Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety 1. Garda vetting was available for 22 staff members and one student. However, one of the staff vetting disclosures were 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. The painted surfaces on the climbing structure in the outdoor area to the front of the premises were observed to be flaking and peeling with significant sections of bare wood exposed which were rough to touch. This posed a risk of a child sustaining an injury from splinters when using the climbing frame. Infection Control: 3. Play materials and resources were stored in a corner section of the sanitary area upstairs. In addition, coats were observed to be stored in the Toddler nappy changing area. The storage of the play materials and coats poses a risk of cross contamination. 4. The child sized sofa in Preschool 2 was extensively torn along a seam leaving the inner foam exposed. This was an infection control hazard as the sofa could not be thoroughly cleaned. Safe Sleep: 5. A staff member did not remain in the sensory room at all times when children were sleeping on stackable beds. This posed a risk that children who were awake could leave their beds unsupervised and climb, trip, fall, disrupt the sleep of or cause harm to another child. While staff members were observed entering this room at 10-minute intervals to carry out sleep checks during the inspection, children sleeping on stackable beds require direct supervision within the care room at all times
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. At the time of the inspection, the vetting process had been initiated, but the clearance had not yet been returned. To correct this, we followed up with the vetting authority to expedite the process and received the completed vetting shortly after the inspection. To prevent future occurrences, we have implemented a tracking system to monitor the status of all vetting applications. Applications will now be submitted at least 6 weeks prior to any scheduled inspections. Weekly checks will ensure progress is monitored, and any delays are followed up promptly. 2. The slide was initially booked for sandblasting as part of maintenance. However, during further inspection, it was found to be too worn to safely undergo this process. As a corrective measure, the slide and attached climbing frame were immediately removed from use, and a new unit was ordered. To prevent similar issues in the future, all equipment scheduled for refurbishment will undergo a detailed condition assessment prior to any maintenance booking. This assessment will be completed at least two weeks in advance to allow time for alternative actions if needed. Infection Control: 3. A door has been ordered and will be installed to enclose the storage area and prevent contamination. Additionally, all toys stored in the area were deep cleaned to ensure they meet hygiene and safety standards. To prevent future contamination, the storage area will remain enclosed at all times, and a monthly cleaning schedule has been implemented for all stored toys and equipment. 4. The torn child-sized sofa was removed and replaced, age-appropriate and safe alternative to meet safety and comfort standards. Other couch has been sent for repairs. All furniture used by children will now be inspected quarterly to ensure it remains in good condition and compliant with safety guidelines. Any damaged or unsuitable items will be flagged for immediate replacement. Safe Sleep: 5. The relevant policy was updated to clearly state that staff must remain in the room during children's sleep times to actively monitor their safety and well-being. All staff have been informed of the updated policy and briefed on the importance of continuous supervision during sleep periods. A staff checklist has been introduced to confirm presence during each sleep session, and compliance will be monitored during routine audits
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
(1) (a) The most recent dated fire drill was recorded on 16 January 2025, and not monthly as required to familiarise both adults and children of the correct procedures to follow in the event of a fire
Provider's corrective action:
A fire drill was immediately conducted upon identifying the lapse, and all staff and children participated to ensure familiarity with evacuation procedures. The fire drill log has been updated to reflect this, including detailed notes on the procedure and outcomes. A monthly fire drill schedule has now been created and integrated into the setting’s compliance calendar to ensure regular practice. The designated Health & Safety Officer is responsible for coordinating and recording each drill. Reminders have also been set within the team’s shared calendar to ensure drills are not overlooked
Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 19, 21, 22, 25, 28.
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: The following safety measures were not in place on the day of inspection: 1. Garda vetting was available for 1 staff member. However, these vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. Outing: 2. The service does not complete a written risk assessment prior to undertaking outings from the service. On the day of inspection 2 separate groups of children went on a walk to a local park however no written risk assessment was completed. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: Garda Vetting has been reapplied for the staff member, whose vetting was out of date. We have documented digitally all expiry dates for all staff members for their garda vetting. Outing: A new risk assessment form has been established that needs to be filled out prior to going on an outdoor outing with the children. Staff have been informed that all outings need to be risk assessed and have been provided with the new risk assessment forms. Summary Comment The registered provider has demonstrated that risk assessments will be carried out prior to an outing taking place. Garda vetting for the staff member has been submitted to the inspectorate. This addresses the non-compliances in Regulation 23
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
(1)(b) A record of the maintenance of the smoke alarm system was not available for inspection
Provider's corrective action:
The smoke alarm system has now been serviced by our maintenance company. The company has been asked to make sure that our maintenance of the smoke alarms to be done within the contracted timeframe