# Jelly Tots Community Creche and Playschool, Abbeyleix — inspection reports and findings

> Jelly Tots Community Creche and Playschool (Abbeyleix, Co. Laois): what Tusla inspections found — 2 published inspection(s), non-compliances and the provider's corrective actions.

## Jelly Tots Community Creche and Playschool

Sessional · 1 - 6 Years · Abbeyleix, Laois · Tusla ID **TU2015LS041** · Registered since 1 January 2026

An inspection records what inspectors saw **on one day**; services respond with corrective actions — [how to read this](/methodology.md).

#### Inspection of 27 April 2026 — Inspection Report

Full report (PDF, Tusla)

##### Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

- The two references available in respect of one staff member were deemed not appropriate as both references were not from a reputable source

- The person in charge stated in the response that two additional appropriate references have been obtained in respect of the staff member, reviewed and validated. An induction form will be used to ensure all references are on file and checked as being from reputable sources. (Two references and new induction form included). Summary Comment In respect of the corrective actions taken documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement

##### Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play

- The following safety hazards were noted in the sleep room: 1. Waterproof mattresses were not in place in the six cots in the sleep room. 2. Potential footholds were observed in cots two and three due to the inappropriate fit of the elasticated sheets. 3. A conduit was not in place to secure the lead from the low-level compact disc player. 4. Curtains were in place on the fire exit doors from the sleep room which may impede a prompt evacuation from the sleep room or act as a combustible material in the event of a fire in the premises
- 1. In the main outdoor play area located to the rear of the premises horizontal fixtures were not in place on the wooden pieces surrounding the raised platform of the climb and slide unit to prevent a potential entrapment risk. 2. A separate play area which could be accessed directly from the crèche was not available for use by the children due to its lack of suitability. The following was observed: • The artificial grass surface area was uneven and worn in sections. • A plastic “tortoise” shaped container was full of stagnant sand and water. • An unsecured water hose was trailing a section of the surface area. • Wooden plantar boxes were left broken and with overgrown foliage. • The door of the wooden storage shed was broken and separating from the main body of the shed. 3. A small outdoor area adjacent to and accessible from the main outdoor play area was not available for use by the children due to its lack of suitability. The following was observed: • Broken equipment and play materials located throughout the area. • Broken trikes and furniture stacked on top of covered sensory trays. • A broken toy kitchen area with a glass mirror

- The person in charge stated in the response that: 1. Waterproof mattresses are now in place in the six cots in the sleep room. A check for waterproof mattress covers has been added to the daily health and safety checklist for the sleep room. (Photographs of waterproof mattresses and the health and safety sleep room checklist included). 2. The incorrect fitting sheets were disposed of and new sheets were purchased to fit each of the cots. Extra new sheets have been provided so that spares will be available. (Photograph included). 3. The CD player has been removed and replaced with a wireless speaker above the child’s level. (Photograph included). 4. The curtains have been removed. (Photograph included). The blackout curtains will be replaced by fitted door blinds have been ordered for the sleep room fire doors. (Quotation included)
- The person in charge stated in the response that: 1. As an interim measure there is increased supervision with one staff member allocated to the climbing frame at all times and a limited number of children during use. A check to confirm the horizontal fixtures are in place and have not been compromised has been added to the daily garden health and safety checklist. (Garden health and safety checklist included). Horizontal fixtures will be fitted around the edge of the climbing frame to prevent a potential entrapment risk. These fixtures will be fitted on 19/06/2026. (Quotation included). 2. Play area which could be accessed directly from the crèche: • The artificial grass surface requires remedial work and will be completed by 17th August 2026 in the interim period the garden will remain out of use until all repairs are completed. (Daily garden checklist included). • The sand box has been emptied and sanitised and placed in storage until the garden is functional. (Photograph included). • The hose has been placed away in storage. (Photograph included). • The creche garden needs the removal of broken planter boxes which will be completed by 17th August 2026 before the commencement of the new term. The garden will remain out of use until all repairs are completed. • The shed door requires repair which will be completed by 17th August 2026 before the commencement of the new term. The garden will remain out of use until all repairs are completed. 3. Small outdoor area adjacent to and accessible from the main outdoor play area: • All broken equipment will be removed from the unused play area. • The sensory trays have been cleaned and sterilised and put in storage for use. • The glass mirror has been removed for safety. This area is scheduled to be power washed to clean all surfaces over the summertime and ready for use by 17/08/2026 for the new term. The garden will remain out of use until all repairs are completed. (Daily garden checklist included). Summary Comment In respect of corrective actions taken to date photographic and documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet regulatory compliance. The proposed actions in respect of (3)(a) the play area which could be accessed directly from the crèche and the small outdoor area adjacent to and accessible from the main outdoor play area will meet the regulatory requirement upon completion of identified actions but remains outstanding until the evidence of works completed is submitted by August 21st 2026

##### Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

- General Safety: 1. The fire evacuation door in pre-school room two opened directly onto the rear of the premises into the grounds of the community pitch facility. The door was not alarmed therefore no notice could be given in the event of a child opening the door, exiting pre-school room two and gaining access to an unsecured area. 2. It was observed that children were dropped and collected from the fire evacuation door in pre-school room two. The door was a solid structure and there was no means to verify the identity of any individual knocking on the door prior to opening the door and potentially providing access to the service and children within. 3. An unsafe practice was observed when the children accompanied by staff from pre-school room two were observed to leave the main outdoor play area through a gate which opening onto an unsecured space at the rear of the premises to return to their pre-school room through the fire evacuation door into pre- school room two. A risk assessment was not in place detailing the control measures to minimise the potential risk of a child accessing an unauthorised area within the community grounds. 4. An unsafe practice was observed when the children accompanied by staff from the crèche were observed to leave the main outdoor play area through a gate which opening onto an unsecured space at the rear of the premises to return to the crèche room by walking along the side of the building to return to the premises by the main entrance door to the service. A risk assessment was not in place detailing the control measures to minimise the potential risk of a child accessing an unauthorised area within the community grounds. 5. There was an absence of documented training and demonstrated competency in medical tasks undertaken by staff members including the provision of nutritional support for a child with a defined medical condition. 6. A broken cupboard was noted in an area adjacent to the crèche room. The door was no longer attached leaving exposed sharp edges and a potential injury risk. 7. A lamp in the crèche room was not secure and posed a potential injury risk if pulled by a child. Infection Control: 1. The nappy changing procedure displayed was inadequate for infection control purposes: • There was no reference to handwashing after nappy changing for the adult or the child. • There was no reference to the removal of the gloves and apron prior to the redress of the child. 2. The nappy changing practice observed was inadequate for infection control purposes as the staff did not remove the gloves or apron prior to redressing the child. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

- General Safety: The person in charge stated in the response that: 1. The fire alarm company for the service inspected the door on 20/05/26 and have ordered the alarm needed. It will be fitted by 01/07/2026. Staff will always supervise the door area to ensure the push bar is not used by children. (Confirmation email and work docket submitted). 2. The use of the fire door to drop and collect children has been stopped. Children will be dropped and collect through the main door or back door which has glass panels to verify the identity of any individual. Parents have been made aware of the change and have agree to use alternative doors for safety. Staff have acknowledged and implemented the change. (Digital platform message to parents and notice to staff included). 3. A risk assessment has been put in place to cover the space between the garden gate and the back door. It was also explained to staff about using the entry door within our premises to enter and exit the garden where possible. It was explained to each staff member to use the door located in preschool 1 to enter and exit the garden from the building. (Risk assessment and notice to staff included). 4. A risk assessment has been put in place for using the footpath outside the building. It was also explained to staff about using the entry door within our premises to enter and exit the garden when in the garden. It was explained to each staff member to use the door located in preschool 1 to enter and exit the garden from the building. (Risk assessment and notice to staff included). 5. I have followed up with the nurse that completed the training with the relevant staff member regarding documenting the training provided. I have also had the staff member involved complete another training. (Certificate and training policy included). 6. The door on the cupboard has been repaired to remove any risk to children or staff. Staff have been made aware of the importance of flagging broken materials and taking them from the floor until it can be repaired or disposed of. (Staff meeting notes and photograph included). 7. The lamp has been removed from the creche room to eliminate the risk of potential harm. (Photograph included). Infection Control: The person in charge stated in the response that: 1. The nappy changing procedure has been updated to reflect the removal of gloves and apron before redressing and handwashing after nappy changing has been completed. The updated procedure has been displayed and all staff have been made aware of the change. (Procedure and photograph included). 2. The nappy changing procedure has been updated and staff have been made aware of the change. The change was explained and documented in our staff meeting. (Policy acknowledgement and staff meeting notes included). Summary Comment In respect of corrective actions taken to date photographic and documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet regulatory compliance. The proposed actions in respect of door alarm installation will meet the regulatory requirement upon completion in respect of general safety - 1 but remains outstanding until the evidence of works completed is submitted by July 10th 2026

##### Regulation 29 — Premises (d) (e)

- The registered provider did not submit a change in circumstance to inform TUSLA that the operating hours of the service and the mobile telephone number of the registered provider had changed

- The person in charge stated in the response that a change in circumstances application was submitted and subsequently approved by Tusla on 29/04/26 to change the operational hours of the service and the mobile phone number of the registered provider. A change checklist has been established to prevent reoccurrence and all changes will be recorded and a change in circumstances will be submitted to Tusla before any changes will be made. (Approval email included) Summary Comment In respect of the corrective actions taken documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement. Acknowledgments The inspectors wish to acknowledge the cooperation of the person in charge, staff and children who were present on the day of the inspection

##### Regulation 29 — Premises

- (d) 1. The floor covering in pre-school room one required replacement as sections of the floor covering were torn and stuck down with pieces of household tape as part of a temporary repair effort. 2. The floor covering in the sanitary accommodation adjacent to pre-school room two required replacement. Sections of the floor covering in the area around the toilet bowl were stained with dark spots and black marks ingrained in the material of the vinyl floor covering. (e) 1. The room used for nappy changing adjacent to pre-school room two did not provide adequate or suitable sanitary facilities due to the following: • There was no ventilation provided in the room. • There was no wash hand basin provided in the room. • The floor of the room was cluttered with sweeping brushes, an extension lead and play equipment and materials. • The overhead shelving units in the room were cluttered with open and overflowing baskets filled with sundry items, Christmas decorations and the personal belongings of staff

- (d) The person in charge stated in the response that: 1. A quotation for the replacement of the flooring covering has been received and funding has been applied for. The work will be completed by 14/08/26. Regular maintenance checks are to be completed as well as a list of upgrades as they are discovered. The list will be listed from most to least concerning. (Quotation and upgrade checklist included). 2. A quotation for the replacement of the flooring covering has been received and funding has been applied for. The work will be completed by 14/08/26. Regular maintenance checks are to be completed as well as a list of upgrades as they are discovered. The list will be listed from most to least concerning. (Quotation and upgrade checklist included). (e) The person in charge stated in the response that: 1. The area has been cleared of clutter and personal belongings. A quote for ventilation and a hand basin has been received and funding is being sought to apply the changes. The timeline for this implementation is the 14/08/2026. The relevant staff member will use the sink adjacent to the preschool room for hand washing while another staff member observes the child. The area has been given a sanitary health and safety checklist to ensure the area remains tidy and clutter free. (Quotation and health and safety checklist included) Summary Comment In respect of corrective actions taken to date photographic and documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet regulatory compliance. The proposed actions in respect of floor covering, ventilation and wash hand basin installation will meet the regulatory requirement upon completion in respect of (c) and (e) but remains outstanding until the evidence of works completed is submitted by August 21st 2026

Found compliant: Regulation 11, 16, 17, 19, 24, 25, 26, 28.

#### Inspection of 5 March 2024 — Inspection Report

Full report (PDF, Tusla)

No non-compliance recorded in this report.

Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 18, 19, 23, 25, 26, 28, 33.

### Other services in Laois

- [Jigsaw Childcare](/creche/jigsaw-childcare-killeen.md) Killeen
- [Just 4 Kids Creche](/creche/just-4-kids-creche-portarlington.md) Portarlington
- [KIDDIECARE](/creche/kiddiecare-rosenallis.md) Rosenallis
- [Laois International School](/creche/laois-international-school-portlaoise.md) Portlaoise
- [Na Blatha Beaga](/creche/na-blatha-beaga-shanahoe.md) Shanahoe
- [The Ferns Preschool](/creche/the-ferns-preschool-portarlington.md) Portarlington
- [Kiddiecare Childcare](/creche/kiddiecare-childcare-mountmellick.md) Mountmellick
- [Naomh Áine Naíonra](/creche/naomh-aine-naionra-mountmellick.md) Mountmellick

[Alert me when a new report is published](/help.md) · [Dated report on this service — €19](/report.md)

---

Página: https://creche-inspection-reports.pages.dev/creche/jelly-tots-community-creche-and-playschool-abbeyleix/
Fonte: Tusla Early Years Inspectorate
Recolha: 2026-09-11