Gortnahoe Community Playgroup, Thurles — inspection reports and findings

Sessional · 2 - 6 Years · Thurles, Tipperary · Tusla ID TU2015TY110 · Registered since 1 January 2026

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

No non-compliance recorded in this report.

Found compliant: Regulation 9, 10, 11, 15, 23, 25, 26.

No non-compliance recorded in this report.

(2)(a)(b) Two validated references were not available for one staff member from either a past employer, or from a reputable source

Provider's corrective action:

(2)(a)(b) The staff member requested references previous employments. All staff members will have references available upon commencement of employment

General Safety: The following non-compliances identified posed a risk of injury to children: 1. Expandable foam was used to fill a wall in the bright star sanitary accommodation, this was protruding out from the wall and accessible to children. 2. Doors in the bright star room and sanitary accommodation posed a risk of finger pinch injuries. Infection Control: The following non-compliances posed a risk of cross contamination and potential to increase the spread infection among children and staff members: 3. There were no dispensers for toilet roll or paper hand towels in the bright star room and sanitary accommodation. 4. The nappy changing area was also used for storage of equipment such as foam matting, water tray, other play resources and a large open storage unit with children’s belongings. The following issues identified pose a risk of cross infection as they cannot be effectively cleaned: 5. There was a section of exposed concrete flooring in the lobby area, between the old and new building. 6. There were several small sections of exposed concrete on walls in the bright star room and sanitary accommodation at wastewater pipes and where alterations were made to a sink. 7. There were exposed copper and plastic water pipes in the bright star room and sanitary accommodation. 8. A wooden safety gate in the lobby area had sections of untreated timber. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: 1. The excess expandable foam has now been removed and flush with the wall and wall re-painted. 2. Door protectors fitted. Infection Control: 3. Dispensers been fitted for paper hand towels and toilet rolls. 4. Nappy changing area all cleaned up and only being used as an accessible toilet and changing area. Doors were fitted to the spare clothes storage unit. 5. Exposed concrete area in lobby from old to new building completed. 6. Exposed concrete corrected. 7. Copper and plastic pipes have been covered with a built-in timber surround. 8. Sections of wood treated

There was insufficient sanitary accommodation for the numbers of children attending the Bright Stars room. There were two toilets and one wash hand basin available, where two toilets and two wash hand basins are required

Provider's corrective action:

Found compliant: Regulation 11, 26, 28, 30.

Gortnahoe Community Playgroup