(b) It was acknowledged that the deputy was working at the service when the inspection commenced and that the person in charge was available to facilitate most of the inspection thereafter. However, review of the staff roster indicated that there were times during the service’s operational hours when neither the person in charge nor the deputy were present. For example: • On 8 April 2025, the person in charge and the named deputy were not on the premises between 7.45am and 8.30am. • On 10 April 2025, the person in charge and the named deputy were not on the premises between 5.30pm and 6.00pm. During discussion with the person in charge, it was confirmed that the other deputy was not currently working at the service
(d) While there was evidence that police vetting had been obtained for three of the adults, additional required police vetting was unavailable for one of these adults. This staff member had lived in another jurisdiction for longer than six consecutive months, while over the age of 18 years
Provider's corrective action:
(b) In her written reply, the person in charge stated that a third named deputy has been appointed. As there is now one named person in charge and three named deputies, this will ensure that at least one person in charge is on the premises during opening hours. This is also reflected on the staff roster
(d) This member of staff has since returned to work abroad. As a preventive measure, it will be ensured that police clearance is in place for all staff who have worked or lived in another jurisdiction for a period of six consecutive months, or more and that police clearance is in place to correspond with all information on the curricula vitae of future staff
Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
(2) It was acknowledged that the required adult to child ratios were ensured across the four care rooms throughout the morning of the inspection. However, during part of the afternoon, the minimum ratio of adults to children was not met in the Pre-school and Montessori rooms. At 1.25pm, 23 children aged 3 to 4 years, from the Pre-school room were playing outdoors, with 2 adults present. At 1.28pm, it was noted that 2 adults were available to the 17 children from the Montessori room, who were also in the outdoor area. These children were aged four to five years. A fifth adult was required to be available during this period
Provider's corrective action:
The written reply outlined that staff have been reminded that breaks must be timed, in order to ensure that ratios are correct at all times. Room leaders will ensure that staff breaks are taken in a timely manner and that ratios are maintained
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
Basic needs: In the Wobbler room, it was observed that six of the children were required to wait to have their lunch meal, until one of the high chairs, or a seat at the table, became available. This was confirmed during discussion with staff. It was noted that while waiting, two of these children approached the table where some of the other children were eating and one child attempted to eat another child’s food. It was acknowledged that this was sensitively managed by a staff member, who gently led the children away from the table and redirected them towards free play. However, having to wait for others to finish eating before being accommodated, did not meet the needs of these children
Provider's corrective action:
The written reply outlined that as part of the quality development programme, it was recommended to the service that free play, or an organised activity, could be encouraged for a small group of children during mealtime. This is to promote a slow paced, relaxed mealtime, while also encouraging self-feeding and independence. Each child in the Wobbler room has a dedicated key worker, to ensure that the needs of all the children are always met. In the event of any child displaying signs of hunger, additional tables and seating are readily available to accommodate feeding all of the children simultaneously
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General safety: 1. While it was noted that most of the medication held at the service was kept out of the children’s reach, safe storage of some medication was not ensured, which increased the risk of a child accidently ingesting this medication. In the Pre-school room, an inhaler was observed in a child’s bag, which was stored on a low-level shelf in the care room. 2. At 10.40am in the shared sanitary facility, the water temperatures ranged between 46.4°C and 49.3°C. Water temperatures exceeding 43°C poses a risk of scalding to children. It is acknowledged that when the inspector assessed the water temperatures at 1.25pm, the temperatures ranged between 39.2°C and 40.6°C. 3. In the outdoor area, it was noted that toys and equipment were placed on top of a storage unit. As it was observed that children in the Toddler room could reach these toys and equipment, there was a risk that the equipment could be pulled down by and fall on top of a child and cause injury. Infection control: 4. Three of the cots in sleep room 2 were not fitted with waterproof mattresses, or waterproof mattress protectors, as required to reduce the risk of cross infection. 5. In the nappy changing area adjoining the Toddler room, the inspector observed that two children did not wash their hands after nappy changing. This posed a risk of cross infection to the children and staff in the care room. 6. In the shared sanitary facility, a potty used for toilet training was not cleaned after use. This posed a risk of cross infection to the children and staff. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General safety: 1. Staff will ensure that all medication is removed from the child’s bag, upon arrival at the service. The child’s parents have supplied a spare inhaler, which will be stored securely, to prevent this oversight reoccurring. 2. The thermostat has been adjusted. Water temperatures are checked and recorded twice daily, in order to ensure that water temperatures do not exceed 430C. 3. The toys and equipment have been removed. All staff have been advised not to store equipment at a height that is accessible to children, in order to prevent any injuries from occurring. Infection control: 4. All cot mattresses are now fitted with waterproof covers. As a preventive measure, additional waterproof covers have been purchased, to ensure that there are sufficient covers available. 5. Staff in the Toddler room have been reminded of the importance of hand hygiene in the prevention of cross infection. These staff members have reviewed the service’s hand hygiene policy and also have completed a hand hygiene programme. 6. Staff have been reminded that toilet training and the use of potties require a high level of cleanliness. Each potty will be disinfected after every use
Regulation 29 — Premises
(d) 1. During the inspection, a plastic slide and a playhouse were observed to have broken edges and corners. This posed a safety risk to the children
Provider's corrective action:
In her written reply, the person in charge stated that the plastic slide and playhouse have been removed. A monthly risk assessment of the outdoor area will be undertaken, and staff are required to report and remove where possible, any damaged toys or equipment
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
Children in the Wobbler room did not have access to drinking water throughout the day. The inspector observed that the children’s sippy cups were stored in the fridge, which was secured with a child proof safety catch. It was acknowledged that when this was brought to the attention of an adult in the room, the cups were removed from the fridge and placed on top of the fridge, visible to the children
Provider's corrective action:
The written replay stated that water beakers are now freely available for each child. Staff in the Wobbler room have been informed not to store beakers in the fridge, in order to ensure that children have access to drinking water at all times
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. In the Toddler room, the fridge which was used to store medication was not secured. This posed a risk of a child accessing and ingesting a potentially harmful substance. It was acknowledged that once this was brought to the attention of a staff member, the medication was immediately removed to be placed in another fridge, out of the children’s reach. 2. The inspector observed that three electrical flexes were accessible on the floor of sleep room 1, which posed as a trip hazard. 3. In sleep room 1, a large pool of water was observed under cot five, which posed a risk of an adult or child slipping or falling on the wet surface. It was noted that once informed of this, the room leader made the area safe by drying the floor. Infection Control: 4. In the Preschool room, it was noted that the children’s perishable snacks, such as yogurts and cheese sandwiches, were not refrigerated at the service prior to the mid-morning snack. This increased the risk of food spoilage. 5. The sofa in the Montessori room and five foam shapes in the soft play area of the Wobbler room, were torn, which impeded effective cleaning. 6. In the shared sanitary facility, there was evidence of rust on the radiator, which could not be adequately cleaned as a result. 7. The inspector observed that a soother had been left on a cubby shelf in the Wobbler room, which posed a risk of cross contamination. In conversation, one of the adults stated that there was no sterilising process in place for used soothers. 8. Six of the seven high chairs in use in the Wobbler room were noted to have food particles on the covers of the chairs. In addition, black mould spots were visible in the corners of three of the chair covers, which posed a risk of cross infection and possible allergic reaction to the mould. During discussion, the adult in the care room stated that the chairs were cleaned after use, however, this was not found to the be case in practice, as no cleaning record had been completed for the previous day. Administration of Medication: 9. The expiry date had passed on two separate medications that were held in respect of a child. This posed a risk that expired medication, which may be unsafe to use, could be administered to a child. Safe Sleep: 10. In sleep room 1, the inspector observed that there were two cellular blankets attached to the bars on either side of a cot, where a child was sleeping. This posed as a safety risk, should the child over heat from the lack of ventilation between the bars of the cot, or from accidentally pulling the blankets on top of themself. In conversation, the staff member stated that the cellular blankets were being used in this way to prevent the child from being able to see other children on either side of the cot. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: 1. In her written reply, the person in charge stated that a new childproof lock has been fitted to the Toddler room fridge. Staff have been advised to store all medication in the main kitchen, which is inaccessible to children. 2. The plug-in thermometer has been removed and the cable from the air conditioner has been secured in place. As a preventive measure, electric thermometers will be replaced by digital battery-operated thermometers. An order placed for same is due for delivery. 3. There has been no reoccurrence of water pooling since the date of the inspection. Staff will ensure that sleep room floors are completely dry after cleaning and that no spillages are left unattended. Infection Control: 4. All perishable snacks will be stored in Preschool room fridge. Parents have been asked to send perishable snacks in a zip lock bag for storage in the fridge. 5. The sofa in the Montessori room has been replaced. New foam shapes for the Wobbler room have been ordered. As a preventive measure, staff have been asked to ensure that all soft furnishings are maintained in good condition. 6. Painting has been scheduled to commence in July, when painters are due to begin decorating work. 7. Each soother will be sterilised for a minimum of 30 minutes in a sterilising solution. A sterilising container is now in place in the Wobbler room and soothers will be sterilised after each use. 8. Staff have been instructed to ensure that highchairs are thoroughly cleaned after each mealtime and to ensure that this is also recorded. The service’s digital application has been updated to include a breakdown of highchair cleaning. Administration of Medication: 9. The written response stated that the person in charge had previously advised the child’s parents to update the medication, however, the parents were away. The parents have since provided in-date medication and have been advised that children will not be admitted in future, until their medication is in date. Safe Sleep: 10. Staff have been instructed to remove cellular blankets from the sides of this cot. Staff will remain in the sleep area when children are sleeping
Regulation 29 — Premises
(c) 1. There was an odour emitting from the Wobbler room nappy changing area. On further enquiry, it was discovered that the cover for the mechanical ventilation system was missing and that the system was not operating, which prevented the removal of stale air. (d) 2. A broken window handle was observed on the windowsill of sleep room 1. 3. In the Wobbler room, it was noted that water was flowing from the tap at the adult sink, when both taps were turned off. In conversation, an adult in the room stated that the tap had been assessed by maintenance and that they were awaiting a part to carry out the repair. 4. The inspector observed six visible holes, at the children’s eye level, on one of the walls in the Wobbler care room. During discussion, an adult in the room stated that an old play kitchen had been removed from this area
Provider's corrective action:
(c) 1. The response submitted stated that the mechanical vent has been replaced. (d) 2. The window handle has been repaired. 3. The leak from the tap has been repaired. 4. The area damaged after the removal of play kitchen has been repaired. As a preventive measure in relation to the above points, staff have been reminded that there is a repair log available in the office and that all breakages or damages must be logged, in order to ensure that all repairs are competed in a timely manner
Regulation 30 — Minimum space requirements
In the Wobbler room, there was inadequate clear floor space available to accommodate the numbers and age range of children who attended part time or full day care as follows: Square metres available Number and age range of children in attendance Square meters required for the number of children in attendance 60.26m2 2 children aged under 1 year 23 children aged 1 – 2 years 71.42
Provider's corrective action:
In her written reply, the person in charge stated that four of the children, who had been settling into the Toddler room during the week commencing 27 May, have now moved to the Toddler room on a full-time basis. The service will no longer accept children under 12 months of age, to reduce the minimum space requirements
Immediate action notice. This inspection was unannounced and focused on the area of governance/ health, welfare and development of the 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 and 23; however, on inspection additional non-compliance which posed significant risk was identified under regulations 27 and 30. These findings are outlined within the relevant regulations within this report.
Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
(2) The minimum ratio of adults to children was not met in the afternoon. It was recorded that between 12.25pm and 12.45pm, when ratios were reviewed, a total of 13 adults were working with 87 children and the person in charge was also available. However, 15 adults were required in total. The rooms, which were providing full day care, were in operation as follows: Time Room Name and Age Range of Children Total Number of Children Present Number of Adults Present 12.25pm Pre-School 2 – 3 years: 7 children 3 – 4 years: 11 children 18 2 12.30pm Wobblers 0 – 1 year : 4 children 1 – 2 years: 16 children 20 4 12.35pm Montessori 2 – 3 years: 1 child 3 – 5 years: 17 children 18 2 12.45pm Toddlers 1 – 2 years: 7 children 2 - 3 years: 24 children 31 5
Provider's corrective action:
The person in charge responded to advise that on the day of inspection, two staff members were absent due to illness or injury and a third staff member had to leave work, due to feeling unwell. The service’s recruitment agency was contacted for relief staff, but were unable to facilitate, due to the short notice. One additional member of staff has since been recruited to act as floating staff, in the unlikely event that three staff members would be absent again on a given day
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
Children in the Wobbler room did not have the opportunity to engage in outdoor play. An adult in the Wobbler room explained that the children do not go outside when the ground is wet, as several of the children in the group are pre-walkers. The doors from the Wobbler room opened directly onto a designated play area with an artificial grass surface and as the weather was dry and pleasant, outdoor play could have been facilitated for this group of children who were attending the service and availing of full day care
Provider's corrective action:
In the response provided, the person in charge stated that while the morning on the day of inspection was dry, there had been torrential rain the previous night and the children did not have suitable waterproof clothing to ensure they would not get wet. Parents have been asked to supply suitable waterproof clothing for their children. A waterproof play mat has been provided for the pre-walkers
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. In the Toddler room, the children’s access to potentially harmful items was not prevented. One of the low-level cupboards, which contained a sanitiser spray bottle and a smart speaker with a cable, was unsecured. This increased the risk of a child ingesting a harmful substance and also increased the risk of injury to a child, should they come into contact with the cable. 2. The floor of the Toddler room was slippery, which created a potential slip hazard for children and adults. A child was observed to slip, as they played near the door of the nappy changing area and prior to this, a staff member was observed to lose their footing in another area of the room. Infection Control: 3. Handwashing by children was not observed in the Toddler or Wobbler rooms before the main lunch meal and the children’s hands were not washed following observed nappy changing procedures in the Toddler room. This increased the risk of cross infection. It was also noted that some of the children in the Toddler room began eating their lunch with their fingers, before receiving spoons, which further increased the risk of cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: 1. All doors on low-level cupboards are now fitted with locks and staff have been remined to ensure that all doors are securely locked at all times. 2. The response from the person in charge outlined that the slippery floor may have been due to high humidity levels in the care room, caused by the recent weather conditions. Staff have been instructed to place the available dehumidifier in the room, should it appear slippery. This will help to ensure safety from slipping, for both children and staff. Infection Control: 3. Each staff member has the responsibility to ensure that every child washes their hands prior to eating and after nappy changing, to reduce the risk of cross infection. All staff have been reminded about the importance of hand hygiene to minimise cross infection and they have also been given a copy of the service’s Infection Control policy as a reminder. In addition, all staff will complete the HSEland hand hygiene course. Staff have been instructed to ensure that children are provided with cutlery prior to receiving their meals
Regulation 27 — Supervision
In the Toddler room, adequate supervision of the children was not ensured at all times. At 12.20pm, one of the children was observed sitting on the floor crying and was not responded to until a staff member re-entered the main care room from the adjoining nappy changing room. In an adjacent area, three other children could be seen having a physical disagreement over a toy and this incident was not observed by staff. At the time of the incidents, one of the staff members was washing dishes at the sink, with their back turned to the children, two additional staff members were in the adjoining nappy changing area and a fourth adult was changing a nappy in a separately located sanitary facility
Provider's corrective action:
In the response submitted, the person in charge advised that certain periods of the day are busier than others, for example, preparing for lunch, clean up, nappy changing and preparing the children for rest time. Each staff member has now been delegated a clear and defined role during these periods, to ensure that there are sufficient staff members available to supervise the children at these times
Regulation 30 — Minimum space requirements
(2) Adequate clear floor space was unavailable in the Toddler room for the numbers and age range of children who attended part time or full day care as follows: Square metres available Number and age range of children Square meters required for the number of children attending 60.25m2 7 children aged 1 – 2 years 24 children aged 2 – 3 years 76m2 This was also found at the previous inspection on 23 January 2023. In the CAPA response at the time, the person in charge advised that on the 23 January 2023, additional children had been facilitated to attend the Toddler room due to settling in from the Wobbler room, settling back in upon return from a period of absence and as a result of accommodating parents, who had appointments. The CAPA response also outlined that going forward, the Toddler room capacity would be checked prior to accepting children for additional days. However, at the subsequent inspection, the minimum amount of clear floor space was again found to be inadequate for the children who attended the care room
Provider's corrective action:
In the response provided, the person in charge has outlined that the service is endeavouring to implement the change of entry age to two years in the Toddler room and to one year in the Wobbler room. As commitments had already been given to parents for childcare, this process can only be achieved over time. Subsequent to this, the person in charge clarified that in March of next year, there will be seven less children in the Toddler room and that no further enrolments will be taken for the Toddler room in the interim