within the first number of months of employment. This posed a risk as the delay in training may hinder staff knowledge and ability to respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns. b. On the previous inspection carried out in April 2025, staff members were not aware of the name of the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) in the service. Following that inspection, the registered provider sent a letter dated 10 June 2025 to staff members. A copy of this was submitted to the inspectorate as part of the CAPA process. The information provided to the Inspectorate did not correlate with the information regarding the DLP in the service. This can lead to confusion or a delayed response if there is a child safeguarding concern. The lack of clear information and delays in the training of staff members posed an increased risk to the safety of the children. 4. The registered provider did not ensure that corrective and preventive actions, provided to the Inspectorate after their last inspection, were implemented to mitigate the risks identified. The following examples demonstrate inadequate oversight and the failure of governance structures to prevent recurring non-compliance. a. Through the CAPA response, the registered provider stated that staff would be subject to random spot checks on policies to ensure they are familiar at all times. There was no evidence to indicate that this was implemented, and practices observed were at variance with the service safe sleep, infection control, accident and incident and administration of medication policies. This is further demonstrated under Regulation 20 - Facilities for Rest and Play and Regulation 23 Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child. b. The registered provider stated in their CAPA submissions following the last two inspections that the completion of children’s enrolment forms would be overseen by the manager and that these would be in place before children started attending. The monitoring actions submitted by the registered provider were not effectively implemented to prevent recurrence of the finding. This is further demonstrated under Regulation 15, Record of pre-school child. c. The registered provider stated in their CAPA submission following an inspection in April 2025, that management would discuss the service’s administration of medication procedure at a staff meeting, and that a monthly checklist would be implemented to prevent recurrence. These measures were not implemented to mitigate the risk as reported under Regulation 23, Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child. d. In response to Regulation 19, Health, welfare and development of child(1)(b), the registered provider stated that the sleep needs of children would be an ‘ongoing monitored situation’. There was no change in practice observed by the inspectors to meet the needs of children who did not require or did not sleep within the Juniors and Pre-Montessori room. This is further demonstrated under Regulation 19. e. In response to reducing the risk of cross-infection identified on the previous inspection, the registered provider stated that staff were issued with a ‘maintenance report’ to document any torn and/or worn mats or cushions. They stated that this measure would allow for any occurrences to be reported to management. In discussion with staff, they said they were not familiar with this document and the infection control risk was not mitigated. This is further demonstrated under Regulation 23 Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child. f. In the CAPA response following the previous inspection, the registered provider stated that room leaders were instructed to use the ‘Room Equipment Report’ to support management in identifying the need for new or additional equipment. In discussion with staff members, it was confirmed that they were not familiar with this form - 1. The registered provider submitted the following actions in response to the non-compliance identified regarding the measures in place to ensure that information is effectively shared with the person in charge and/or staff members; a&b. A staff meeting was held on the 24 November 2025. Policies, communication with parents, medicine book and accident and incident books were discussed. Going forward the registered provider will ensure a staff meeting occurs every 4-6 weeks where the latest policy which staff received will be discussed. (c) The registered provider has assigned only the manager to compile any new templates or checklists. Registered provider ensures only the manager will compile any new templates/checklist and only be distributed from the manager to the staff. 2. The registered provider submitted the following actions in response to providing staff members with the relevant training and information to carry out their roles and responsibilities: a. Staff appraisals are ongoing at the moment. The registered provider has assigned the manager to carry out appraisals in May of each year with all staff. New staff will receive an appraisal with-in two months of starting role in Creche. b. The registered provider will put in place from January, that the manager will carry out supervision meetings with all staff and continue to do so monthly. The registered provider will oversee that the manager carries out this practice and reports back to provider. 3. The registered provider submitted the following actions in response to providing staff members with information to carry out their role as mandated persons: a. Staff have all completed the Children first. The manager will ensure that all new staff have completed the children first with-in the first week of taking up their role in the setting. It will be included in the induction plan. b. A poster including the DPL and the deputy DPL names are up in all rooms. The manager will discuss at meetings with all staff and include information in the induction plan for new staff. 4. The registered provider submitted the following actions in response implementing the corrective and preventive actions submitted following the previous inspection in April 2025: a. Staff have been receiving policies every month which they have signed for. The registered provider and manager have discussed policies at the meeting and will continue to discuss at all meeting until all policies have been discussed. b. The records have been corrected. The registered provider and manager will thoroughly check all new enrolment forms before a child starts. c. All staff were told how to fill in the books correctly this was also discussed at the meeting on 24 November 2025. The registered provider has assigned a staff member to check that all books are filled out on a daily basis to ensure they are filled out properly and to connect with the manager. d. Pre-montessori is now a sleep room so the junior room is where the children who do not sleep go, they can play at their leisure. There are two staff allocated to each room. The service will keep each room separate one as sleep room and the other where children can just rest and play. e. A maintenance form is in every room for staff to log any issues. Manager will check forms and report to registered provider to correct issues f. A room equipment form is in all room for staff to fill in as needed. The forms will be checked by the registered provider and equipment provided as needed ##### Regulation 11 — Staffing levels - This regulation was non-compliant on inspection in April 2025 and September 2024. The corrective and preventive actions submitted by the registered provider failed to achieve or sustain compliance concerning adequate staffing levels. (1) The registered provider did not ensure that there were sufficient staff working directly with children, as demonstrated by the following findings: 1. Inspectors observed inadequate staffing levels to facilitate staff taking breaks during the second day of inspection. Through discussion with staff, a review of the roster and sign-in sheets, it was evident that there was no additional staff available to care for the children while staff were taking lunch breaks. It was confirmed with staff members that staff breaks started at 12pm, and during the inspection staff breaks were observed to finished at approx. 2.30pm. 2. There was an inadequate number of adults available within the service on day 2 between 12.40pm to 2.06pm to cater for the needs of the children in the Juniors room. This is further demonstrated under Regulation 19. Health, welfare and development of child (2) The registered provider did not ensure that the minimum ratio of adults to children was adhered to at all times. This was found non-compliant on the previous inspection in April 2025, and September 2024. While all staff rostered to work on the day 2 were present, the number of staff available was insufficient to ensure that the minimum adult to child ratio was maintained at all times. From 12.40pm until 2.06pm, there was one adult in the Juniors room with two children aged 2 to 3 years and four children aged 1 to 2 years. Based on the age of the children and the type of service they were attending, a minimum of two adults were required at this time. A sample of children’s attendance records, staff sign-in/out records and rosters was reviewed. However, it was not possible to determine that the minimum adult-to-child ratio was maintained on the dates sampled, as the staff breaks were not recorded on these records - 1. We have two staff members that cover lunches as our lunch hours are only a half hour. Lunch cover has been added to the staff rota. We find this difficult to give 100% honest answer. But will work it to the best of our ability. The registered provider has put an ad online to employ an extra member of staff. 2. The registered provider understands on the day the service should have been more aware of the ages in the rooms. The rota has been revised to ensure the adult to child ratio is covered at all times. While rooms are covered at the moment, the registered provider has advertised for another member of staff. The service has not got any suitable applicants as of yet - There are two staff allocated to the junior room at all times. Rota has included lunch cover to ensure adult to child ratio is kept. The service are actively looking for more staff. The registered provider has advertised for another member of staff. The registered provider will make sure to adhere to the ratios and keep an eye on ages ##### Regulation 15 — Record of pre-school child - (1) This regulation was non-compliant on inspections in September 2024 and April 2025. The corrective and preventive actions submitted by the registered provider failed to achieve or sustain compliance with records relating to a pre-school child. 1. Measures identified by the registered provider were not effectively implemented to ensure that necessary information about children was sought and maintained. Inadequate information was available to inform children’s care regarding authorisation for collection, emergency contacts and immunisations. This practice continues to pose a potential risk to the safety, health and welfare of children. The following was noted: a. The registered provider stated through their CAPA response that children’s enrolment records had been brought up to date and all details would be checked and discussed with parents. The enrolment records, which were reviewed during the previous inspection on 29 and 30 April 2025, were reviewed again. It was confirmed that 9 of the 11 children were still in attendance at the service. These 9 enrolment forms were reviewed. On review, 4 of the records remained incomplete with details missing about authorisation to collect children from the service, emergency contacts for children, record of immunisations and written parental consent for appropriate medical treatment in the event of an emergency. b. The service’s settling-in policy and child safeguarding statement outlined that before enrolment, an exchange of information would take place between parents/guardians to complete children’s registration forms, with persons authorised to collect and emergency contacts. In the CAPA response, the registered provider stated that going forward, all records will be checked to ensure that all information has been correctly filled in. A sample of 15 enrolment records were reviewed for children who had enrolled to attend since the previous inspection in April 2025. Of these, 12 records were incomplete with information gaps which posed a risk to the safe care of children. In their CAPA response, the registered provider stated that they implemented an ‘enrolment checklist’ to ensure that the required detailed were obtained for each child. The following was noted: (d) One record did not provide details for another named adult who could be contacted if the child’s parent or guardian could not be reached. (e) Three records did not detail the named adult(s) authorised to collect the children. The action submitted by the registered provider following the previous inspection in April 2025 regarding working with the child’s parents to organise a named adult was not implemented. (f) One record contained no information about whether a child had any illness, disability or allergy. The registered provider stated through their CAPA submission that all details will be checked and discussed with parents. This action was not implemented. (g) Details of a registered medical practitioner were not provided for five children. The registered provider stated during the CAPA process that where children do not have a family GP, parents will be advised to submit a letter stating such and will designate ‘Care Doc’ in the interim. This letter was not evident for these five children attending the service. (h) One record did not provide details of immunisation, if any, received by the child. The registered provider stated through their CAPA submission that the team checked and updated immunisation records on enrolment forms. This action was not implemented. (i) Nine records did not have written parental consent for appropriate medical treatment for their child in the event of an emergency. This practice continues to pose a risk to the safety of the children attending the service as the registered provider has not sought sufficient information to ensure they can provide safe and appropriate care - 1. The registered provider submitted the following actions: a. All forms have been corrected . Going forward, the registered provider and manager will check and recheck all new start forms before start date. b. The service have again checked all the enrolment records and found five that were incomplete. But all major details were on the forms and all records have now been completed . Registered provider and manager will check and recheck any new enrolment forms and speak to parents. (d) As explained to the inspectors, this family have recently moved to the area. We have spoken to the parents and they have no way off solving this problem unless they are asked to remove the child. The form has since been corrected. The registered provider and manager will check all enrolment for all correct details. (e) The service has gone over all the forms and checked and had them corrected, to the best of our knowledge. The registered provider and manager will check any new enrolment form for all correct details. (f) The child has no illness, disability or allergies so the parent left it blank. If we have a child with an illness we will send it home, no risks taken. The registered provider will monitor all forms and recheck them. (g) The service has a letter to be signed when they receive enrolment form if they have no GP . All letters with no family GP have been signed by parent . The registered provider will engage with manager monthly to monitor that all forms have all details correct. (h) All records have been corrected. The registered provider will engage with manager monthly to monitor that all forms have all details correct. (i) All records have been corrected. The registered provider will engage with manager monthly to monitor that all forms have all details correct ##### Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child - (1)(b) This regulation was non-compliant following inspection on 29 and 30 April 2025. The corrective and preventive actions submitted by the registered provider failed to achieve or sustain compliance. 1. The insufficient number of adults in the service from 12.30pm to 2.05pm on the second day of inspection impacted the care which children received. The following was noted: a. At 1pm, there were 10 children aged 1 to 3 years in the Pre-Montessori room on sleep mats and low-level beds, lighting had been darkened. In discussion with the staff member, they outlined that while all of the children would be provided with an opportunity for sleep, a number of the children did not routinely sleep. Staff members outlined that the children who did not sleep would be brought outside when a staff member returned from their break. This could not be facilitated until 1.40pm, when the staff member returned and 4 of the 5 children who did not sleep were brought outdoors. This resulted in this group of children spending 40 minutes in a darkened room with no alternative activity provided. 2. In the Juniors room at 1.45 pm, there was one staff member present with 6 children aged 2 to 3 years. During this time, one child had just woken from sleep while the remaining 5 children were playing. The staff member was tidying away the sleep beds when two children became upset. One of the children remained upset at 1.55pm. While it is noted that the staff member attempted to comfort the child, an additional adult was required to provide support in the care room. In discussion with the staff member, they outlined that an additional adult was not available to provide support at this time, or to provide support with other care routines, such as nappy changes, until staff breaks were finished. This staffing allocation may impact on staff capacity to respond to children’s care needs each day between 12.30pm to 2.30pm. 3. Children’s individual need for comfort and reassurance was not consistently recognised or supported by staff. On day 1, at 11.51am during sleep time in the Junior room, a child aged 2, was sitting on a bed and appeared distressed. The child was crying and their face, hands and t-shirt were observed to be wet. The staff member was not observed to provide emotional support or attention to the child. A different staff member outlined to the inspector that this child ‘gets emotional every day.’ This practice was at variance of the service’s managing behaviour policy which outlined that staff respond in a timely and appropriate way when children cry or become upset. It also stated that children who show signs of social and emotional difficulties are given appropriate care and support. The child remained visibly distressed and crying until 12.15pm with no comfort provided. This practice demonstrated an overt disregard for the comfort needs of the child. 4. The sleep practices in place within the Juniors and Pre Montessori rooms did not meet the needs of the children. This non-compliance was also identified on the previous inspection. The service’s sleep policy stated that children’s own choices and routine would dictate their sleep times. The following was observed: a. The registered provider stated through the CAPA response that children who required sleep would be accommodated, and that where children did not require sleep, they would be brought outside with the supervision of staff or to another age-appropriate room. • Through discussion with a staff member, it was confirmed that there was nowhere indoors for children who did not sleep in the Juniors room, and that they would remain within the darkened room for approximately 1.5 hours. • One child aged 3 years old was observed to remain awake in the darkened Pre- Montessori room from 1pm until 2.10pm on day 2. The child was observed to sit upright on the end of a sleep mat on which another child slept and look at the door for the duration of sleep time. Staff, when asked, did not provide a reasonable explanation for this. This practice is not child centred and negatively impacts the well-being of children. • On day 2, during sleep time in the Juniors room, there were 2 children aged 1 to 3 years who remained awake from 12pm to 1.09pm. These two children were not provided with an alternative and remained within the room. b. A child’s choice to sleep was not facilitated in the Pre-Montessori Room. On day 1, a three year old child expressed to the staff member that they were tired at 11.51am. The child was not afford an opportunity for sleep or rest. 5. During the previous inspection carried out in April 2025, the registered provider identified that a language barrier was a challenge in working in partnership with parents and ensuring that parents received key information about their children’s care. In discussion with staff members and the person in charge, it was confirmed that there were no new measures implemented within the service following the inspection to communicate effectively or build a partnership with parents - The registered provider stated that: 1. Children who do not sleep go into the junior’s room with two staff and there is a member of staff rostered to cover lunch making sure there is full adult to child ratio cover. The registered provider has re-arranged the rota to ensure cover in all rooms and lunch cover. An add has been put on indeed and face book to get extra staff. 2. The service has rectified this. Lunch is only half hour, as requested by staff. Two members of staff are in this room and lunch cover has been added to the rota ensuring adult to child ratio is kept. The registered provider has rearranged rota to ensure all rooms are covered at all times. The registered provider is looking for an extra staff member. 3. Staff were spoken to about the need of an emotional child and discussed it at the meeting with all staff. The manager will include this in supervisory meetings and keep a visual check on how staff interact with a child. 4. In response to the finding regarding the needs of awake and sleeping children, the registered provider submitted the following actions: a. The junior room is now for children that do not require sleep and the pre-montessori is for the children that sleep, with two staff covering each. The children the sleep go into one room and the children that don’t sleep go into another room. The manager will keep check that this arrangement is suitable to all the children equally. b. This was discussed at the meeting 24/11/25 with all staff about picking up on the needs of the child, if a child needs to sleep outside the sleeping hours a bed will be provided and a quiet area to sleep. Manager will check with staff to ensure this practice is carried out. 5. The service use a translation app with parents and has two members of staff that speak multi languages if needed ##### Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play - (a) 1. While it is noted that materials including a play kitchen with supporting equipment were added to the Juniors room, the room had limited resources to promote varied types of play. Open-ended and natural materials were not available to the children during the inspection. 2. There was an insufficient number of books within the Pre-Montessori room to cater for the number of children. On day 2, following dinnertime, children aged 2 to 4 years were directed to get a book. There were 3 books available on the bookshelf for 10 children present. Children were observed to become frustrated as they attempted to get the same book. (b) The sleep and rest facilities for children in the Pre-Montessori, Juniors and ECCE rooms were not adequate or suitable for the age and stage of development of the children. This was found non-compliant on the previous inspection in April 2025. The following was observed over the course of the two days: 3. There was no evidence available to demonstrate that parents had been consulted about the use of sleep mats for the four children aged 21 months to 2 years in the Juniors rooms who were sleeping on low-level sleep beds. This was at variance with the Guidance for the Early Learning and Care sector on sleep provision for children under 24 months, which was issued by the inspectorate to the early years sector in August 2023. 4. The equipment provided for sleeping children in the Pre-Montessori and ECCE room was not suitable. • On day 2, four children aged 2 to 3 years in the Pre-Montessori were provided with three plastic gymnastics mats on which to sleep. Two of the children had to share a mat. This gymnastics mat was observed to be use in the ECCE room also. • On day 1 and 2 in the in the Pre-Montessori room, a plastic mat was provided for a child to sleep on. 5. The environment within the ECCE room was not favourable for sleep. On day 1 at 12.48pm, a child in the ECCE room expressed to the staff member that they were tired. The staff member unfolded the plastic gymnastics mat, and the child was observed to lie on it. When the remaining 12 children finished their dinner the staff member prompted them to get a book, which was in the area where the child was resting. At 12.52pm, two children were observed rolling on top of the child who was trying to sleep. 6. Rest areas were not present in the Juniors, Pre-Montessori or ECCE rooms. This was found non-compliant on the inspection in April 2025 and September 2024. The inspectors observed that rest areas had not been maintained within the care rooms: a. There were no rest areas evident within the Juniors, Pre-Montessori room and ECCE rooms. b. Within the Pre-Montessori room and ECCE room, there were plastic gymnastics mats folded and propped against the wall. This did not provide children with comfortable place to rest or retreat to. There were findings of non-compliance with sleep and rest facilities identified on inspection in September 2024. and April 2025. Corrective and preventive actions submitted in response to that inspection were inadequate to prevent further non-compliance - The registered provider stated that: - 1. Opened ended materials have been included in the junior room. The manager will relay to the registered provider the equipment form and materials needed. 2. Both junior and pre-montessori have been restocked with more books. The manager will do a stock check and add to the equipment form and relay it to the registered provider. (b) 3. The parents have signed a letter allowing their child to go from a cot to a low -level bed. The manager will add the letter to the enrolment form for any child under two years of age. 4. New beds were bought and all children that sleep have a bed and sheet to lie on . The registered provider will provide more beds if needed, at the moment the service has enough to cover all and spares. 5. A space has been allocated in a quiet area in the ecce room for any child to sleep if needed . The manager has spoken to staff in the ecce room to be aware of a child that needs to sleep and provide a bed and quiet area to allow it to do so. 6. All room have been allocated a cosy corner. Registered provider has spoken to all staff about the need for a rest area for all the children in all room which have to be kept in place at all times , except for sleep time in the pre-montessori room. The mats have been fixed to the walls for comfort . Registered provider and manager will assess all rest areas weekly to assure they are comfortable for the children to use and see if anything else is needed to make it so ##### Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - The registered provider failed to ensure that some actions submitted through the CAPA process following the previous inspection in April 2025 were implemented. Compliance had not been adequately sustained to safeguard children’s health, safety and welfare. Regulation 23 was also non-compliant on inspection in 2024. The registered provider did not ensure that effective measures were in place to mitigate or monitor potential risks as follows: Risk Management 1. Corrective actions from the previous inspection in April 2025 in relation to the completion of accident and incident records were not implemented. The registered provider had stated that a regular check would be done on all records and that , going forward, it would be mandatory for parents to take the white copy. From the sample of 41 records reviewed, the following was noted: a. Five records were not signed by the child’s parent or guardian. b. The service’s accident and incident policy outlined that the parent or guardian received a copy of the record. However, on review of the accident and incident records, the copies for the parent on two records were intact. c. Seven accident and incident records were not signed by the staff member. d. Twenty-five records did not include the child’s date of birth. 2. The person in charge provided the inspectors with a health and safety checklist which included a daily review of all accident and incident records to ensure completion. This record was not available for the Juniors room. These health and safety checklists had been filled to indicate that daily checks had taken place for the weeks of 15th and 19th of September. However, the corresponding accident and incident records were not fully completed on those dates. 3. A risk assessment for the outdoor area was on display in the ECCE room, and it was marked as completed on day 1 and 2. On this risk assessment, it requested that ‘all broken toys/equipment are removed’. Furthermore, in discussion with staff members, they outlined that they carry out a visual risk assessment before they use the outdoor area. However, during day 2 of the inspection, the inspectors observed the following hazards in the outdoor area: • The shelving unit within the sheltered area posed a risk of injury to a child as it was unanchored and unsteady. • The flooring in the plastic playhouse was uneven and posed a trip risk for a child. The actions submitted by the registered provider through their CAPA response have not been implemented to mitigate risk. 4. The actions from the previous inspection in April 2025 in relation to the placement of furniture were not implemented and this continued to pose a risk of injury to children i n the Juniors room. On day two, there were eight children aged 1 to 3 years present. Staff members had stacked the children’s chairs during the morning and afternoon free play time. This was found on the previous inspection on 29 and 30 April 2025, and the registered provider stated that chairs would be stacked no more than 2 high going forward. This continues to pose an increased risk of injury to a child if they attempt to climb or pull them down. 5. The actions from the previous inspection in April 2025 were not implemented with regard to staff members being aware of the service’s healthy eating policy and procedures. On day 1, at snack time, a staff member provided a child aged 2 years with their lunchbox containing whole grapes. This practice was at variance with the service's healthy eating policy, which stated that grapes must be cut. This posed a potential risk of choking for the child. The inspector intervened to request that the staff member cut the grapes for the child. 6. Corrective actions about sleep infection control practices were not sufficient to mitigate risk following the last inspection. The registered provider submitted supporting documentation which demonstrated that staff were asked to read the service’s infection control and sleep policy. However, the following was observed on inspection: a. The policy outlined that all beds would be covered by a sheet. The registered provider had stated that bed linen was provided for each bed in each room and that regular checks of proper usage of the linen and bed will be carried out. However, the following was noted in the Pre-Montessori room: • On day one, none of the five children were provided with a bed sheet. • On day two, six of the ten children in the Pre-Montessori room were not provided with a bed sheet. Three children slept directly on low-level beds and three children slept directly on plastic mats. b. The sleep equipment was not cleaned before or after use within the Pre-Montessori room. On day 2, four children were provided with floor mats for sleep. These had been used for other purposes that morning, during which children were observed walking across them. This practice was at variance with the actions submitted by the registered provider, who stated that each bed is assigned to a child and they are cleaned after use. c. The service policy stated that sleeping mats were placed 50cm apart. On day 2, the sleep equipment was positioned less than 50cm apart for nine of the ten children. d. On day 1 and 2 of the inspection, children within the Juniors room, Pre-Montessori room and ECCE were observed to sleep with their shoes on. 7. The actions from the previous inspection in April 2025 in relation to safe sleep were not implemented adequately to mitigate risk. Sleep checks were not consistently carried out or recorded by staff members. It is acknowledged that safe sleep records were available for the children sleeping in Baby, Juniors and Pre-Montessori room. However, on day 1 at 2 pm, a child was observed to be asleep in the ECCE room. The inspector did not observe 10-minute sleep checks occurring and requested the sleep record. The staff member confirmed that they were not maintaining a record. The staff member was requested by the inspector to begin to carry out 10-minute observations and maintain a record. The registered provider stated that the importance of physically checking a child when sleeping was reiterated to all staff and that it would be discussed at staff meetings. However, no staff meetings had taken place since December 2024. This posed a potential safety risk to children. 8. The actions provided after the previous inspection in April 2025 in relation to cross-infection in the Baby room were not implemented. The registered provider stated through their CAPA response that they had replaced the cushions in the Baby room. However, the cushions remained worn and torn in places which did not allow for adequate cleaning. Administration of Medication: 9. The actions from the previous inspection in April 2025 in relation to the completion of administration of medication records were not implemented. From a sample of thirty-three administration of medication records, parental signatures were not evident on seven of the records. This was at variance with the service policy which outlined that the service informed the parent and/or guardian at collection time, who then signed the record. The registered provider through their CAPA response stated that this would be discussed at staff meetings. However, no staff meetings had taken place since December 2024. This posed a risk to children’s health as parents may not have been informed of medication which was administered to their child. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - Risk Management 1. The registered provider submitted the following actions in response to the non-compliance identified regarding the completion of accident and incident records: a. All records have been completed. The registered provider has assigned a staff member to check book daily and report to manager if a staff member needs to be shown again how to fill in properly. This was discussed at meeting. Staff member will liaise with management to keep control of this. b. This has been corrected. The registered provider has assigned a staff member to check books daily and report to manager if not being completed properly. Manager will speak to staff member. c. Staff have been spoken too on the importance of making sure parents get copy. This was discussed at meeting 24 November 2025 and staff were shown again how to fill in properly. A staff member has been assigned to checking books on a daily basis and report to management. d. A staff member has been assigned to check the books on a daily to ensure all is correct. Registered provider and manager will speak with staff member if in breach of non-compliance. 2. Paper work was discussed at meeting and manager is checking daily. Staff have been spoken to make sure they are aware of how to fill in daily sheets and to be aware of what they are signing. Manager will review the paper work daily and speak to staff member assigned to checking books daily. 3. The shelving unit has been removed and tiles put down to replace the piece the children played with. Management will keep check of the outdoor area with risk assessment. The registered provider will do a weekly walk around with risk assessment. 4. All chairs are stacked two high and the manager will do a visual check daily. 5. Staff in all rooms have been reminded to cut up the grapes if the parent has not done so. This was discussed at staff meeting 24 November 2025. Manager does a visual spot check. The registered provider has spoken at meeting about the dangers of the grapes not being cut up. 6. The registered provider submitted the following actions in response to the findings regarding the ineffective infection control measures in place: a. The girls in question were spoken too and reminded that the sheets were there to be used. There is enough sheets for all the beds. The service has changed the junior room and pre-montessori room so that one is a sleeping room. So each bed has a sheet and blanket to cover all sleeping children. This is a visual check by manager daily. b. This topic was discussed at the meeting 24 November 2025 all beds are to be cleaned once used. This is over seen by manager. c. Beds have been spaced 50cm apart in the room. The registered provider has spoken to all girls and helped spaced out room to allow 50cm apart. This is overseen by manager. d. The service will monitor this on a daily basis and it was also covered in the meeting 24 November 2025. Registered provider and manager covered this at the meeting and will be overseen visually by the manager. 7. Sleep records are kept in the ECCE room and all staff working in this room have been made aware of the importance of keeping these. A sleep record was started on the inspection and we will continue to do so. The manager is checking on a daily basis. 8. ALL the cushions in the baby room have been replaced. Registered provider will oversee a quality check weekly. Administration of Medication: 9. Again staff have been spoken to about the importance of this practice. All records have been corrected. This was discussed at the meeting. A staff member has been assigned to check the books on a daily basis and report to manager who will then talk to staff if needed ##### Regulation 30 — Minimum space requirements - In response to the non-compliance found on inspection in April 2025, the registered provider stated that the number of children attending the ECCE room was reduced to 14. This was not implemented. A review of children’s attendance records for the ECCE room from 15 September 2025 to 10 October 2025, demonstrated that there were more than 14 children in attendance for more than 3.5 hours in the ECCE room at any one time. On 11 days of the 20 days sampled, there were 15 to 18 children in attendance at the ECCE room for more than 3.5 hours. This regulation was found to be non-compliant in 2024 and 2025 - The service reduced four children’s hours. The registered provider will ensure the service only have 14 children in the afternoon Found compliant: Regulation 22. #### Inspection of 30 April 2025 — Inspection Report Full report (PDF, Tusla) **Immediate action notice.** Two immediate action notices (IAN) were issued under regulation 23, Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of child: 1. An immediate action notice was issued on 30th of April 2025 under regulation 23, Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of child regarding safe management of allergies. A response was submitted on 1st May 2025; however, this was inadequate to address the risks identified. Three further responses were requested by inspectors as aspects of the risk remained unsatisfactorily addressed. A complete response was received on 15th May. **Immediate action notice.** 2. A second immediate action notice was issued on the 1st of May 2025 under regulation 23, Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of child in relation to authorisation to collect and emergency contact details for children. An adequate response was submitted in response to this notice on 2nd May 2025. **Immediate action notice.** Repeat non-compliance was identified on this inspection under regulations 9, 11, 15, 19, 20, 22, 23 and 30. Previous corrective and preventive actions provided by the registered provider following inspection on 10th September 2024 had not been implemented in a manner that achieved sustained compliance. The overall governance of the service was inadequate to ensure the care, safety and welfare of children as demonstrated under regulations 9, 11, 15, 19, 20, 22, 23 and 30 within this report. **Immediate action notice.** The registered provider was referred to the National Registration and Enforcement Panel (NREP) for consideration of escalatory action due to the persistent and significant nature of the non-compliance identified on inspection. A regulatory enforcement meeting was held on 7th July 2025 between representatives of the service and members of the panel. The service remains under consideration of the panel at the time of publication of this report. ##### Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - (1) Children’s attendance, staff rosters and sign-in records were reviewed for the weeks of 7th, 14th and 21st of April 2025. (b) It was not possible to determine whether the person in charge or their deputy was always present in the service. Records reviewed for the week of April 7th 2025, indicated that these staff were not present in the evenings until all children left the service. Records showed that children were present until 18:00, while the staff roster and sign out records denoted that staff left the service at 17:30. (2) On review of the four files for staff members the following non-compliance was identified. (a)and(b) • Three written and validated references were not available for review in relation to two adults. • There was no evidence of validation of four references which were on file in relation to two adults. This was non-compliant on inspection in May 2023 at which time the registered provider stated as a corrective action that the manager will use a template/checklist to ensure that all the requirements are in place before staff start work. This action has failed to sustain compliance. (3) The registered provider had not carried out all of the necessary recruitment and vetting procedures in advance of appointment of staff as outlined in the non-compliance stated under regulation 9(2)(a) and (b). (4) Evidence of appropriate qualification was not available for one staff member on inspection. This was also non- compliant on inspection in September 2024 after which the registered provider stated that all qualifications will be verified before the start date, overseen by the manager. This corrective action was not sufficiently implemented to prevent further non-compliance. It is acknowledged that confirmation of qualification was submitted post inspection for this staff member on 8th May 2025 - The registered provider did not ensure that staff members were provided with the relevant training or sufficient information through the induction and training procedures set out in the staff training policy. Whilst there was a policy in place the registered provider did not implement this in practice. The lack of information and training provided to staff members posed an increased risk to the safety of the children. The policy stated that every staff member will be provided with an induction training programme when they commence work to ensure they are fully trained in the first number of months of work. Alongside this, the policy outlined the service’s approach to re-training of staff members, including the commitment of the registered provider to identify training needs and address the same. The following was found on inspection: • The registered provider stated that new staff members were provided with a number of days in the office, prior to working directly with children, to read the service’s policies and procedures. However, staff members said that they were not provided with this time to read the service’s policies, and one staff member outlined that they commenced working with the children and then read the policies while the children slept. • The service child protection policy outlined that as part of the induction process, all new staff would be informed of this policy and associated procedures within the first week of employment. The policy outlined that ongoing training would be provided to existing staff. In discussion with staff, inspectors were not assured that they had sufficient information about this policy. Four of five staff members demonstrated that they were not familiar with the procedures as outlined in the policy and they did not know the name of the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) in the service. • In discussion with staff, inspectors were not assured that they had been provided with adequate information to ensure safe care. For example, staff were not provided with information or training in relation to a child’s diagnosed condition and the procedures to follow in an emergency - The staff supervision policy stated that students/ trainees who work with children are always under the supervision of an appropriately qualified staff member. This was not implemented in practice during the inspection which resulted in a student in training being left solely responsible for children in their care. The inspector noted that the staff in the Baby room regularly left the room to change nappies, settle children in bed, wash children's hands leaving the student in the room alone with the remaining children. On the first day of the inspection, there were two qualified staff and a student in the baby room. For example: • At 11:10 one staff member was changing a nappy, a second staff member was settling a child to sleep in the sleep room, and the student was alone in the room with six children. • At 12:26, the student was left alone with seven children as one staff member was meeting a parent at the front door, and a second staff member was settling a child in bed. • At 13.07, the student was alone with seven children as one staff member washed children's hands, and the second staff member settled a child in a cot - The registered provider stated the following: (1) Manager and a staff member and if needed two and the director are always on. Extra ¾ of an hour have been added to the written rota. Going forward all staff hours will always be included on the rota. (2) Management are updating the staff files. All references have been validated. Once candidates’ references are received, they will be validated before the candidate starts work. Assuming all is well with references. A check list is in place and will be filled before candidate starts work. (3) Management takes all references very seriously into account when interviewing and this has always been standard practice. A check is carried out with the previously employers, if it’s a level 5 on their first job, management look for references from babysitting jobs and schools. Continued observation on references. All new incoming staff references and qualifications will be given the upmost consideration for any and all upcoming job appointment. This will be an ongoing procedure using checklist. (4) No corrective or preventive actions submitted. (7) 1. Staff have been given a copy of policies to study. To be brought up and discussed as part of next staff meeting. Staff have also been required to sign a declaration to show that they have read, understand and will implement policies going forward. Management will place greater onus on staff to activity engage and learn policies. Staff will be subject to random spot checks on policies to ensure they are familiar at all times. It has been communicated to staff that they are welcome to request additional training where they feel they need it and that a training evening will be made available to them upon request. (7) 2. No corrective or preventive actions were submitted ##### Regulation 11 — Staffing levels - (1) Inspectors were not assured that the registered provider had ensured that sufficient staff were working directly with children as demonstrated by the following findings: 1. Inspectors observed there were inadequate staffing levels to facilitate staff taking breaks during the day. Through discussion with staff, a review of the roster and sign-in sheets, it was evident that there were no additional staff available to care for the children to replace staff taking lunch breaks. 2. Following review of records from the week of April 7th 2025, the child attendance records, staff roster and staff sign in/out forms indicated that an adequate number of adults was not available to the children at all times. The non-compliance was found on the following dates and times: • Tuesday 8th April: Eleven children were recorded as present in the service from 5.30 – 6.00pm with one adult recorded as present on the available records. Two adults were required. • Wednesday 9th April: Eleven children were recorded as present in the service from 5.30-6.00pm with no adults recorded as present on the available records. Two adults were required. • Thursday 10th April: Eight children were recorded as present in the service from 5.30pm – 6.00pm with no adults recorded as present on the available records. Two adults were required. • Friday 11th April: Ten children were recorded as present in the service from 5.30pm – 6.00pm with no adults being recorded as present on the available records. Two adults were required - 3. The registered provider did not ensure that the minimum ratio of adults to children was adhered to. This was found non-compliant on inspection on 10 September 2024, and the registered provider stated through the - s (CAPA) process that they would adhere to the minimum ratios. The following was observed: • On both afternoons of the inspection, there were 18 children aged 3-5 attending full day care in the care of two staff members in the ECCE room. Based on the age and number of children, 3 staff were required. • Children’s attendance, staff rosters and sign-in records were reviewed for 31st March to 30th April 2025. The following is a sample of the findings: - 31st March 2025 17:30 – 18:15 : nine children present with one staff member where a minimum of two staff was required. - 1st April 2025 from 17:00 to 18:15 : eight children present with one staff member where a minimum of two staff was required. - 2nd April 2025 from 17:30 to 18:15 : eleven children present with one staff member where a minimum of two staff was required. - 8th April 2025 from 17:00 to 17:30 : 26 children present with 2 staff where a minimum of 4 staff was required - On review of the staff roster and sign-in records for the weeks of 14 and 28 April 2025, inspectors found that the registered provider did not ensure that there were two adults on the premises at all times. This posed a risk of inadequate supervision of children and the inability to respond adequately to an emergency should it arise. The following was identified through review of these records: • The week of 14 April 25, one adult was recorded as present on the service from 5.30pm – 6.00pm from Monday to Thursday. • The week of 28 April 25, one adult was recorded as present on the service from 5.30pm – 6.00pm. Corrective & Preventive Action submitted by the Registered Provider Corrective and Preventive Action 1. Discoveryland is currently recruiting “on-call” staff to facilitate and cover where sudden absences occur. 2. Staff are always present once children are on site. Where no staff is listed is a clerical error that will be immediately rectified. Rotas will be rectified to clarify this. All staff are rostered on from start until finish and are required to sign in and out. Weekly rota and sign in sheet are posted on the board in the hall and staff are required to fill in on a daily basis. This will be checked daily by the manager. 3. Discoveryland is in the process of recruiting “on-call” staff to act as relief staff where sudden and unexpected staff absences occur. (8)(a) Names/Times will be added into the rota. Staff required for all times through the day are rostered in on the rota ##### Regulation 15 — Record of pre-school child - A sample of sixteen children’s enrolment records were reviewed. The registered provider stated that these records were completed and reviewed by the service prior to each child attending. However, on review of these records it was found that the registered provider did not ensure that the required information was available to safeguard children’s wellbeing and safety. This practice was at variance with the settling in policy and child safeguarding statement which outlined that prior to enrolment, an exchange of information will take place between parents/guardians to complete children’s registration forms, with persons authorised to collect and emergency contacts. Failure to record this information and provide it to staff can compromise appropriate and safe care of children. The following was found: (b) six of the records did not detail the date on which the child first attended the service, (d) Six records did not provide contact details for another person in the case where a parent or guardian could not be contacted, (e) Seven records did not detail the named adult(s) authorised to collect the child, (f) the details of an allergy and information relevant to the provision of care for one child for whom the service had emergency medicine (g) Details of a registered medical practitioner were not provided for one child. (h) Eight records did not provide details of immunisation, if any, received by the child. This regulation was non-compliant on the previous inspection in September 2024. Through the CAPA process, the registered provider stated that the forms would be overseen by the manager and in place before children started attending. The registered provider has not implemented these actions adequately to prevent recurrence of this non-compliance - Records have been brought up to date. Going forward on enrolment all records will be checked to assert if all information has correctly been filled in. Discoveryland will implement the use of an ‘Enrolment Checklist’ to be reviewed and used upon enrolment of child before the child begins to attend Discoveryland. Ensuring all enrolment forms are filled correct, if no other adult is authorised to collect, we will work with the parents to organise a named adult to collect if parent/parents are unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances. Any child attending with a medical issue care plan and details will be put up in all rooms. Also, all details will be checked on the enrolment form and discussed with Parents. Discoveryland has implemented an ‘Enrolment Checklist’ that specifically targets this non-compliance to ensure this does not occur again. Where children do not have a family GP parents will be advised to submit a letter to state such and will designate ‘Care Doc’ in the interim. The team have checked and updated immunisation records on enrolments forms, and have implemented the use of an ‘Enrolment Checklist’ to ensure such incidents do not reoccur ##### Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child - (1)(a) The registered provider did not ensure that each child’s learning, development and well-being was facilitated, as demonstrated by the following observations: 1. Opportunities were not provided for children to make choices, engage in open-ended play, child-led or varied learning opportunities. This was further restricted by the adult led routine in place. The following examples were observed: • Staff members were observed not to offer children options for play or activities in the ECCE room. A staff member had prepared an art activity of sticking shapes to create a house. All the shapes were in the centre of the table, and a group of four children at a time were told to sit down and to not touch the shapes. Staff put glue on the shapes and told each child where to stick them. This practice didn’t provide children with autonomy, removing their opportunity to create their own work. • Staff in the ECCE room were observed not to act on the children’s cues when they expressed a preference for an alternative activity. For example, a child was overheard asking if they could colour their house and they were told no as they did their colouring yesterday. • At 10:40 in the Juniors room staff members were sitting on the floor with 9 children aged 1 to 3 years reading books. No other activity was available for the children at this time and they had limited access to resources within the room. The children were observed wandering around the room. • A child said he wanted to lie down and sleep during the meditation, a staff member told him that he had to sit up as he was going to big school in September. • A staff member told the children it was story time. Five children said they didn’t want a story. The staff replied, ‘if you want to go outside, you have to sit down and listen.’ 2. Clear communication and planning were not evident in the Junior room at points during the inspection. This resulted in confusion for children and an absence of activities to take part in. The following was noted: • A transition at nappy change time was not managed effectively. At 11:00, one staff member began nappy changes for nine children. At 11:10, the second staff member encouraged children to get their coats on as they were going outside. Four children were supported to put their coats on but they did not get to go outside. At 11:20, the children’s coats were removed by the staff member. Nappy changing concluded at 11:30 and children were advised that they were getting ready for bed time. No alternative activity was provided during this time, children were observed wandering in the room with no play materials or equipment available. • Between 10:40 to 11:30 story books were the only materials which the children had access to within the room. This practice was at variance with the service’s curriculum policy which stated that the curriculum encourages active learning, problem solving, effective communication, creativity and autonomy for children. (b) 3. Interactions observed between staff and children during the inspection were at times inappropriate and at variance with the service’s managing behaviour and child protection policies. The policies outlined that staff speak to children in appropriate tones and use positive language and described that children will feel valued, empowered, included and confident in the environment. The behaviour management policy outlined that staff have fair expectations regarding children’s behaviour. • Staff were observed to use directive instruction to children rather that supportive engagement to address behaviours during dinner time in the ECCE room on both days of inspection and snack time in the Juniors room on day 2 of inspection. Examples heard were ‘keep your hands to yourself’, ‘sit down’, ‘push your chair in’, ‘sit on your chair’ and ‘excuse me, ah-ah’, ‘sit’. During this time, one child had a crayon and the adult stated in a low tone ‘we don’t draw on tables’ and took the crayon from the child’s hand in a quick motion. • Staff in the ECCE room openly told the group the names of three children who would not receive a star as they were not quiet. One child expressed disappointment when they did not receive a star for being ‘quiet’. • At 11:30 in the Juniors room, both staff members were preparing the room for sleep time. The children wandered in the room, with some retrieving a book. A staff member said to one child across the room ‘it is time for bed, I didn’t say books, put them back’. The next interaction between the staff member and children was ‘it is time for bed, can we go to the corner where we sit’. The staff member took the books from the four children and put them back on the shelf. The children sat on the floor mat while both staff members continued to retrieve the beds. The children sat waiting until 11:46 until their bed was ready. An activity was not provided and there were no positive interactions between staff and children during this time. • Additionally, in discussion with three staff members, they described that children were directed to sit in a chair as a way of managing behaviour. This contravenes the service’s behaviour management policy. 4. It was observed that the healthy eating policy did not reflect practice in the service. For example, • The policy outlined that children would not wait long for their meals. On both days of inspection some children waited up to 30 minutes for their dinner. Children had to wait for all children to finish their meals before leaving the table. This led to children becoming unsettled and repeatedly told to sit down by staff even though their meal was finished. • Staff members were not observed to sit with the children in the ECCE room on both days of inspection at dinner time and the Juniors room on day 2 of inspection during the evening snack time, as outlined in the services policy. 5. Information sharing with parents and staff was inconsistent. This can create risks to safe care, continuity of care between home and the service. The service’s partnership with parents policy outlined that the service recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents/guardians to promote the best interests of children and support the regular exchange of information. The following examples were found: • In discussion, a staff member outlined they have not met parents of some children in their group. The staff member outlined they were not provided with key information which parents provided to the service on enrolment such as children’s likes or dislikes. • In discussion with the registered provider, a language barrier was outlined as a key challenge to working in partnership with parents. The registered provider stated that information from the service was shared with parents, however, they acknowledged that the information may not be accessible for all as it was in English only. 6. The sleep arrangements within some rooms in the service impacted children's rest and their full participation in activities. The following examples were found: • A child was woken prematurely in the ECCE room, when a group of five children were instructed to sit on the mat on which he was sleeping. The child was noted to be upset when he woke. • Children in the Juniors and Pre-Montessori rooms, who did not need or want to sleep, were kept within the same rooms as children who were sleeping between 12:00 to 14:20. Inspectors observed that three children who did not need sleep were required to sit and play quietly in the dimly lit rooms. Staff were heard asking these children to be quiet during this time. Findings of non-compliance with Regulation 19 (1) have been identified on inspections in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019. Corrective and preventive actions identified by the registered provider have been unsuccessful in reaching compliance with this regulation - 1. The response contained no corrective or preventive actions 2. The response contained no corrective or preventive actions 3. The response contained no corrective or preventive actions 4. The response contained no corrective or preventive actions 5. Enrolment forms are available to all staff to read in the office on enrolment off a new child starting. Staff have been instructed to review these forms when new children attend. Staff have been spoken to about the importance of meeting parents, building relationships with parents and ensuring an open line of communication that centres on learning child preferences, learning information to assist building a rapport with the child and outline the importance of communication with parents as per our Service Policy. This will also be discussed at the next staff meeting. These enrolment forms also include information on children likes, dislikes, interests and preferences. The importance of communication and parent-staff relations will be a focus as part of the next staff meeting. 6. Children who require sleep will see that their needs are met and their needs are facilitated. Where children do not require sleep their needs for stimulation will be met by being brought outside with the supervision of staff or to another age-appropriate room. This will be an ongoing monitored situation ##### Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play - (a) The environment within the Juniors room did not cater for the age and stage of development of the children attending. The room had limited resources to promote varied types of play. The following was observed: • Materials were stored on high shelving, including arts and crafts which were not in reach. • A play kitchen with no supporting equipment, • A shelving unit with blocks and cars • One dolls buggy • A book shelf with torn books. (b) The sleep and rest facilities for the children in the Pre-Montessori, Juniors and ECCE rooms were not adequate or suitable for the age and stage of development of the children. The following was observed: • On day 2 of the inspection, a child aged one was observed to sleep in a high chair at 15:25. This practice is at variance with the service’s safe sleep policy which stated that all children under 2 years are provided with a cot for sleep. • On the second day of the inspection, the inspector noted that a child indicated they were tired and wanted a rest. The staff member placed a long, soft plastic mat and a plastic circular cushion on the floor for him. The child lay down and fell asleep at 12:46. There was no sheet or undercover on the mat. • On both days of the inspection, the Juniors room was not a conducive environment for sleep as the room was too bright. There were three windows in the care room, however, only two had blinds. The registered provider stated they intended to replace this blind in due course. This was at variance with the service’s safe sleep policy, which outlined that the lighting is reduced during sleep and rest times. • Rest areas were found to be insufficiently developed in some rooms. This was found non-compliant on the previous inspection in September 2025, and the registered provider stated through the CAPA process that there was a cosy corner in all the rooms. However, inspectors observed that in practice, within the Juniors, ECCE and Pre-Montessori rooms, the rest areas consisted of plastic floor mats and did not provide children with a sufficiently comfortable place to rest or retreat to. There were findings of non-compliance with sleep and rest facilities identified on inspection in September 2024. Corrective and preventive actions submitted in response to that inspection were inadequate to prevent further non-compliance - (a) Paints & art equipment will be available to children upon request, however in the interest of safety paints will be stored high in the interest of safety & following Risk Assessment of storage of Paints. Toy kitchen equipment has been checked and additional equipment added to facilitate child led play. Books have been made readily available to children in the interest of supporting and encouraging literacy. Books that show signs beyond reasonable wear and tear have been removed and replaced. Room Leaders have been instructed to use ‘Room Equipment Report’ to support management in identifying the need for new or additional equipment. (b) Discoveryland was in the process of sourcing a fitter and blinds the week of the inspection to remedy this. At staff meetings over the coming months staff will go through a policy each meeting including the sleeping policy, staff have been spoken to already regarding baby sleeping in the highchair. As soon as rest areas are in place they will be left where they are ##### Regulation 22 — Food and drink - Some children were observed drinking juice brought in from home, which contradicted the service policy, which stated that only milk or water would be served to the children. This practice posed a risk of dental decay. This was also found on inspection in April and September 2024; the corrective and preventive actions submitted in response to those inspections failed to prevent a recurrence of the non-compliance - Parents are discouraged from providing sugary drinks and are provided with the healthy eating policies upon enrolment. This is a constant ongoing process due to foods being provided by the parent. Parents have been issued with a letter regarding sugary drinks and highlighted that such drinks are not permitted in Discoveryland ##### Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - An immediate action notice was issued on 30th April 2025 as appropriate precautions were not in place to safeguard a child who had a food allergy, for whom an autoinjector was prescribed and stored in the service. Through discussion with staff, the following was confirmed: • Staff who spoke with inspectors were not aware of the signs and symptoms nor were they familiar with administering medication should an acute allergic reaction occur. This posed a risk to the care, safety and welfare of the child. • No food management system was in place to ensure there was no cross-contamination of food. • Staff were not familiar with or trained in the use of an epinephrine autoinjector. • There was no mechanism in place to alert staff who were in this room to the child’s allergy. A notice had been placed in a box during painting and not repositioned afterward. • Staff were not aware of the epinephrine autoinjector date of expiry which was imminent and had not made any plans for a replacement to be provided. An initial response was received on 1st May; this was not adequate to address the risk. Inspectors requested three additional responses from the registered provider to address all areas of risk identified. A complete response was received on May 15th - An Immediate Action Notice was issued to the service on 1st May 2025 due to a potential immediate risk to the safety of two children aged 3 years old. Through a review of children’s enrolment records, it was identified that the service did not have details of the person(s) authorised to drop off and collect these children who were transported by bus to the service. Staff confirmed that they are dropped to and collected from the service by an adult whose details were not known to the service. The service had also not obtained details of an alternative or emergency person to contact for these children. The service provided an adequate response to this notice on 2nd May 2025 - Staff were not aware of the location of the first aid box, which created a risk in the case of an accident or injury to a child. Through discussion with staff, they were unsure of where the first aid box was stored. Two staff thought it was in the baby room, but the manager said it was in the hall. Two first aid boxes were found in the Pre- Montessori room - Over both days of inspection, four children were served whole chicken drumsticks for their lunch, which created a possible risk of choking as the drumsticks were served with the bones not removed. The inspector asked two staff members to remove the meat from the bone before serving it to the children - The service did not adhere fully to the re -vetting timeframes as outlined in the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice, requiring services to renew Garda vetting every three years. On review one Garda Vetting disclosure was carried out over 3 years ago. Vetting for this staff was dated 25th April 2022 - Cleaning products were stored on a low shelf, which was accessible to children in the sanitary area off the baby room, posing a risk of injury. Children were brought in groups to wash their hands meaning that some children stood waiting by this shelf while the staff washed each child’s hands - Some records related to risk management were maintained sporadically, for example: • Room temperatures were only recorded over two days in the week beginning the 14th of April 2025. • The baby room safety checklist and ‘bedroom audit’ (for sleep areas) were only completed on two days in the week beginning the 14th of April 2025 - The service’s accident and incident policy stated that the registered provider would ensure that windows have safety devices. These devices were not in place on the low-level windows in the Juniors room. On Day 1 at 11:05, there was one staff member with eight children in the Juniors room and three of the low-level windows were fully open. Four children aged 2-3 years old were observed to stand on foam cushions in front of one of the low-level windows. This increased the children’s height to climb and allowed for easier access to the window. This practice posed an increased risk of a child leaving the service unaccompanied - Visibility strips were not in place on the windows of the ECCE room. This posed a risk of injury to the children within the room and playing outdoors, as the glass may not be seen - In discussion with the registered provider, it was confirmed that the service carried out a daily risk assessment of the outdoor area prior to using it. The service’s outdoor policy also stated that a daily risk assessment was carried out of the outdoor area and a written record kept. However, on request from the registered provider, a written record was not available as the checks carried out were visual checks - The service’s accident and incident policy outlined that the parent or guardian received a copy of the record. On review of the records and discussion with staff, it was confirmed that parents were not provided with a copy and the information was verbally shared at collection time. Furthermore, it was observed that not all children were collected by their parent or caregiver. This posed a risk that information relating to an accident and/or incident may be unknown and may impact their ongoing care at home - The placement of furniture posed a risk of injury to children i n the Juniors room . On day one there were nine children aged 1 to 3 years present. Staff members had stacked the children’s chairs during the morning and afternoon free play time. This posed an increased risk of injury to a child in the event that they attempted to climb or pull them down - The hot water in the wash handbasin in the baby room measured 44.8⁰C, which may create discomfort for children washing their hands. This temperature exceeded the recommended 43°C. Infection Control: - Staff members did not practice the service’s handwashing procedures as outlined in the service’s infection control policy. On day two of the inspection, seven children’s hands were not washed after outdoor play. The staff member was observed to use baby wipes to clean hands of eight children aged 1-3 years before sleep time. This posed an increased risk of the spread of infection - The registered provider did not ensure there were disposable paper towels available for staff and children in the ECCE room as per infection control policy. At 12:29 on the second day of inspection, a staff member was observed to off the same towel to each child to dry their hands after washing them, which created a risk of cross-infection - Infection control practices for sleep in the Juniors and Pre-Montessori room were at variance with the policy which stated that all beds are marked with the child’s name and will be covered by a sheet. The following was noted: • Children’s allocated bed did not align with the one that they used. The registered provider stated that the stackable beds were cleaned after their use. On both days of the inspection, the beds were not observed to be cleaned before and/or after use. This practice posed a risk of the spread of infection. • On day one, two of the eight children in the Juniors room were not provided with bed linen. On day two in the Pre-Montessori room, the five children aged 2-4 years who slept were not provided with bed linen - General Safety: 1. All staff have been trained on how to administer auto injector pens by a doctor. Discoveryland is a nut free house and staff serving the food are aware of cross contamination of food. There are notices and a care plan up on the walls in all the rooms. Medicine was replaced and the pending expiry date is on the notices up on wall in all 4 rooms. If a child joins with a medical issue/ allergy after discussion with the parents a care plan and notices of case will be put up in every room and staff will be alerted on the issue. 2. All information about the drivers has been added to the enrolment forms. All of the relevant information will be checked on an on-going basis to avoid future non-compliances. Garda vetting checked and names and numbers added to the enrolment forms. 3. First aid boxes are now in all 4 rooms and staff are aware of this. One also located in the hall. All new staff will be made aware of the location off all first aid boxes. 4. Staff will remove the meat off the bones before serving if such food is provided by parents again. We will also update Eating Policy to discourage parents from providing such foods or foods that include bones going forward. Staff have been made aware of this. Discoveryland is including an amendment to address ‘boned food’ specifically strictly prohibiting them and emphasising their potential as a choking hazard. A letter outlining this addition to the healthy eating policy has been circulated to parents. Staff have been made aware of this. Management will oversee this process on an ongoing basis to make sure staff comply with the request. 5. All staff have valid, current and up to date Garda vetting. Discoveryland will submit for renewal of Garda vetting for existing staff two months before expiry date to ensure that such a small window for renewal exists and to facilitate and compensate for potential delays in the processing of Garda Vetting. 6. Cleaning products are stored behind a locked press. Children will be brought one by one to wash their hands. Staff have been made aware of the importance of keeping products locked away safely. This will also be a part of the next staff meeting to ensure that all staff are aware going forward. 7. Staff have been made aware of the importance of filling in the daily sheet in all room. This will also be a part of the next staff meeting to ensure that all staff are aware going forward. 8. All the lower windows in the front have now been fitted with safety caches, limiting how far windows can be opened. A Risk Assessment Matrix has been devised and formulated with support of HSA templates. This will be used to identify risks, the severity of the risk and corrective actions. 9. Since the inspection, the children and staff have painted on the windows as part of their Art curriculum. There will always be something painted on the windows or art displayed on it. 10. Garden outdoor risk assessment is displayed on the wall in the ECCE room. Routine checks will be done to make sure risk assessment the garden risk assessment form is up on the wall and being filled out. 11. A regular check will be done on all books and staff were reminded to report any incident to management Going forward it will be mandatory for parents to take the white copy. A regular check will be done on all books and staff were reminded to report any incident to management. 12. Chairs will be stacked no more the 2 high going forward. Staff in the room have been spoken to regarding the stacking of the chairs and how this might cause an accident. 13. The water has been adjusted to under 39 degrees. Regular check of the degree off the water will be carried out. Infection Control: 14. Staff have been reminded of the importance of hygiene and cleaning. All staff have been reminded of the handwashing policy and the nappy changing policy. 15. There are paper towels in all rooms and a backup stock kept in the stock area 16. Each bed is assigned to a child and they are cleaned after use. Bed linen is provided for each bed in each room. Regular checks off proper usage of the linen and bed will be carried out. 17. The staff member has been spoken to regarding this issue and has reread the nappy changing policy. The staff in question has re-familiarised themselves with the Policies. 18. Have replaced the mat in question. Staff have been issued with a ‘maintenance Report’ to document and report such occurrences to ensure Management is aware and that it is addressed in a timely manner. Administration of Medication: 19. All copies of incident/medical are filled out will all information and any medicine given is recorded in the medicine book. Management have discussed this issue with the staff in detail and will monitor all the books on a regular basis Discoveryland has implemented a ‘Monthly Checklist’ to be checked by Room Leaders & Management to prevent such occurrences form happening. The importance of providing these to parents will also be a subject of the next meeting and a letter has been issued to parents on the importance of taking their copy of the incident/medical reports. Safe Sleep: 20. It has been reiterated to all staff especially in the baby room the importance of physically checking a child when sleeping. It is service policy to check the children in the sleeping rooms. All the staff have been made aware of the importance this task and will be reiterated at staff meetings. Staff have been required to read the ‘Safe Sleep Policy’ & this point will also be a topic of the next staff meeting. 21. The temperature has been added to the sleeping record sheet in the junior room ##### Regulation 30 — Minimum space requirements - The ECCE room, which measured 32.21 square metres, did not have sufficient clear floor space to accommodate the number of children in attendance for full day care. There were 18 children present in this room on both days of inspection. On the second day of the inspection, 18 children were present after the sessional hours of care. A clear floor space requirement of 2.3 square metres per child aged 3-6 years is required during this time. This finding was further evidenced on review of child attendance records from the week of the 7th, 14th and 21st April which also demonstrated that there was not sufficient clear floor space available to the children present. This was found non-compliant on inspection in September 2024 following which the registered provider submitted a corrective action to state that they have since adhered to this regulation by reducing the number of children in the room on a full day care basis. These actions were found not to have been carried out on this inspection - The following was stated by the registered provider: Numbers have been reduced to 14. If there is an overflow of children, we will remove 4 children to the outdoor area where we have an area that is covered in. There they will do outdoor activities #### Inspection of 10 September 2024 — Inspection Report Full report (PDF, Tusla) **Immediate action notice.** Inspectors identified repeat non-compliance on inspection under regulations 9, 11, 19, 20 and 23. Following two corrective and preventive action responses by the registered provider the Inspectorate was not assured that non- compliant findings had been sufficiently addressed. There were no corrective actions submitted for some findings and insufficient preventive actions identified to prevent further non-compliance. **Immediate action notice.** The Inspectorate requested that the registered provider attend a regulatory compliance meeting to address the outstanding, and repeat, findings of non-compliance and associated governance concerns in the service. **Immediate action notice.** Corrective and preventive actions did not provide adequate assurance to the Inspectorate that all reasonable measures were taken to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of children attending the service under regulations 9 and 19 where there was repeat non-compliance and previous corrective and preventive actions had not achieved sustained compliance. ##### Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - A police vetting disclosure was not available on file for one staff who had lived outside the state for more than six consecutive months - There was no evidence to demonstrate that one staff member held a qualification in Early childhood Care and Education at Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework - The registered provider submitted the following response: Corrective and Preventive Action - Police vetting was applied for. Going forward any new staff will not start until all vetting has been received, overseen by the manager - This was applied for through the DCEDY. Going forward management will ensure that new members of staff have all certificates verified. The staff member is no longer working in the service. All qualifications will be verified before the start date overseen by the manager ##### Regulation 11 — Staffing levels - Inspectors observed that there were inadequate staffing levels in the Baby room at points during the day to allow staff to respond to children’s needs promptly and effectively. This is further reported on under regulation 19. The registered provider did not ensure there were enough adults to meet the children’s needs at some points throughout the day as demonstrated under 11(2) - The adult to child ratios were not maintained in the Montessori room two for the duration of the inspection: There were 8 children aged between 2 and 3 years in the care of 1 adult. Based on the ages and number of the children, two staff were required. In the ECCE room in the afternoon, there were 18 children aged 3-6 years in the care of two staff. Based on the ages and number of the children, 3 staff were required. The staff roster did not include scheduled breaks for the staff. Staff stated that they do not get regular breaks out of the room and eat their lunches in the playrooms with the children. Minimum adult child ratios would have been further compromised if staff availed of breaks - The registered provider submitted the following response: Corrective and Preventive Action The service is in the process of recruiting staff. There were 3 staff in the baby room on the day. Two children in the ECCE room have since left the service The registered provider stated they will make sure they stick to ratios ##### Regulation 15 — Record of a Pre-School Child - There were two enrolment forms not available for two children who had commenced in the service. These records should contain key information needed to care for children including details of consent for medical treatment, authorisation to collect children and details of children’s medical and support needs. The absence of this information may present risks to the safe care of children - The registered provider submitted the following response after the regulatory compliance meeting: Corrective and Preventive Action The forms in question were received the next working day. Overseen by the Manager forms will be given out on application and handed back before the start date ##### Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child - The service did not demonstrate that staff were adequately resourced and informed to care for children with specific identified needs, for example: • A child who required additional supports did not have their needs met on the day inspection. The inspectors observed minimal interaction between the child and staff as the child was not distressed or crying. The child was observed sitting without supervision at mealtime in a highchair and was not given any assistance with feeding or encouragement to develop self-feeding skills - The inspectors observed practices that were unsuitable and posed risks with regard to food and drinks as demonstrated by the following observations: • Children over the age of two years were observed lying down drinking bottles of milk before sleeping. This presented a risk of aspiration and health impacts such as dental decay. • Engagement with children in highchairs was inadequate as staff were not observed to sit at the child’s height during feeding. Engagement with children while they eat provides opportunities to develop social and feeding skills - Food provision observed on the day was not in line with the service policy. For example: • One child was observed to have mashed potatoes with a powdered soup packet for their main hot meal and a pack of instant noodles for their afternoon snack. These foods contained high salt content. Foods with a high salt content are unsuitable for young children. • Another two children had plain rice for their hot meal and a chopped plum for their afternoon snack meaning they did not eat a balanced meal during their time in the service. • The inspectors observed that a large number of children were drinking juice drinks including a child in the baby room drinking juice from a bottle which is contraindicated for good oral hygiene - The inspectors were not assured that all children were provided with the opportunity to get outside. The weather was dry and sunny. Children from the baby room were not brought outside on the day of inspection. Supporting relationships: - The inspectors were not assured that the settling in policy was being adhered to in practice. The policy outlined that the service offers a phased/staggered settling in period. This policy is in place to allow children to feel comfortable in the service before being left for long periods of time. However, staff who spoke to the inspector in the baby room said many of the children did not have a phased settling in period to allow them to be comfortable in the service - Parents were not provided with accurate information regarding their child’s day. For example: A staff member was observed by the inspector when giving feedback to the mother at collection time. The staff member stated that the child was a little unsettled but had a good day. This account was contrary to what the inspector observed. The child was observed to be upset for long periods of time from the arrival of the inspector and throughout the morning and was difficult to settle in the absence of one-to-one attention which they required for the majority of time they were in the service - The inspectors were concerned that the individual needs of the babies were not sufficiently met; for example: • A young child in the baby room was upset and crying. The child was observed crying for long periods of time between 10.50 to 12.20, while at times sitting on the floor alone. The child did settle when there was a staff member available to comfort them. • The inspectors heard persistent crying in the baby room. For example, the noise level was such that inspectors noted it was difficult for the staff to speak and respond to each other in the room when answering questions in relation to the care of the babies due to persistent crying - There were periods during the day where there were insufficient staff in two rooms of the service to respond to the needs of the children; for example: • On arrival to the service at 10.30 am the inspectors observed a child aged between 1 and 2 in the baby room. The child was upset and crying. Staff were observed struggling to meet the needs of the child and provide comfort as there were 2 children under 1 years and 8 children aged between 1 and 2 years in the room at that time in the care of 2 staff. The inspector observed that between 10.30 am and 11.40 am the child remained upset and crying. The child settled for short periods when a staff member was available to pick the child up to comfort them on their own. The inspector noted staff members on the floor attempting to comfort up to three children at once who were upset on the morning of the inspection. • A staff member was heard telling children to “sit down” on several occasions. Inspectors heard children being told to “stand at the wall”. The inspector observed that this was an effort to manage the children while left alone in the room. It is acknowledged that the staff member supportively engaged with the children when there were adequate staff members - The needs of a child were not adequately met within the service. At 11.40 am the inspector asked a staff member to contact the child’s mother to collect the child as they were inconsolable. The staff member said to the inspector “they are not really upset there are no tears”. The inspector again asked the staff member to contact the mother to inform her of her child’s upset. At 12.45 pm the mother arrived to collect the child who was upset. The child immediately latched on to the mother, breast fed and settled. The inspector asked the staff in the baby room if they were aware the child was still breast feeding. Staff said they were aware but did not associate the child’s upset and distress with being separated from their mother when they were still breast feeding - There was insufficient information given to staff to plan for the children’s care. for example: • A child arrived in the service during the morning and was brought to the baby room. The staff were not expecting this child as he normally does not attend on that day. • Inspectors were not assured that staff were clear on how children were transitioned within the service. On the day of inspection two children were moved from one room to another and staff when asked were unclear of the plan in place to transition from room. Staff could not demonstrate how the transitions plans were communicated with parents. Phased transitioning allows children to settle and feel secure in their new surroundings. Physical and material environment: - The playrooms were limited in materials and resources, which did not provide opportunities for imaginative child- led play. Interest areas were sparsely resourced, with no invitations to play set up for children. The play on the day was predominately adult led, with staff taking out the toys and equipment to direct tabletop activities. For example: • Chairs were stacked and tables pushed back blocking access to shelves and toys in the pre-Montessori room. • The kitchen in the Montessori room 2 was bare, with no resources. • There were not freely available sensory or messy play materials such as sand, water, paint and playdough in any of the rooms. • In the baby room there was limited play and stimulation provided as the staff were predominately engaged in meeting the basic needs of the children on the day. • There was no low-level table or children’s chairs suitable for babies to eat at or engage in activities off the floor. The provision of an adequate material and physical environments for the care, learning and stimulation of the children attending the service has been non-compliant on previous inspections and remains unmet - The registered provider submitted the following response to address the non-compliances: Corrective and Preventive Action 1. Discoveryland will engage with the advise of an Occupational Therapist to ensure that the approach Discoveryland is taking given the requirements of the child are in accordance with best practice and research. 2. A high stool has been placed in the Baby room. The team spoke to the parents of the children and asked that they send in an age- appropriate cup for the children and the milk is given at lunchtime before bed. Parents will be told at initial startup conversation about the drinks policy. Also, in house training will be carried out on this regulation 3. Discoveryland has again provided all parents with a copy of the “Healthy Eating Policy” and asked that all parents endeavour to adhere to it. Parents are routinely reminded of this policy and spoken to where parents routinely fail to adhere to Discoveryland’s policy. Failing this Discoveryland may consider the need to make Tusla referrals where parents persistently fail to provide their child(ren) with a balanced diet that aligns with Discoveryland Healthy Eating Policy. 4. Manager has been making sure all rooms take up their slotted time outside. Manager will continue to monitor this activity daily. 5. The service has a settling in period of two week with staggered times depending how the child is settling in. If longer is required staff will assess this and speak to the parents. Manager and room leader will assess how the child is settling in and engage with the parents. In house training will be carried out in this regulation 6. Staff have been spoken [with] about the importance of the information given to the parents that it is accurate. Staff also hand out written information about the children’s day. Manager will monitor this on an ongoing basis. Also in house training will be carried out on this regulation. 7. Staff take the time to settle the best they can. Manager has spoken to the staff about taking the time to settle the children. Management will ensure all staff are confident in settling a child. 8. Management again have spoken to the staff about the importance of settling children. Room leader will assess the child and if it is not settling over a long period of time will ring the parents. Staff have been spoken to about how you speak to a child. Manager and room leader will assess how the child is settling, if they think the child needs a longer settling in time they will speak to the parents 9. Staff will find out if the child is still being breast fed and discuss options with the parents. On enrolment staff will discuss in detail the how the child is fed. 10. Staff were made aware of the days each child comes in on. No child can arrive unless it is booked in. The team transition the children according to the child in question. Room leaders will be made aware of the days a child will be doing before it will start in creche. 11. Resources are now in the kitchen. Sand and water will be outside, playdough is made when needed, paint is in all rooms. Staff engage in song time and stimulative play daily. A low-level table and chairs have been provided for the older children to eat on. Going forward the manager and room leaders will liaise as to what is needed in the room ##### Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play - 1. There were inadequate sleep and rest facilities for children in the ECCE room who required sleep and or rest during the day. All children on the day were attending for full day care. Children were seen sitting together in a corner of the room on the floor with some floor mats after lunch with a staff member trying to encourage them to rest. A number of children were visibly tired, suitable and adequate sleep or rest facilities were not readily available to facilitate sleep. Later in the afternoon, inspectors observed a child visibly tired and falling asleep at the table during snack time. The inspector prompted the staff to put this child in a safe place as there was a risk the child would fall off the chair. The child was subsequently placed on a mat in the middle of the playroom. 2. There were no rest/cosy areas in any of the preschool rooms - The registered provider submitted the following response: Corrective and Preventive Action: (1) In the ECCE room there is a cozy corner, there is a sign on the wall stating that it is the cozy corner. There are sleep mattresses and cushions there which are sometimes kept folded up on top of the bookcase whilst the cozy corner is being used for either circle time, meditation/yoga, quiet play area. (2) There is a cozy corner in all the rooms ##### Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. There was no toilet seat cover on one of the toilets in the main bathroom. The two metal screws used to attach the toilet seat were left exposed which posed as a risk of grazing or lacerations to the children. The registered provider submitted evidence that a toilet seat was purchased following the last inspection, however, the toilet remains without a seat. 2. Trip hazards were observed in the outdoor all weather soft floor covering, with holes and uneven surfaces observed on the previous inspection. The corrective action submitted by the registered provider stated that they had filled the holes and would monitor the situation. This has not been implemented. Infection Control: 3. Sleep beds used in the Montessori room 2 were not adequately spaced apart to limit cross infection and allow access for supervision by staff. 4. The inspectors were not assured in discussion with staff that there was an effective system in place to ensure that soothers were washed and sterilised. There was no soother sterilising procedure available to guide staff. 5. The children in the baby room did not have their hands washed before eating and staff were observed picking them up from the ground and placing in highchairs to eat. 6. The toilet in the ECCE room was visibly dirty demonstrating that adequate cleaning of the bathroom was not taking place. 7. The windows in the baby room showed evidence of black mould and cobwebs demonstrating that adequate cleaning was not carried out. 8. The high windows in the baby room were not easily accessible for the staff to open to provide ventilation during colder days when it is not suitable to open the bifold doors for ventilation. 9. Food was placed directly onto the trays of the highchairs which were not cleaned beforehand. 10. The area behind the toilet in the senior ECCE room was dirty with a build-up of brown residue. Action submitted by the Registered Provider The registered provider submitted the following response: - : 1. The toilet seat has been replaced again. 2. The service walked the garden and found one small hole beside the garden fence which has again been filled. The team find that uneven surfaces actually help to further develop children’s balance and coordination as a part of risky play. 3. The team held a staff meeting and discussed how to better arrange the sleep beds to create more space to limit cross infection and found a more suitable way to arrange the beds. 4. The staff in the baby room are following instructions on sterilising soothers. They are washed in hot water and placed in a bowl and put in the microwave. We have printed out the instructions and put them up on the wall in the baby room. 5. Staff have been spoken to about making sure all the babies must have their hands before and after eating, and upon coming in from outdoor play. Manager will check in on the room making sure this is applied constantly. 6. The service clean the toilets regularly throughout the day and after each child’s use. 7.The window that the inspector is talking about is more than 12ft off the ground and nowhere near the babies. However, it has been cleaned thoroughly and will be going forward. 8. The two windows are left constantly on the latch. 9. High chairs are wiped down after every child is finished before the next child sits up. Management have spoke to all staff reminding them of the hygiene standards. In house training will be carried out on this regulation. 10. The brown residue behind the ECCE toilet was some of the grout from the tiles that had been done in recent weeks ##### Regulation 30 — Minimum space requirements - There was insufficient space available in the ECCE room for the number of children attending on the day. In the afternoon there were 18 children, the room had space for a maximum of 13 children attending for full day care - The registered provider submitted the following response: Corrective and Preventive Action The registered provider has stated that they have since adhered to this regulation with the reduction of the number of children in the room. At the regulatory compliance meeting the registered provider stated that there are currently 13 children attending that room. Summary Comment The response submitted by the registered provider has addressed the findings of non-compliance Found compliant: Regulation 10, 25, 28, 32. ### Earlier inspections - 17 April 2024 — Inspection Report · PDF - 31 May 2023 — Inspection Report · PDF ### Other services in Wexford - [Domhan Beag Limited](/creche/domhan-beag-limited-new-ross.md) New Ross - [Eager Beavers Montessori @Firefly](/creche/eager-beavers-montessori-firefly-gorey.md) Gorey - [Erika’s Fairy Wood](/creche/erika-s-fairy-wood-gorey.md) Gorey - [First Steps Ferns Childcare](/creche/first-steps-ferns-childcare-enniscorthy.md) Enniscorthy - [Kelly’s Hotel Creche for Guests](/creche/kelly-s-hotel-creche-for-guests-wexford.md) Wexford - [Little Treasures Crèche](/creche/little-treasures-creche-enniscorthy.md) Enniscorthy - [Wise Owls Afterschool](/creche/wise-owls-afterschool-enniscorthy.md) Enniscorthy - [Little Rascals Playschool](/creche/little-rascals-playschool-gorey.md) Gorey - [Tir na nOg Childcare Centre](/creche/tir-na-nog-childcare-centre-rosslare-harbour.md) Rosslare Harbour - [Little Ducklings Playschool](/creche/little-ducklings-playschool-gorey.md) Gorey [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/discoveryland-creche-and-montessori-wexford/ Fonte: Tusla Early Years Inspectorate Recolha: 2026-09-11