Inspection of 7 May 2026 — Inspection Report
Immediate action notice. The inspection was triggered following information received by the Early Years Inspectorate on the 28 April 2026. A Regulatory Compliance meeting was held on the 5 June 2026 to address the non-compliance found on inspection.
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (a), (b)There was no evidence of verification of four written references provided and two adults had only one written reference. (3) Documentation reviewed evidenced that the procedures specified above under 9(2) had not been carried out prior to staff members commencing employment in the service as detailed above. Additionally, Garda vetting for one adult was dated 12 September 2025 and the adult confirmed they commenced working in the service in the month of August 2025. (7)(a) The registered provider failed to ensure that all employees received appropriate induction, training and supervision. Evidence gathered during the inspection confirmed that newly appointed staff had not been provided with copies of the service’s policies and procedures. Staff stated that they were shown the location of the policy folder and advised to read the policies when time permitted. In addition, staff reported that they had not received formal induction training upon commencement of employment. When requested, the person in charge was unable to provide written records of staff induction and confirmed that these had not been completed. Staff further confirmed that they did not receive one-to-one supervision sessions. This practice was not in accordance with the service’s Staff Induction Policy, which states “that all staff members will participate in an induction training programme on commencement of employment, that induction will be recorded on the appropriate induction record form, and that management will identify training needs through observations of practice and address these through one-to-one supervision. ” The absence of induction, training, supervision, and ongoing support for staff was reflected in some of the care practices observed during the inspection, as outlined under the non- compliant findings of Regulation 19
Provider's corrective action:
- 2(a), (b) References and validation of references have been obtained by the service manager and verified. They are now in place on staff files for inspection. Going forward manager will ensure staff files and induction training are completed prior to staff commencing employment. Board and Registered provider will ensure manager has completed staff files prior to commencement. (3) This was an oversight on previous manager going forward induction checklist will be used and service manager will ensure garda vetting and all staff file is in place prior to any staff member commencing employment (7) (a) Induction training checklist has been put in place for all staff and completed since inspection. These are available on file for next inspection
Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
- (1)(i) There were no staff rosters available on the days of inspection for either the current week or the previous week. As a result, the service was unable to demonstrate that appropriate staffing arrangements were maintained at all times
Provider's corrective action:
- (1)(i) Staff roster is now in place and displayed in lobby area. All staff rosters going forward to be on display and a hard copy saved to managers computer. Copy of staff roster available in supporting documents. Manager will ensure staff rosters are in place each week for the week ahead while also keeping digital copy on computer
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- (1)(a) In the Baby and Toddler rooms, there was an insufficient range of age-appropriate materials and equipment available to support the developmental needs and interests of the children attending the service as detailed below. 1. In the Baby room, there was a lack of sensory and exploratory resources, including cause-and-effect toys and role-play props to complement the home corner and kitchen area. 2. In the Toddler room, although open shelving was available, resources were limited, with only a small number of accessible materials provided, including animals, jigsaws and cars. Areas of interest were not clearly defined or organised to support purposeful play and independent engagement. Consequently, children were frequently observed wandering around the room and climbing on furniture. 3. In the Toddler room the morning activity was not effectively planned or managed to ensure it remained suitable for the group of children and the available environment. While children initially engaged in exploring frozen animals in ice, the activity was changed when paint was introduced, increasing the complexity and level of supervision required. This resulted in a busy and unsettled atmosphere within the room. Children were observed painting their arms and faces, walking around the room with paint on their hands, and paint being transferred onto furniture. One child’s clothing became wet after accessing a bowl of water staff had placed on the floor. During this time, some children disengaged from the activity and wandered around the room, while others climbed on furniture. Staff attention was divided between managing the activity, preparing additional materials, and cleaning spills. 4. There was no suitable rest area available in the Toddler room for children who wished to take a break from activities or access a restful space. The only soft furnishings provided was a rug and this was partially covered by a bookshelf. (1) (b) Some care practices observed in the Baby and Toddler rooms were not appropriate and suitable to meet children’s basic care needs at all times as detailed below. 5. In the Toddler room children’s behaviour and safety were not consistently or effectively managed within the room, evidenced by one child repeatedly climbing a low-level bookshelf. Although the staff member moved the bookshelf, the child continued to push it back and resumed climbing. The staff member used conditional punishment relating to outdoor play instead of positive behaviour support and redirection the child was told they could not go outside until the behaviour stopped. 6. In the Baby and Toddler Rooms children’s personal care was not attended to in a timely manner this created a risk to children’s comfort and dignity as evidenced by the following. 7. On the first day of inspection at approximately 11:23am children from the Baby and Toddler Rooms were observed engaging in water play in the outdoor area. Appropriate protective clothing, including overalls and waterproof clothing, was not provided to protect children’s clothing during the activity. One child was observed walking in the water, resulting in their footwear and clothing becoming wet. The child remained in wet clothing until approximately 12:40pm, after returning indoors and eating their dinner, at which time the clothing was changed. Drinking water was not consistently and freely available to children, as evidenced by the following observations: 8. During both days of inspection, children from the Baby and Toddler rooms spent time in the outdoor area, without access to their water bottles, as staff did not bring them outdoors. The weather was sunny and warm at the time. This practice posed a potential risk to the children’s health and wellbeing. 9. In the Toddler room, drinking water was not readily accessible to children throughout the day. During lunchtime, water was not routinely offered to children. Only one child was observed receiving a cup of water, drinking it, and requesting an additional serving. 19 (3) In the Baby room, it was observed that some staff were not consistently implementing appropriate, suitable and respectful care practices when handling children. On a three separate occasions, a staff member was seen lifting and guiding children by holding their wrist and lower arm, rather than using recommended practice such as supporting or leading children by the hand. This approach does not align with best practice in ensuring children are handled in a safe and developmentally appropriate manner. It was noted the behaviour management policy was not sufficiently detailed, as it did not provide information or guidance to staff regarding safe handling practices
Provider's corrective action:
- 1., 2. Baby and Toddler room have now been re-equipped with a variety of toys, the play areas have also been put in place giving children a variety of play equipment while also showing different play areas, kitchen/car mat/construction/cosy area/tabletop/art areas. Manager will ensure checks are carried out in all rooms to ensure the areas of interest and variety of toys is readily available to all age groups, policies are being adhered too. 3.The service has also begun to engagement with Better Start Quality Team to ensure the overall quality of the service improved and the rooms continue to improve. 4. Rest areas with books have been provided in each room. Kitchen and imaginary play areas have also been developed
- 5. Behaviour management policy has been updated and all staff have been given a copy and signed off on. The manager will continually monitor this room to ensure positive behaviour management is being used. The staff member was also spoken to by manager to ensure she is aware of the language she was using and ensure she fully understands the positive behaviour approach. 6.,7. New cubbies for each child has been added to our entrance area to ensure that each child has an available change of clothes. 7.,8.,9. Drinking water stations are now available in all rooms and the garden area. (19)(3) The behaviour management policy has been updated and the gone through with each staff member so they fully are aware of the positive behaviour approach that staff have with the children. The staff member was spoken to individually about the behaviour observed on the day of inspection and this room will be monitored closely by management to ensure this practice is no longer being done
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for one staff member. However, this vetting disclosure was not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. 2. In the sanitary area used by children in the Baby and Toddler rooms pipework beneath the wash hand basin was uncovered and accessible, posing a potential risk of contact injury. 3. In the sanitary area used by the children from the Baby and Toddler rooms a metal bar was protruding from the wall posing a potential safety risk. 5. In the outdoor area a nail was observed protruding from a wooden step leading into the children’s playhouse and the wood surrounding the area appeared visibly rotten, presenting a safety concern. It is acknowledged, that once the issue was brought to the attention of the manager, the area was immediately cordoned off to prevent access by children and the necessary repairs were completed and photographic evidence was submitted to the inspector the day after the inspection was completed. 6. During breakfast in the Toddler room, some children were observed walking around the room while eating toast instead of remaining seated posing a potential choking risk. 7. In the sensory room a trailing cable was accessible while children from the Baby room attended. It’s acknowledged when this was pointed out the staff member promptly addressed the issue. Infection Control: 8. In the outdoor area on two separate occasions, one child from the Baby room and one child from the Toddler room were observed using a plastic bowl to scoop and drink water from the water tray this posed a risk of children picking up a bacterial illness. The inspector alerted staff immediately, and the water was discarded. 9. Nappy changing practice observed was inconsistent for infection control purposes. In the Toddler room staff did not remove their gloves after changing a child’s nappy and proceeded to clean the child’s face. The staff member returned to the care room to wash their hands instead of washing their hands in the designated sanitary area increasing the risk of infection. 10. In the Baby and Toddler rooms, plates were not provided during mealtimes and toast was served directly on the table surface. This practice presents an infection control and hygiene risk, as food served directly on a table surface may become contaminated, increasing the potential spread of bacteria and illness among children. 11. In the Toddler room after outdoor play and prior to children eating their lunch a communal bowl of soapy water was used to wash all children’s hands. This practice increases the risk of cross contamination and spread of infection, as germs and bacteria can be transferred between children through shared water. 12. The child size wash hand basins used to facilitate hand hygiene in the activity room were broken. 13. In the Baby room mouthed toys were not removed immediately after use increasing the risk of cross contamination between children. 14. In the Baby room, children were observed using soothers however, there was no written policy or procedure in place to guide staff on the appropriate cleaning, storage and sterilisation of soothers. 15. In the Baby sleep room, a cot sheet a child was sleeping on was observed to be visibly stained and soiled. 16. In the sanitary area used by the Baby and Toddler room there was no paper towel provided in the towel dispenser to support hand hygiene. 17. In the Pre-School sanitary area an open bin rather than a pedal operated bin was provided. 18. In the Baby room the wooden surface on a toy washing machine was chipped and worn and could not be effectively cleaned for infection control purposes. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1.The garda vetting has been now obtained and going forward management and registered provider will ensure vetting is in place prior to any staff member commencing employment. 2.This pipe work has been boxed in. 3. Metal bar has been removed. 5. Wooden steps in garden have been removed and replaced with new equipment garden risk assessments will be carried out by staff going forward any issues will be notified to management immediately. 6. Healthy eating policy and safe eating policy has been updated and reviewed by staff and management to ensure children are observed safely during mealtimes and that children are encouraged to sit at the table while eating. Staff are also encouraged to sit with the children which will encourage the children to sit with them making mealtimes more engaging for the children. 7. Trailing cable removed in sensory area. 8. Drinking water station now available in the rooms and garden area. Infection Control: 9. All staff have been re-trained in nappy changing procedures and they are also on display in the nappy changing rooms as a reminder to staff. Spot checks will be carried out by management and supervisor to ensure correct procedures are carried out. 10. Plates and additional cups available in each room cupboard. 11. Handwashing practices were revisited and training was carried out for all staff. 12. Taps in activity room have now been fixed. 13. Mouthed toys boxed and training on mouthed toy policy has be done for all staff. Mouthed toy boxed are now available in all rooms. 14. Individual soother boxes are now available for the rooms where children use soothers. 15. New cot sheets have been purchased the dirty sheet has been removed and regularly cleaning schedule has been implements for sheets for the cot room. Invoice of purchase attached in supporting documents. 16. Paper towels are now in place and will be checked daily by cleaner to ensure they are always full ready for the next day. 17. New pedal bins have been purchased for all rooms and sanitary areas. Supporting images attached. 18. Toy washing machine has been removed from room
Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) The registered provider did not ensure that the premises and outdoor play area of the service was cleaned, maintained and repaired as required as evidenced by. 1. In the sanitary area used by the Baby and Toddler room a tile was missing from the wall and the soap dispenser was broken off the wall. 2. The floors in the Baby and Toddler rooms were visibly dirty, with marks and food crumbs present. 3. The windows in the care rooms were observed to be heavily smeared and covered with visible dust and dirt. 4. Parts of the outdoor playground were observed not to be maintained to an appropriate standard of cleanliness and safety. There was a build-up of moss and dirt increasing the risk of injury. 5. In the outdoor play area the big slide was observed to be in poor condition. The wooden panels leading up to the slide were broken, and masking tape had been applied to the top bar of the wooden frame as a form of support. Additionally, the wooden steps appeared rotten and were visibly deteriorating. This posed a potential safety hazard. 6. In the outdoor play area, the child size picnic table had a large hole in the centre of the table and the wood was chipped around the edge of the table. The paint was chipped off the bench seating. 7. Four large wooden armchairs located in the outdoor area were not maintained in a safe and appropriate condition. The paintwork was observed to be heavily chipped and one arm had a visible hole in the armrest, indicating a deterioration of the furniture. 8. The wooden covering on top of the chalkboard in the outdoor play area was observed to be broken, with visible wooden splinters present. It’s acknowledged the person in charge provided a copy of an email to confirm a playground service had been contacted to address the issues in the outdoor area
Provider's corrective action:
- (d) 1. Wall tile is still missing service is currently sourcing a tiler to replace in short term a laminated piece of paper has been placed over the missing tile until a tiler can fix this. 2. A cleaning company was brought in to carry out a deep clean of the whole service. The floors have been professional cleaned. Staff are aware of the need to sweep and clean the floor daily and cleaner will ensure the rooms are mopped each evening to maintain the cleanliness. 3. All windows have been professional cleaned images attached. Window cleaning sprays have been added to each room to ensure these are maintained. 4. Outdoor area has been power hosed and weeds/bushes cut back and removed. 5. Slide has been removed and new play equipment has been added. 6. Picnic table has been disposed of. 7. Armchair has been removed and disposed of. 8. Chalk board has been removed from wall. Management and Registered Provider will ensure checks are carried out on the building to prevent weeds/dirt/damage. Risk assessment checks will be carried out regularly by staff and management and any issues will be reported and rectified immediately going forward
Found compliant: Regulation 10, 11, 25, 26.