Horizons Montessori School

Sessional · 2 - 6 Years · Dublin 6W, Dublin · Tusla ID TU2016DY011 · Registered since 1 January 2026

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

2published inspections

3non-compliances at latest report read

0immediate action notices

0registration conditions

A review of documentation showed that the procedures specified in regulation 9(2)(d) were not completed prior to one adult commencing in the service, as required. Allowing adults work with children before their suitability is established may result in individuals who are not appropriate having access to children

Provider's corrective action:

The registered provider stated that going forward all correct documentation will be filed before an employee begins employment or has contact with children and that a staff file checklist will be completed before employment commences to ensure compliance

(d) In the children's sanitary area on the ground floor, the laminate countertop between the sinks was damaged with dampness in multiple places, exposing an inner porous material and preventing the surface from being effectively cleaned. (e) There were six toilets and five sinks available to children on the day of inspection. This number of sinks and toilets does not meet the regulatory requirement of one toilet and one sink for every eleven children attending. There are 73 children in attendance on the busiest day as demonstrated through a review of records and discussion with staff. This was found non-compliant on two previous inspections dated 12 November 2024 and 13 December 2021. The corrective and preventive actions submitted by the registered provider did not adequately address the same non-compliance found on two previous inspections

Provider's corrective action:

(d)(e) The registered provider stated that children's sanitary areas are currently being refitted with additional and replacement toilets, sinks and surrounds. There will seven toilets and sinks available to children on completion of the works and going forward we will aim to complete necessary building works in a timely manner

In Montessori 1 and Montessori 4, the floor space available for the work, play, and movement of children attending the service was inadequate, as outlined in Regulation 30(2) below
1. In Montessori 1 the available amount of clear floor space measured at 14.81sqm, which meets the regulatory minimum space requirement for six children. There were eight children in attendance on the busiest days as confirmed through a review of records and discussion with staff. 2. In Montessori 4 the available amount of clear floor space measured at 14.54sqm which meets the regulatory minimum space requirement for six children. There were eight children in attendance on the busiest days as confirmed through a review of records and discussion with staff

Provider's corrective action:

(1)(2) Points 1. and 2. The registered provider stated that four children will attend alternative rooms as there is space capacity in those rooms and that going forward management will ensure that classes are correctly divided according to room space

Found compliant: Regulation 11, 19, 23.

• Seven references for three adults were not verified prior to the adults commencing work in the service. • Garda vetting disclosures for three adults had not been sought prior to them working with the children

Provider's corrective action:

Going forward we will ensure all staff members are reference checked prior to commencement of employment. We will ensure updated Garda vetting dates are noted on calendar dashboard

(b) Two of the records did not contain the date in which the child started. (h) There were no immunisation records available for one child

Provider's corrective action:

(b) Start and finish date have now been added to our registration form. (h) Parent declaration is stated on our registration form if parent is unable to obtain proof of vaccinations

Infection Control: 1. In the Montessori 4 room children did not wash their hands before snack. They were observed to use hand sanitiser however, washing hands with warm water and soap is deemed most effective for infection control. 2. Staff were observed handing the children paper towels which were not stored in a dispenser. This poses a risk of cross contamination. Administration of Medication: 3. Emergency medication was available for a child who needed it however, it was not stored in it’s original packaging with the prescribed information. This is at variance with the service policy. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

Infection Control: 1. A staff meeting to update staff happened immediately and our hand washing policy was again stated to all staff. 2. Paper towel was immediately placed in a dispenser. Administration of Medication: 3. Emergency medication was placed in original packaging by parent

(d) The service was not maintained as required as detailed below: • On the first floor hallway a piece of skirting board was missing. Loose materials were observed in the gap between the floor covering and the wall which was accessible to children. • A loose tile was observed in the ground floor sanitary area of the service. (e) There are 71 children in attendance on the busiest day. There are 6 toilets and 5 sinks available to the children. One toilet and sink are required for every eleven children attending the service. This was found non-compliant on the last inspection dated 13th December 2021. The corrective and preventive actions submitted by the registered provider did not address the non-compliance from re-occurring

Provider's corrective action:

(d) Skirting board and loose tile were replaced and made safe. (e) Contractor was contacted to view bathroom and quote for additional basin and toilet unit , appointment date 8/1/2025

Found compliant: Regulation 11, 16, 19.

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