Inspection of 21 November 2025 — Inspection Report
Immediate action notice. An Immediate Action Notice was issued to the registered provider on 21 November 2025 in relation to risks identified under regulation 23. 1. The door to the kitchen was not appropriately secured to prevent children from accessing unsupervised. 2. The hot water for handwashing in the junior room was recorded on the day at 67.5°C. The registered provider responded by return on 24 November 2025 with information on corrective actions that had been taken to address the risks.
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- On the day of inspection, it could not be determined if ten written references on file for five of the adults, from either a previous employer or a reputable source were validated, as no documented evidence was available
- A fully completed employment history was not available for 3 adults, on the day of inspection. In these instances, it could not be determined if police vetting from another state was required
- There was no evidence available for one adult to demonstrate that the minimum requirement of a major award at level 5 or above was held
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a)(b) Updated staff Recruitment Policy and Recruitment Policy – Preventative Actions, Oversight and Governance Statement document was added to Policies and Procedures Appendix. The policy has been updated and put into practice; all current employee records will be further revised as well as ensuring to follow this policies protocols for future recruitment
- Ensure that in a case of an employee taking a break from employment, that it is identified, and is evidenced on the persons curriculum vitae
- All staff qualifications have been attached
Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
- (k) The accident and incident reports from September 2025 were reviewed. A total of two records were available and were found to contain the required information; however, one record was not signed by a parent, and another record was not signed by the service manager. The omission of these signatures could result in a lack of continuity of care for the child and acknowledgment of the incident
Provider's corrective action:
- The Accident and Incident Policy have been updated to strengthen how preventative actions are identified, measured and reviewed, and this updated policy will be discussed with all staff and implemented immediately in practice
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. An immediate action notice was issued on the day of inspection due to the door of the kitchen, located in the senior room being open because of a broken lock. This resulted in a risk of children accessing the area where cleaning products and a kettle were located. When brought to the attention of staff the door was immediately blocked off as an interim measure. A new lock was fitted to the kitchen door, and evidence submitted to the inspector on the 24 November 2025. 2. An immediate action was issued on the day of inspection, the hot water for handwashing in the junior room was found to be more than 60°C presenting a risk of scalding. When brought to the attention of staff, handwashing was strictly supervised by using the colder option of the mixer tap present. It is acknowledged that maintenance was subsequently completed to reduce the temperature to 42°C and confirmation of this was sent to the inspector on the 24 November 2025. 3. The door to an unused care room located off the senior room sanitary facilities was found unlocked with decorators’ paint accessible inside. This presented as a risk as there was potential for a child to gain unsupervised access to the room. It is acknowledged a divider was present and placed across the doorway as a barrier, however this did not reduce the risk fully. 4. A blind cord was observed to be unsecured in the senior room presenting as a potential hazard. When brought to the attention of staff the cord was immediately made safe. 5. In the junior room, Popcorn was observed to be present in a child’s lunch. Popcorn is classified as a high- risk choking food and is not suitable for consumption by young children. 6. On the day of inspection, no evidence of a documented risk assessment was available for a disclosure that had been recorded on an adults Garda Vetting. It is acknowledged the registered provider was aware of the disclosure; however documentary evidence to demonstrate that an evaluation took place and that the individual does not pose a risk to children is required. Infection Control: 7. It was confirmed in conversation with staff that the high-level bin present in the bathroom was used to dispose used nappies in. This practice presented a risk of cross contamination. 8. Worn paint on the back of the sink in the senior room sanitary facilities requires refreshing to ensure effective cleaning of the area can occur. Outing: 9. No risk assessments had been carried out for two recent outings to a local park and a local play centre. As a result, it was not possible for the service to identify and minimise any potential hazards during these outings. It was also not possible to demonstrate any safety procedures that were implemented to ensure safety of the children whilst located off the premises. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: The registered provider has stated. 1. A new lock was fitted to the kitchen door, and evidence submitted to the inspector on the 24 November 2025. 2. A new thermostat has been added to the service. A service is conducted each year by the plumber and regular temperature checks are conducted. 3. A barrier was available on the day of inspection to ensure children could not access the unused care room; however this room will now be fully locked at all times by staff members. Staff were updated during the staff meeting to ensure the door is always locked and unavailable to all children. 4. Blinds cords have been reattached. All blind cords have been checked. 5. A text message has been sent to parents to ensure popcorn does not enter the service and the healthy eating policy has been updated. 6. Risk assessment of Garda vetting has been completed. All risk assessments to be carried out where areas are flagged up from staffs garda vetting disclosures. Following receipt of the inspector’s feedback, a staff meeting was held to address the findings in full. All corrective actions identified were implemented immediately. During this meeting, staff were also updated on the newly revised and updated policies, including changes introduced to strengthen preventative measures. The purpose of the meeting was to ensure that all staff clearly understood the issues raised, the actions taken, and their individual and collective responsibility to maintain these standards at all times. Staff were reminded of the requirement to ensure doors are locked and restricted areas remain inaccessible to children at all times, that environmental hazards such as blind cords, bins, walls and surfaces are maintained to a high standard, and that all safety, hygiene and supervision requirements are consistently met. Procedures relating to water temperature checks, annual servicing, healthy eating practices, completion of risk assessments (including for outings and where Garda vetting disclosures arise), and accident and incident prevention were reviewed in detail. Staff were informed that compliance with policies and procedures is an ongoing requirement and that daily checks, documentation, and safe practice must be followed at all times. Management will continue to provide oversight through regular monitoring, review of documentation, and follow- up discussions to ensure preventative measures remain effective and that the risk of reoccurrence is minimised. Infection Control: The registered provider has stated. 7. A new bin was purchased. All bins meet regulation standards. 8. Worn paint area is disinfected on a daily basis and a painter has been arranged to touch it up for after the Christmas Holidays. All walls and surfaces are of high clean standards. Outing: The registered provider has stated. 9. Risk assessments for outings have been completed. All risk assessments are completed ahead of outings
Found compliant: Regulation 11, 25, 26, 27.