Dripsey Pre-School Playgroup, Dripsey — inspection reports and findings

Sessional · 2 - 6 Years · Dripsey, Cork · Tusla ID TU2015CC134 · Registered since 1 January 2026

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

General safety: 1. The Garda vetting disclosure available for one of the adults was not dated within the previous three years, in adherence to the Early Years Inspectorate Notice, ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. Infection control: 2. Warm running water was not available at the two wash hand basins in the children’s sanitary facility, or at the wash hand basin in the staff sanitary facility. Recorded water temperatures ranged from 19.30C to 19.50C. This may impede effective handwashing. During discussion, the registered provider stated that the hot water had not been switched on. Fire safety: 3. Key lock mechanisms were installed on the three fire exit doors within the premises. The doors were secured and the keys were stored on high-level wall hooks. It was acknowledged that this practice was in place to prevent the unsupervised exit of a child. However, key locked doors may delay or prevent a timely exit in the event of a fire. A referral was sent to the Fire Officer on 30 September 2025. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General safety: 1. The written reply from the registered provider outlined that an application for the Garda vetting renewal has been submitted. As a preventive measure, the registered provider will check all Garda vetting, to ensure that it is consistently up to date. Infection control: 2. A sign has been placed over the hot water switch, to ensure that it is turned on every morning before the children arrive. This will ensure that warm water will always be available for handwashing. in the childrens bathroom. Fire safety: 3. Door sensor alarms have been ordered for the three doors, along with safety locks for the handles on the doors. These safety locks will not be easily opened by children, but can be easily opened by an adult and the children will be with an adult at all times. The registered provider has also stated that she will seek clarification from the fire officer in relation to the use of these safety locks

Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 16, 19, 21, 25, 28.

General Safety: 1. The windows in the service when open were not adequately secured to prevent a child exiting or falling out and to prevent unauthorised access. 2. The oil heating tank located in the outdoor play area was not adequately secured increasing the potential safety risk to the children when playing outdoors in the service. 3. Moss was visible on the all-weather ground surface tiles located in the outdoor play area increasing the potential risk of a slip hazard to the children when playing outdoors. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

In the written response, the following was stated by the registered provider/person in charge: General Safety: 1. Restrictive opening devices were installed on all windows in the early years service. 2. A wooden cover has been installed around the oil tank preventing the children having any access to this oil tank when playing in the outdoor play area. 3. The all-weather surface in the outdoor play area has been cleaned

Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 15, 16, 19, 22, 25, 26, 28.

Dripsey Pre-School Playgroup