Inspection of 2 October 2025 — Inspection Report
Immediate action notice. An Immediate Action Notice was issued to the registered provider on the 02 October 2025 in relation to a non- compliance identified under Regulation 26. A response was received from the registered provider on 3 October 2025; additional information was sought and a response which mitigated the risk identified on the 06 October 2025. See body of report for details.
Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (a) The registered provider did not ensure that two adults were present in the service on the day of the inspection. The registered provider worked single-handedly with the children
Provider's corrective action:
- (a) The registered provider has ensured that a second adult is on the premises at all times during the operational hours of the service
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for one adult. However, this vetting disclosure was not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. 2. Windows located at the back of the care room overlooking the garden area, where a significant drop to ground level was observed, did not have safety restrictors. This posed a potential risk of injury to children. It is acknowledged that the windows were not opened on the day of the inspection and are equipped with a button release handle. Fire Safety: 3. Although it is acknowledged that a record of monthly fire drills was available for the previous school year, there was no evidence that a fire drill had been conducted during the month of September which posed a potential risk to children who may not be familiar with the fire drill process. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. An up-to-date Garda vetting disclosure has been obtained and added to staff files for one adult. The registered provider will ensure that Garda vetting will be renewed in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. 2. Safety restrictors have been fitted to both windows. Fire Safety: 3. The registered provider will ensure that fire drills are carried out monthly. Monthly reminders have been scheduled on the service’s calendar
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
- (b) Maintenance records for firefighting equipment and smoke alarms in the service were not available for review by the inspector. The last dated maintenance check for firefighting equipment, observed on the fire extinguisher, was carried out in October 2016. Maintenance checks must be carried out yearly to ensure the proper function of equipment in the event of an emergency. An Immediate Action Notice was issued to the registered provider in relation to this
Provider's corrective action:
- (b) The firefighting equipment was checked and certified after the inspection and yearly checks have been scheduled. The registered provider stated that a suitable smoke detection system is in place and regular checks are carried out
Regulation 27 — Supervision
- The registered provider did not ensure that preschool children attending the service were supervised at all times. Two children were observed to play in the garden while six children remained in the care room. The registered provider was observed to move between the care room and the garden and position themself at the window of the service but was unable to ensure adequate supervision of the children attending the service. The care room is not visible from the garden and areas of the garden are not visible from the care room. This posed a potential risk to the children’s safety
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider will ensure that the children attending the service are within sight and/or sound, ensuring appropriate supervision and care at all times. A second adult is now on the premises at all times of operation
Found compliant: Regulation 9, 19, 25, 28.