Immediate action notice. This inspection was unannounced and focused on the area of governance, health, welfare and development of child, safety, premises and facilities. The inspection may also focus on other areas as required. The inspection focused on an examination of compliance under regulations 9, 10, 11,16, 19, 20, 23, 25,26, 27, and 32; however, on inspection additional non-compliance which posed a risk was identified under Regulation 29. These findings are outlined within the relevant regulations within this report.
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
(2)(a) & (b)A second validated written reference was not available for one staff member. (d) See Statutory Notice section in relation to the Immediate Action Notice IAN 0981 served. (3) One staff member commenced employment in the service prior to all of the required references being in place. (d) Documentary evidence was not available to confirm that 1 staff member whose files was reviewed and who works directly with children in the service held an appropriate childcare qualification at Level 5 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications or a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (2)(a) & (b) Registered provider has reviewed an updated all staff files accordingly to ensure all required documentation is on each file. She received a 2nd reference from the staff member and have since verified same. (3) Staff member had references checked on 5/12 and started employment 30/11. This oversight has now been highlighted and all other files checked in accordance. (d) The staff member has completed a level 5 course was is waiting on certificate to be processed. Preventive Action (2)(a) & (b) As this was an error from previous management, as part of new management teams action plan going forward, the assistant will now complete regular checks on all staff files. (3) An oversight by previous management, however the files of new starts are all up to do date and compliant. As part of staff induction, a checklist for new starts has been put together for them to use a guideline and reassurance everyone has references checked. (d)Staff member assigned alternative role so therefore is no longer working directly with the children until cert is issued
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
Infection Control: 1. Infection control measures that were outlined in the services infection control policies were not always followed as evidenced by the following: • Some of the children’s hands were observed not to have their hands washed following nappy changing. • The nappy changing mat was not always cleaned in between changing children’s nappies. • The children attending Room 3 did not have their hands washed before they ate their morning snack. • A staff member was observed not to wash their hands after cleaning a child’s nose. 2. The water in the hot taps at one of the children’s wash hand basins in the sanitary accommodation in Room 5 was recorded as 13.6°C by the inspector. Cold water does not support pre-school children to effectively wash their hands. 3. A pedal bin was not available for disposal of waste and contaminated items in the sanitary accommodation in Room 1. Safe Sleep: 4. The sleep forms that were available were not comprehensively completed with the necessary information that may be required to support the children’s individual sleep needs and preferences. Seven sleep plans were reviewed, 6 of the sleep plans had sections of the plans that were not completed. Action submitted by the Registered Provider Corrective Action Infection Control: 1. The staff received an updated copy of their Hand Hygiene and Nappy Changing policy to revise. Age appropriate and clearly visible hand-washing posters are now clearly displayed at all sinks and nappy changing areas to guide both staff and children. Visual reminders are now provided to prompt staff to remember to sanitise the nappy changing mats in between changing each child’s nappy and to remind staff and children to wash their hands before they eat all their meals and regular increments throughout the day. There are now also visual cues to remind staff of correct hand hygiene practices like washing their hands after they clean the children’s noses. 2. Their plumber fixed the problem that had occurred with the tap in room 5 so now the water is the correct temperature for the children to support the preschool children to effectively wash their hands. 3. A new pedal bin was provided for the bathroom in room 1. Safe Sleep: 4. All of the children’s sleep plans have been reviewed and correctly filled out and manager has ensured they are now comprehensively completed. A new checklist has been created for new wobblers/children starting to ensure all relevant documentation is complete and returned prior to start date. Preventive Action Infection Control: 1. Regular checks will be done to ensure staff are maintaining a high standard of hygiene and following their infection control policy. The visuals cue permanently there to prompt the staff and children to ensure that they remember and use the highest standard of hygiene. 2. They will carry on with their weekly water checks to ensure that all the taps are always at the correct temperature for all of the taps in the building to ensure that the staff and children can both effectively wash their hands at all times. 3. Regular checks to ensure all of the bins are the correct pedal bins at all times. Safe Sleep: 4. Ensure that when a child’s sleep forms are always comprehensively completed when one is filled out for each child. Ensure new checklist is completed and returned before or on child’s start day. Supporting documentation submitted Copy of Nappy changing policy. Photograph of water temperature indicating correct temperature. Photograph of pedal bin. Copy of sleep plans. Summary Comment The inspectors have reviewed the actions and evidence submitted. The noncompliance identified under regulation 23 - Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child has been adequately addressed
Regulation 25 — First aid
(1) One staff member only was trained in FAR training. From a review of the staff roster this staff member is not available in the service at all times during the operational hours of the service. It is acknowledged that several staff members had in date paediatric first aid training
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (1) The assistant manager and two supervisors will be sent on the FAR training course in May so therefore there will always be a staff member on site that is FAR trained at all times. The staff are able to query courses and put themselves forward for courses. Preventive Action (1) Regular checks on staff files
Regulation 29 — Premises
(d) The registered provider did not ensure that the premises was being maintained in an appropriate condition as evidenced by the following: 1. There was damage to the flooring in Room 2 with concrete exposed underneath. 2. There was damage to the wall in Room 2 with exposed concrete underneath
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (d) 1. The damaged flooring in room two has been fixed so there is no longer exposed concrete. 2. The damaged wall in room two has been fixed so now there is no longer exposed concrete. Preventive Action (d) 1. Addition of a new door stop to prevent the damage re-occurring. 2. Addition of a new door stop to prevent the damage re-occurring
Regulation not named in the report text
(1) The registered provider failed to notify the Early Years Inspectorate of a change in circumstances in relation to the following as per the schedule 4 Form for Notification of Change in Circumstances: The person in charge was at variance with the information listed on the national register
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (1) The Early Years Inspectorate was informed on 30/3/26 and Person in Charge has since been changed over. Preventive Action (1) This was a brief oversight but has been rectified and actioned accordingly
Immediate action notice. The inspection focused on an examination of compliance under regulations 9, 11,19,23,25 and 26; however, on inspection additional non-compliance which posed a risk was identified under Regulations 8, 16 and 20. These findings are outlined within the relevant regulations within this report.
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
(2)(a) & (b)Two validated written references were not available for one staff member in the service. (3) Following a review of the staff files and a previous staff roster it was apparent that the registered provider had not carried out the procedures required under regulation 9(2)(a) and (b) and (c) in relation to 3 staff members prior to them commencing work in the service. • Two written and validate references had not been obtained for one staff member • Garda vetting disclosures for 2 staff members were dated after their start date
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (2)(a) & (b) Service has updated staff members file to reflect the references they received however had not updated the files to reflect this before she started. Staff member started on the 9th of June, and manager verified her references on the day, but did not have them on file on the day of the inspection. This was an oversight and has been rectified. (3) Two staff members had started before their garda vetting returned. Service ensured that the 2 staff undertook training and did not work directly with the children. Once the garda vetting returned the staff were allowed to be around the children. Preventive Action (2)(a) & (b) To ensure this does not happen again, they have asked the assistant manager to do regular checks on the staff files to ensure compliance. (3) Having spoken to inspectors, manager understand it is best practice to wait until a staff members garda vetting returns before commencing work. They have now included this in their letter of job offer and new employees are made aware that they cannot start until the vetting returns. One staff member’s Garda vetting was received on the day of the inspection and available to view as an email. Regular checks of staff files will be conducted to ensure all vetting is visible and correct
Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
(1) During the care routines in Room 2 it was observed that there was not an adequate number of adults available to facilitate smooth transitions and timely care practices. The following was observed: • At 11.20am one staff member was trying to facilitate snack time with 9 children. The second staff member had remained in the garden with 1 child. The staff member in the room with the 9 children was responsible for ensuring children washed their hands, sat at the table and preparing the snack. While children waited, they had minor disputes together and the staff member reminded them to have ‘gentle hands’. As the snack time environment became less relaxed and sociable, the staff member had to ask the second staff member to return to the room with the remaining child to assist. • While one staff member changed the nappies, the second staff member remained in the room supervising the children while also trying to tidy the room. At one point 2 children became involved in a minor dispute and needed the staff members attention. Although staff communicated together what the children needed, it was difficult to achieve a calmer environment while one person was changing nappies. • At 12.35pm after staff had placed stackable beds in position one staff member was trying to settle 8 children to sleep. While this was on-going the second member of staff member was occupied with 2 children who were not sleeping at this time. These children were playing and engaged in an activity. • The room was not readily prepared to create a calm sleeping environment. The 8 children were eventually placed to sleep at 1:14pm. Although the minimum ratio was being maintained the observations above demonstrated that this was not an adequate number of adults to facilitate smooth transitions and care practices in this room. The result was a disrupted environment, children having minor disputes together and an impact on children settling to sleep in a timely manner
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (1) Having discussed the Toddler room with both inspectors, manager made the decision to restructure the staff in the Toddler room. Teamwork was discussed at the staff meeting. A staff member is now available earlier than required to offer help and support at mealtimes and sleep times. If the staff need assistance the relief staff is on hand to offer that support when needed. Management have also reiterated the fact that they are available to help during transitions, nappy changes or mealtimes etc. Preventive Action (1) Manager has spoken to staff regarding teamwork and how all staff need to pull together. Staff have been requested to come to management if they feel that they are struggling in their rooms. Summary Comment The inspectors have reviewed the actions and evidence submitted. The noncompliance identified under regulation 11 - Staffing levels has been adequately addressed
Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
(1)(j) Not all medication administration forms maintained in the service were complete as some of the forms reviewed on the day of inspection showed that temperature-reducing medication and prescribed medication had been administered to children attending the service and these forms had not been signed by either staff members or children’s parents or guardians. Examples of this practice included forms maintained in relation medication administered in the service on 13/11/2024, 19/02/25, 07/03/2025 and 18/03/25
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (1)(j) The medicine forms not signed were from 13/11/2024, 19/02/25, 07/03/25 and 18/03/25. We have spoken with all staff and reiterated the importance of ensuring that parents sign the form. The management checklist has been updated to include regular checks of the administration of medicine forms. Preventive Action (1)(j) Regular checks by management to ensure all medicine administration forms are filled in and signed correctly will be carried out. We have put a notice in the office as a reminder to all management Summary Comment The inspectors have reviewed the actions and evidence submitted. The noncompliance identified under regulation 16 – Record in relation to pre-school service has been adequately addressed
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
Physical and material environment: 1. The play kitchen in Room 3 was insufficiently resourced to facilitate meaningful play as there was no supportive play materials provided alongside the kitchen for the children to use. 2. A suitable chair was not provided in Room 3 which accommodates the youngest children in the service for the adults in the room to comfort a child with ease should the need arise. 3. There were no play resources available to support the children to use the play kitchen in the outdoor play area off Room 2
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action: Physical and material environment: 1. Room 3 has been equipped with extra materials for children to engage with in the home area, including a small table to extend their play, with added resources to suit the children’s age group, for imaginary play using real life materials. 2. There has been since a chair added to room 3 to support staff and comfort children if needed. The chair has been added to the cosy corner beside story books for children and staff to engage with. 3. Room 2 has since rearranged their outdoor play area with new materials based on the children’s interests. The outdoor side area of room 2 no longer has a home corner. Preventive Action Physical and material environment: Ensure all rooms are equipped with the appropriate materials in each area of play to support and extend children’s current and emerging interests
Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play
Adequate and suitable sleep facilities were not provided in the service for children under 24 months as demonstrated by the following: • There were no cots readily available to children under 24 months. On the day of the inspection 9 children under 24 months slept on floor beds. Staff members stated that children commence attendance in the service at 15 months and are automatically assigned to sleep on a floor bed. This practice may not always be based on the children’s developmental readiness or with prior parental permission, which is a requirement as per the Early Years Inspectorate “Guidance for the early learning and care sector on sleep provision for children under 24 months”. In one of the sleep plans reviewed the parents had stated they were concerned about their child using a sleep bed stating it “may be too much of a transition in addition to commencing in the service”. Another parent noted on a second sleep plan “the child would prefer a cot to sleep in”. Staff members confirmed that there were no cots readily available in the service should a child’s needs indicate they are not ready for a floor bed, a parent outline the child preferred a cot or should a child find it difficult to settle on a floor bed. This practice is at variance to the Tusla guidelines on sleep provision for children under 24 months and does not support child led holistic sleep practice which must be based on a partnership approach between the children’s parent/guardian and the early years staff. • A designated sleep room was not provided in the service for the children under 24 months. Room 3, where the youngest children aged 1 to 2 years attending the service are cared for, accommodates up to 10 children at any one time. The children slept on floor beds in the care room typically at one scheduled time. This is a service led approach rather than based on the individual needs of the children. Given the age of the children, they could potentially find it difficult to settle to sleep if they required sleep outside of the scheduled sleep time. This may also impact the services ability to accommodate child-led sleep routines for children under 24 months. When the service opened in November 2023 it was recorded on the fit for purpose inspection carried out on 19/09/2023 that the service had a designated sleep room with cots to facilitate child-led sleep routines for children under 24 months. This was no longer available as it is now used as a staff room
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (1)(b) Having taken the advice from inspectors on the day of the inspection, manager is now aware that parents may have believed service had an option to sleep in a cot. Manager has since created a sleep plan and information sheet for parents of Wobblers. Manager has explained the fact that service no longer has a cot room and as their age intake has risen to 15 months all children starting sleep in their Tusla approved floor beds. These are positioned in the care room when a child is tired. They also have a photo of the floor beds positioned in the care room on the wall so the children can point to the bed to let staff know they want to lie down. Manager has also spoken to staff and reiterated the fact that they are child led and if a child does not want to sleep, other activities should be available to them whilst the children who want to sleep can rest. Preventive Action (1)(b) Manager informs parents of the wobbler sleep when they send the initial email, then they have information available on the sleep plan. This will ensure that parents can choose whether they want their child to avail of service’s sleep practices before registering for their service
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
Infection Control: 1. The water in the sanitary area adjacent to Room 3, Room 4 and Room 5 was cold, this does not support effective hand hygiene. 2. The steps in the services nappy changing policy were observed not to be followed as evidenced by the following: • Some of the children’s hands were observed not to have their hands washed following nappy changing. • A staff member was observed not to wash their hands in after changing children’s nappies. • The nappy changing mat was not always cleaned in between changing children’s nappies. Safe Sleep: 3. On the day of inspection documented sleep plans were not completed for 3 children aged under 24 months who were in attendance in the service and slept on floor beds to demonstrate that parents/ guardians had been provided with the opportunity to make an informed choice regarding their children’s sleep preferences and requirements. 4. Sleep plans that were available for 3 children aged under 24 months in the service contained minimal information, with 2 forms including the child’s name and parents name only with no parental signatures or further evidence that the decision for the child to sleep on a floor bed had been conducted in a collaborative manner. A total of four sleep plans were not signed by parents or guardians. Action submitted by the Registered Provider Corrective Action Infection Control: 1. All warm running water has been checked in rooms ensuring it meets the correct temperature for safe hand washing practices. On the day the water was turned off as in error of water temperature. 2. Staff have been made aware of the service infection control during these times of transition and the steps taken. All rooms have a copy of the infection control policy, while changing nappies. Safe Sleep: 3. Sleep plans have been signed by children’s parents, some of the children have since moved up to toddler room while another child is away on holidays. All new children starting have up to date sleep plans signed by parents. 4. Collaboration with parents when new children start is essential and explanation to sleep plans and Wesco floor beds upon starting date. Ensure parents are happy with service safe sleep policy. Preventive Action Infection Control: 1. Water is checked regularly in all rooms for safe hand hygiene and hand washing practices. All water temperatures should be no greater than 43 degrees Celsius. 2. With regards to the infection control policy, ensuring all staff know the steps and protocol to correct nappy changing procedures, while following policy of the service to meet needs of the children while following correct protocol. Safe Sleep: 3. To ensure all parents sign and are aware of sleeping policies of children from 15 months within the service, with a copy of the risk assessment forms. 4. Parents will be emailed information of sleep plans before children’s start date to always have a hard copy of the policy on hand of all information included. Supporting documentation submitted Sleep policy. Infection control policy. Nappy changing policy. Photographs of water temperatures. Sleep care plans. Summary Comment The inspectors have reviewed the actions and evidence submitted. The noncompliance identified under regulation 23 Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child has been adequately addressed
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
(b) A record was not available to demonstrate that the Fire extinguishers in the premises were serviced on an annual basis
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (b) To ensure updated fire extinguisher certificate is on hand to view and access, with appropriate annual reviews and dated. Preventive Action (b) The fire extinguisher certificate is now stored in the fire drill folder in the office for easy access for future reference
Regulation not named in the report text
(1) The registered provider failed to notify the Early Years Inspectorate of a change in circumstances in relation to the following as per the schedule 4 Form for Notification of Change in Circumstances: • The details in relation to the person in charge were at variance with the information listed on the national register
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (1) A Change in Circumstance was completed to reflect the new service manager as the person in charge on the register. Preventive Action (1) The area manager had stepped into the role while the service awaited the new manager to join the service, and the information was not updated on time. The service will ensure that through sufficient notice periods of change of management staff, they will update registration information in a timely manner
Found compliant: Regulation 25.
Inspection of 31 October 2024 — Change in Circumstance