# Lámha Beag, Swords — inspection reports and findings > Lámha Beag (Swords, Co. Dublin): what Tusla inspections found — 3 published inspection(s), non-compliances and the provider's corrective actions. ## Lámha Beag Full Day · 0 - 6 Years · Swords, Dublin · Tusla ID **TU2015FL097** · 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 21 May 2025 — Inspection Report Full report (PDF, Tusla) ##### Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - (2) (a) Of the 10 written and validated references required for the new staff members. The registered provider had not validated four references from a previous employer. (b) The registered provider had not validated one written reference from a reputable source. (4) The documentation that the registered provider had available did not demonstrate that one staff member held an appropriate childcare qualification at Level 5 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications, or a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent - (2)(a)(b) The registered provider stated that this was an oversight and the calls to validate had been done prior to offer of employment however the confirmation with time and date called was not logged on the reference on file. This has since been updated. Going forward the registered provider will ensure that all references are checked and verified prior to employment offer. (4) The registered provider stated that the employee was unable to provider a suitable qualification despite attempts to support in obtaining new copies of qualification. The staff members has since resigned. All certificates must be checked and verified prior to offer of employment and a copy held on file if employed at our service ##### Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child - 1. Following the previous inspection in May 2024 there was no evidence that sensory play was provided on a regular basis to support children’s learning and development. Whilst it is acknowledged that the children in the Baby room painted rocks in the morning, a staff member informed the inspector that painting was the only sensory activity offered to Babies. Water play could be provided to older children and the inspector was informed this was outdoors in buckets. The daily schedule available in the service did not demonstrate opportunities for sensory play were provided on a regular basis - 1. The registered provider stated that sensory play takes place on a daily basis. The registered provider submitted a picture of an indoor sand tray for the children to play with. The registered provider submitted an updated daily schedule to include sensory play and will continue to evolve sensory play ##### Regulation 21 — Equipment and materials - During the dinner time in the Baby room one child had to wait until their peers had finished their dinner to eat. The inspector observed, and staff stated, that there was not a sufficient number of high chairs available to accommodate the number of children requiring them in the service - (1)(a) The registered provider purchased another highchair. They did also state that low level chairs were available, and staff could have availed of them, therefore the registered provider has spoken with staff members concerning the equipment available for the children ##### Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. The registered provider did not provide evidence that they had complied with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice requiring services to renew Garda vetting every three years. Of the 10 adults engaged in the service one adult did not have an updated Garda Vetting disclosure. 2. The registered provider did not ensure that the vehicles used to transport the preschool children were maintained correctly therefore posing a risk to children’s safety. The minibus used by the service to transport children to ECCE sessions had an NCT certificate for 18 January 2023. A staff member confirmed to the inspector that an NCT was overdue. It is acknowledged that the vehicle had in date tax and insurance. Infection Control: 3. The registered provider had not ensured suitable infection control measures were in place in the outdoor area. The rubbish bins were easily accessible to the children in the outdoor area. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The Garda vetting has been updated, and a list has been compiled showing the expiry dates for each employee. 2. The registered provider submitted evidence that a new vehicle had been purchased. The driver will take responsibility to ensure proper scheduled servicing, road worthy maintenance, and up to date NCT are always compliant. Infection Control: 3. The registered provider submitted evidence that the bins had been moved and were inaccessible to the children ##### Regulation 24 — Checking in and out and record of attendance - (3) The registered provider did not maintain a log of visitors who may attend the service. The inspector was not requested to sign a visitor log and the registered provider confirmed that a log was not available - (3) The registered provider submitted a visitor log which was being used and all staff have been made aware of the book and required signature for any visitors attending the service ##### Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures - (1) (a) The registered provider confirmed that monthly fire drills had not recently taken place. The last recorded fire drill record available on the day of inspection was for December 2024. (b) The registered provider could not provide evidence of annual maintenance of the fire alarm system or the fire extinguishers in the premises - (1)(a) The registered provider submitted a copy of fire drills which had been completed since the inspection. They stated that a spreadsheet showing date last drills took place are now in the service for easy monitoring. (1)(b) The maintenance records for the fire alarm system and the fire extinguishers were submitted as the registered provider had to source a new contractor. This company will keep a log of when the next service is due and will call out before expiry date ##### Regulation 30 — Minimum space requirements - The registered provider did not ensure that the children attending the service had access to adequate floor space. The Baby Room had a clear floor space of 24.1m². The following was observed; • On the Inspector’s arrival until 9.57am there were 5 children aged 1-2 years old, 4 children aged 2-3 years old and 2 children aged 3-6 years old. The children required 26.06m². • Between 9.57am and 10.20am, before the children went into the garden, there were 6 children aged 1-2 years old; 4 children aged 2-3 years old and 2 children aged 3-6 years old. These children required 30.66m². The registered provider was found non-compliant in relation to regulation 30 on the last inspection completed on 23 May 2024 - The registered provider stated that a permanent staff member and a relief staff member were unavailable. The registered provider stated that the ratio had been miscalculated on the day. A member of the afternoon staff came in early to cover the morning shift and arrived at 10.20am and the issue was resolved as both rooms were occupied with sufficient floor space. As a preventive action the registered provider has stated they will Increase our relief staff portfolio so we can arrange adequate cover more seamlessly. Summary Comment The actions as stated by the registered provider in their corrective and preventive action plan, and evidence submitted, have addressed the non-compliance as observed on inspection Found compliant: Regulation 11, 28. #### Inspection of 23 May 2024 — Inspection Report Full report (PDF, Tusla) ##### Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child - Basic needs: 1. The children in the Baby Room were not facilitated to play outside during the inspection, despite the pleasant dry weather conditions that prevailed throughout the day. Physical and material environment: 2. Sensorial materials such as sand, water, compost, dried rice or dried pasta were not provided in the Baby Room or the Pre-school Room and were not accessible to the children in the outdoor play area. This non- compliance was also identified during the last inspection on 26/10/2023 - The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been undertaken: Corrective Action: 1. This was an oversight on the day of the inspection as the children always play outdoors in the mornings as part of routine practice, the registered provider can only put this down to slight break in routine on day of inspection. 2. New sensorial tables have been purchased, one for indoors and two for outdoors. Preventive Action: 1. The registered provider has spoken to all staff regarding the importance of outdoor play. 2. Continued update of sensory-based equipment and upkeep of materials ##### Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - Infection Control: 1. Children’s hands were not always washed after nappy changing. 2. The snacks supplied from home were served to the children directly on the tabletops, rather than on plates or in bowls, which was an unhygienic practice - The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been undertaken: Corrective Action: 1. & 2. Again, this was an oversight on the day as all staff have been trained on best practice infection control, especially after nappy changing. Preventive Action: 1. & 2. All staff refreshed on infection control policy Summary Comment The corrective actions and preventive actions submitted by the registered provider in relation to Regulation 23 have been reviewed by the inspector. Assurances given by the registered provider that the non-compliances have been addressed have been accepted and these will be reviewed at the next inspection ##### Regulation 24 — Checking in and out and record of attendance - (1) One child who was present in the Baby Room on the day of inspection was not documented as being present in the attendance register on their arrival to the service at 8.50am, as required. Instead, this child’s attendance was recorded in the register at 10.10am when the inspector highlighted this to the registered provider. This posed a risk of the children not being counted under the daily supervision routines or in the event of an evacuation emergency. A similar non-compliance was identified during the last inspection on 26/10/2023 - The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been undertaken: Corrective Action: The child attends infrequently, generally this is only possible when a full-time child is absent due to illness or on holiday; however, the registered provider understands the risk and going forward this child will always be marked in attendance. Preventive Action: All staff have been spoken to regarding the importance of ensuring that every child on the premises, regardless of their circumstance, must be marked in the attendance book and signed out accordingly. Summary Comment The corrective actions and preventive actions submitted by the registered provider in respect of Regulation 24 have been reviewed by the inspector. Assurances given by the registered provider have been accepted and these will be reviewed on the next inspection ##### Regulation 30 — Minimum space requirements - (2) The Baby Room was found to be overcrowded on the day of inspection which impacted on the space available for children’s play, work and movement. A floor area of 24.1 square metres was available in the Baby Room. On the day of inspection, 13 children (of whom 4 children were aged from 1 year 4 months to 1 year 11 months, 8 children were aged from 2 years to 2 years 11 months, and 1 child was aged 3 years 3 months) were present and this group of children required 32.3. sq.m - The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been undertaken: Corrective Action: (2) For some reason the Pre-school Room was left empty on the day of inspection and the space under-utilised. It’s coming to the time of year where a lot of children are finished their term in the service and moving on to school. Three new children replacing the Baby Room leavers are part-time only leaving at 1pm or 1.30 pm daily. Additionally, the service is considering the option of splitting the pre-schoolers to morning session and afternoon session. Currently the Pre-school Room has a maximum 8 children on 2 days per week and 6 children on 3 days a week. Splitting their attendance will allow the service to effectively utilise space in both rooms. Additionally, the registered provider is continuously spreading out the numbers for the majority of children who attend on 4 days per week to evenly balance out for optimum space. Children will be always spending time outdoors in the large outdoor space. Preventive Action: (2) In the past week one child has left the Baby Room on 28th June and one child is due to leave on 12th July. Two children have left the Pre-school Room on 28th June and one child left on 4th July. There are also 2 children scheduled to leave on the 19th July and 2 children who are leaving on 26th August. Additionally, there are 5 children transitioning from the Baby Room to the Pre-school Room at the end of August for the start of next term. One child leaves at 1pm so only attends for 1 hour. Therefore, a total of 7 children will have left the Baby Room by the end of August. These are being replaced by 5 new starters, 2 of these new starts are finishing at 1pm daily Monday to Friday. The number of leavers and the lesser number of starters especially with 2 leaving daily at 1pm addresses the concern. Additionally, as stated in the earlier CAPA, the Pre-school Room which remains empty in the morning up to 12.30pm will be used to facilitate children from the Baby Room. As things stand currently there are a lot of children on vacation and the service is closed from 19th July to 6th August, with a number of children also on holidays in August Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 15, 16, 20, 25, 26, 28. #### Inspection of 26 October 2023 — Inspection Report Full report (PDF, Tusla) **Immediate action notice.** An immediate action notice was issued to the registered provider on the day of inspection in relation to the absence of a Garda vetting disclosure for a third level student who was present on a work placement in the service. Additionally, an immediate action notice was also issued for excessively hot water in sanitary accommodation accessed by pre-school children during the inspection. Within 24 hours of the inspection the registered provider provided written assurances to the Inspectorate that the student would not be present in the service until a Garda vetting disclosure was supplied to the service by the college. A copy of the relevant Garda vetting disclosure was submitted by the registered provider to the Inspectorate on 01/11/2023. No response was received from the registered provider in respect of the immediate action notice issued regarding excessively hot water at a wash hand basin accessed by pre-school children in the service. A final notice was issued to the registered provider by email on 31/10/2023, requesting an immediate response to the notice. Within a further 24 hours the registered provider provided written assurances that the risk to children had been appropriately addressed. **Immediate action notice.** The inspection report was issued in draft format to the registered provider on 16/11/2023 with a request to submit a Corrective Action and Preventive Action plan (CAPA) to demonstrate how the non-compliances had been rectified and how the registered provider would prevent any non-compliances from re occurring. No response was received from the registered provider within the designated timeframe. A reminder to submit the CAPA was sent to the registered provider on 11/12/2023. The registered provider subsequently submitted an initial CAPA on 13/12/2023. **Immediate action notice.** A regulatory compliance meeting was held on 12/01/2024, during which Deirdre Duffy Inspection and Registration Manager discussed with the registered provider the outstanding regulations that remained non-compliant following the initial CAPA submission on 13/12/2023. Following the regulatory compliance meeting a revised CAPA was submitted on 19/01/2024 which addressed the agreed actions set out at the regulatory compliance meeting. These additional corrective actions were subsequently evidenced in a range of photographs submitted to the Inspectorate on 02/02/2024. ##### Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - (2)(a)(b) There were no written, validated references available in respect of a student who was present in the service. (c) A Garda vetting disclosure was not available for a student who was present in the service on the day of inspection. (d) Confirmation of appropriate international police vetting from the relevant states were not available in respect of two staff members working in the service for whom information presented at inspection indicated that they had resided outside of Ireland for periods longer than six consecutive months as adults - The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been undertaken: Corrective Action: (2)(a)(b) The references have since been received, validated and forwarded to the inspector. (c) Garda vetting was received from the college within 24 hours and sent to the inspector. (d) Translated international police vetting has been received for one staff member and this was reviewed by the inspector at the regulatory compliance meeting held on 12/01/2024. The second staff member is in the process of obtaining overseas vetting since November 2023. Once received this will be forwarded to the inspector. Preventive Action: (2)(a)(b)(c) Manager will ensure that any students will not be allowed on the premises until all the required documentation has been received in advance. (d) Management will request translated or overseas police vetting at interview stage prior to staff recruitment ##### Regulation 11 — Staffing levels - (1) Although there were an adequate number of adults working with the children in the service in order to meet the minimum requirement of Regulation 11(2) on the day of the inspection, at times during the morning the number of adults present was inadequate to respond and meet the care needs of all the children in a timely manner. The atmosphere in the Baby Room, especially but not limited to the period of time from 9.25am to 12.00 midday, was observed to be hurried and was not relaxed, most evident during nappy changing, mealtimes and when children were settling to sleep when the registered provider and 1 staff member were caring for the 11 youngest children in attendance who were accommodated in this care room. A child in the Baby Room had recently commenced attending the service and was unsettled and needed extra care and comforting during the day, which the inspector acknowledges was provided by the staff members. However, the registered provider and the staff member were unable or unavailable on at least 10 occasions to prevent behavioural issues including hair pulling from occurring or to support children in finding positive solutions when they experienced challenges when participating in play and interactions. Therefore, the regulatory requirement was not met for Regulation 11(1). Furthermore, the attendance records indicated and the registered provider confirmed that, in addition to the children present on the day of inspection, an additional child aged 1 year 2 months (who was absent due to illness on the day of inspection) normally attends from Monday to Friday on a full day care basis. The registered provider confirmed that Tuesdays and Thursdays were ‘the busiest days’ in the service and run similarly to how the service operated on the day on which the inspection took place (which was on a Thursday) - The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been undertaken: Corrective Action: (1) Manager has addressed the busy days (Tuesday and Thursday) by more evenly levelling out the numbers, swapping days where possible from Mondays and Fridays (when much lower numbers of children attend) to throughout the week. Preventive Action: (1) Manager will ensure that any future children registered on a 4 day week will take a Tuesday or a Thursday off ##### Regulation 15 — Record of pre-school child - (1)(a) to (i) A registration form was not available for 1 pre-school child who was present in the service on the day of inspection. Therefore, the service did not have sufficient documented details available for this child including a record of the person(s) authorised to collect the child from the service, written parental consent for the child to avail of medical treatment in the event of an emergency, or information as to whether the child had allergies or not. (c) Four registration forms did not contain the date when the children first attended the service - The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been undertaken: Corrective Action: (1)(a) to (i) Manager has since obtained the registration form for the child, this child is a close family member who only attends on occasional days. (1)(c) The start dates are recorded on the children’s contracts (a separate form) as the actual start date is often unknown when the registration forms are filled out, generally months in advance. The registered provider has entered the start date for each of the 4 children on their registration forms. Preventive Action: (1)(a) to (i) In future, regardless of who attends, manager will ensure that all the registration form are obtained in advance and fill out these forms fully. (1)(c) In future manager will revisit the form before start date and ensure it is filled in correctly. Summary Comment The inspector reviewed the corrective actions and preventive actions submitted by the registered provider after the inspection. Assurances given by the registered provider have been accepted in relation to Regulation 15(1) and these will be reviewed at the next inspection ##### Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service - (1)(a) The staff member employed in a relief capacity did not have a recorded history of past employment and relevant experience available for inspection. Therefore, it was not possible to determine whether the available references had been obtained from the most recent employers or whether police vetting from another jurisdiction was required, in accordance with Regulation 9(2)(a), (b) and (d). (i) There was no documented staff roster available in the service. The inspector was informed that all staff members worked the same shifts on an on-going basis. This was evidenced in the staff sign in and out records maintained in the attendance registers in the service which were reviewed by the inspector. However, there was no evidence of documented planning in relation to break times or any other situation where additional staff may be needed to ensure the adult to child ratio could be met at all times. (j) A sampling process was used in relation to medication administration forms maintained in the service with 12 forms reviewed. Not all these forms were complete as evidenced in the following findings: • Medication had been administered to a child in the service on 02/10/2023 in the absence of written parental consent. • Forms maintained in relation medication administered in the service on 02/10/2023, 05/12/2022 and 02/12/2022 did not include a second staff member’s signature to show that the medication had been appropriately checked and the procedure undertaken by 2 staff members. • Forms maintained in relation medication administered in the service on 02/10/2023, 20/09/2023, 19/09/2023 and 31/08/2023 were not signed on collection by the child’s guardian to document that they had been informed and were aware of what medication had been given to their child during the course of the day and at what time - The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been undertaken: Corrective Action: (1) (a) Manger has since obtained a copy of this person’s CV. (i) All staff are rostered the same set hours every day, the rules regarding breaks are informal and taken daily at the same time; however, on the two busiest days this can sometimes be a challenge, the staff will either eat with the children or alternate the break times according to the ratio and day. (j) The staff have all been advised that this needs more attention to detail. Preventive Action: (1) (a) Manager will ensure that a CV is obtained and kept on file for all staff members. (i) Manager has created a more robust roster for breaks now that staff has managed to even out the daily numbers. (j) This will be audited now once a week and staff have been informed ##### Regulation 19 — Health, welfare, and development of child - Basic needs: 1. The children’s sleep needs were not managed at all times in a timely and appropriate manner during the inspection. Two children in the Baby Room showed signs of tiredness throughout the day, rubbing their eyes and crying, but they remained distressed and struggled to fall asleep when placed into the cots. The inspector was informed by the registered provider that these children may possibly sleep or nap in buggies at home and that these children were usually held and cuddled by a staff member until they fell asleep fully in the service, before being immediately transferred into a cot as they had not learned to independently settle to sleep. This practice was observed on the day of inspection but at times the children remained awake and distressed whilst continuing to show signs of tiredness. One child aged 13 months did not sleep at all during their attendance from 8.10am to 3.30pm on the day of inspection and the inspector was informed that this child never slept in the service. Supporting relationships around children: 2. The atmosphere in the Baby Room was unnecessarily hurried at times and transitions were not always managed appropriately. For example, on a number of occasions children were displaying high levels of involvement while playing with equipment including blocks, cars and trains but were repeatedly interrupted by an adult requesting the children to finish up and tidy up in preparation for snack, meals and nappy changing. This was evidenced at 11.30am when the registered provider used verbal signposting to signal that dinner was coming and the children were encouraged to quickly tidy away the toys they were playing with, with the assistance of the registered provider, the staff member and the student. Dinner was not served until 12.00 midday which resulted in some children displaying signs of boredom when waiting whilst not engaged in meaningful play activity, and a number of minor conflicts were observed taking place between the children at that time. It is acknowledged that the registered provider sang songs to the children when waiting, in an effort to engage the children to some effect, but a number of children wandered aimlessly around the room and rolled on the floor appearing disinterested until dinner was served. 3. The children needed greater support and more consistent approaches from the staff members to manage behaviours that hurt other children and to build the skills of positive interaction. On occasions when a child engaged in hairpulling an adult was frequently heard saying to the child “look at me, look at me, look at me, gentle hands, gentle hands” but failed to re-direct and support the child to engage in an alternative meaningful play activity or pre-empt further occasions when similar behaviours occurred. Physical and material environment: 4. In both rooms opportunities for sensorial play was not readily facilitated as sensorial materials such as sand, water, compost, dried rice or dried pasta were not provided indoors - The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been undertaken: Corrective Action: Basic needs: 1. As previously mentioned the common corrective action for the majority of the non-compliances have been addressed by reducing numbers of children attending on the overly busy days. The numbers attending on Thursdays have been reduced by 4 children due to a more even distribution across the other days. This allows the staff to spend more time sitting and nursing the child who displays signs of tiredness and to focus more time on sleep needs. 2. By reducing the numbers of children attending on the two busiest days, Tuesdays and Thursdays, this has corrected this issue and will create a less hurried atmosphere in the rooms; staff can already see a much- improved environment since they reduced the Tuesday and Thursday numbers. Supporting Relationships Around Children: 3. The reduced numbers facilitate staff to address behavioural issues. Additionally, all staff have been asked to refresh on the service’s behavioural management policy. Physical and material environment: 4. Staff have on many occasions introduced sensory play using basic material like rice and pasta. The registered provider has since purchased a sensory table which will be freely available to the children at all times. Preventive Action: Basic needs: 1. Parents have been strongly advised before their child’s start date that good practice sleep routine must be in place . As the service only accommodates children from 12 months of age , this a realistic requirement. The manager will also endeavour to maintain the Tuesday and Thursday attendance at a manageable number. Supporting Relationships Around Children: 2. There was a delay in the dinner being served on day of inspection, this is not typical as generally the dinners arrive at the rooms before the children are even seated, this has been noted and staff spoken too to reduce this transition time and reduce any boredom with the children. 3. As above managing behavioural issues have been refreshed in parallel with reduced numbers, to support all children going forward. Physical and material environment: 4. Always ensure sensory play is introduced as part of the daily play schedule ##### Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play - 1. Adequate facilities for rest and sleep were not provided for the number and age range of children attending the service. Three standard cots and 1 stackable bed was provided in the family sitting room, designated as the service’s sleep room, which adjoined the Pre-school Room. However, 4 standard cots were required to meet the sleep needs of the 4 children aged between 12 months and 1 years 5 months and the 2 children aged 1 year 8 months and 1 years 11 months who were present on the day of inspection. In addition, in the event that all these children were present plus the child aged 1 year 2 months who was absent through illness on the day of inspection, 5 standard cots would be required to meet all the children’s sleep needs. 2. A small cloth-covered battery-operated rocking cot with 3-position recline function was observed in the Pre-school Room during the inspection. A staff member informed the inspector that a named child had been facilitated to sleep in this cot up until ”a couple of months ago… when the child got too big for it”. This item, not observed in use on the day of inspection, is prohibited for use in an early years service. 3. At 4.30pm a child aged 3 years 7 months was observed sleeping on 3 small rigid vinyl-covered cushions on the floor of the Pre-school Room. When the inspector informed the staff member that this was not a suitable base upon which to facilitate a child to sleep, the inspector was informed that this child normally slept of the child-sized couch instead. However, a couch is also not a safe or suitable surface for a sleeping child and is prohibited for use for this purpose. Apart from the child-sized couch there was no suitable comfortable rest area equipped with floor matting and soft furnishings in this room should a child wish to rest or relax - The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been undertaken: Corrective Action: - 1. The registered provider will look to add an additional cot to the sleep room, although with evenly balancing out the numbers this has become less of an issue as sleep times can be staggered. As outlined by the inspector following the regulatory compliance meeting on 12/01/2024 an additional cot is required based on the numbers and ages of children in the service. This will be purchased at the end of January 2024. 2. The child was rocked in this cot to settle, then once nearly at sleeping stage was transferred into the standard cot. 3. The registered provider will provide floor matting in the corner of this room and soft furnishings. It is generally requested by the parents that the children in this age group do not sleep, however staff sees the necessity for a relaxing area to rest. A new rest area has been put in place. Preventive Action: - 1. The registered provider will always insure adequate sleeping accommodations in accordance with the children’s ages and numbers. 2. & 3. All staff have been refreshed on safe sleep practice ##### Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. The hot water supply provided at the wash hand basin in the sanitary accommodation containing the nappy changing unit exceeded the maximum safe water temperature of 43oC. The water was recorded at a temperature 70.1oC at 10.55am, 65.2oC at 2.50pm and 60.7oC at 5.00pm which presented as a scalding risk for children when washing their hands. The inspector informed the registered provider of this significant scalding risk and the children were denied access to hot water from this tap for the remainder of the inspection, with cold water and baby wipes used instead for hand hygiene after nappy changing as a temporary measure. Infection Control: 2. A number of unlabelled water bottles were observed in the Baby Room. Staff members stated they recognised which bottle belonged to each individual child. However, this posed a risk of cross-infection for the children in attendance as some of the bottles were of a similar appearance. 3. Staff members demonstrated a lack of clarity in relation to the preparation of the sterilising solution provided in the service, particularly in relation to the correct dilution when preparing the solution. The inspector was informed that 1 capful of the sterilising fluid provided would be added to a full basin of water which would be inadequate for sterilisation purposes as this solution would be too dilute. Safe Sleep: 4. There was evidence in the service that 10-minute sleep check observations were not always performed and documented on all sleeping children, based on an examination of the service’s completed sleep logs. The following examples demonstrated that practice in the service was at variance with the national best practice safe sleep guidelines: • There were no sleep checks recorded for a child who was documented as having been asleep from 12.40 to 2.55pm on 23/10/2023. • A review of the records also indicated that 20 minutes had elapsed between sleep checks being conducted when a child was sleeping from 1.50 to 2.10pm on 14/08/2023. • Staff members in the Pre-school Room informed the inspector that sleep checks were conducted but not documented when children fell asleep in the care room. No sleep checks were documented in respect of a child who slept on cushions on the floor of this room during the inspection, as referenced in Regulation 20. Action submitted by the Registered Provider The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been undertaken: Corrective Action: General Safety: 1. This wash basin is not at a height where children can turn on the taps themselves or reach the water basin, it also has a mixer tap of hot and cold water and generally the staff member controls the water temperature for hand washing. However, manager has since added a thermostat to control the water temperature and picture proof sent to inspector. Infection Control: 2. All bottles are now newly re-labelled. All children start out in this service with labelled bottles at the beginning of every new term, however over time the labels fade or fall off due to washing. 3. Staff now have an updated sterilisation policy in place, and they have a microwave steam steriliser. Safe Sleep: 4. All staff have been made of aware of the importance of safe sleep practice. It is noted that the check were done on a 10-minute basis but the book didn’t get updated in a timely manner. Preventive Action: General Safety: 1. Maintain control over the water temperatures in all the wash facilities and add to risk assessment policy as a daily check. Infection Control: 2. Although the staff do recognise who owns which bottle, staff members will always ensure clear labelling is visible on the water bottles and replace when they start to fade. 3. Ensure all staff are refreshed on the sterilising policy and practiced. Safe Sleep: 4. Add the sleep log book to a daily check list and auditing. A staff member has been assigned responsibility for this action. Supporting documentation submitted or presented for inspection at the regulatory compliance meeting:: • Photograph of a thermostatic mixing valve in place on pipework beneath the wash hand basin in the sanitary accommodation containing the nappy changing unit. • A receipt from a plumber in relation to the installation of a thermostatic mixing valve on the hot water supply to the downstairs wash hand basin. • A copy of the service’s sterilisation policy. • Evidence of a new microwave steam steriliser. Summary Comment An immediate action notice was issued to the registered provider on the day of inspection for the excessively hot water in sanitary accommodation accessed by pre-school children during the inspection. Documentary evidence was submitted to the Inspectorate on 03/11/2023 confirming that the warm water supply had been thermostatically controlled not to exceed the safe water temperature of 43oC. The inspector reviewed the corrective actions and preventive actions submitted by the registered provider after the inspection. Assurances given by the registered provider have been accepted in relation to Regulation 23 and these will be reviewed at the next inspection ##### Regulation 24 — Checking in and out and record of attendance - (1) The service did not maintain accurate details of all children in attendance during the inspection as evidenced in the following: • Seven children who returned to the service after 12.00 midday following their attendance in ECCE programmes elsewhere were not entered as present in the service’s attendance registers upon their return to Lámha Beag. These children’s arrival time to the service, between 7.30 and 8.55am had been recorded in the attendance registers prior to their departure earlier on the morning of the inspection, as were separate details recorded of their time spent travelling to the ECCE programmes off-site, from 9.00 to 9.05am and from 9.10 to 9.15am. However, their time of return to the service was not recorded. • Another child who returned to the service after 12.00 midday following their attendance in an ECCE programme elsewhere was not entered as present in the service’s attendance register at any point during the day. • At 10.05am it was observed that one child who was present was not signed in to the attendance register. The registered provider confirmed that this child had been present in the service since 8.30am. • At 5.05pm, it was observed that 7 children who had been collected by their parents or guardians between 3.30pm and 4.50pm had not been signed out in the attendance register. At this time only one child had been accurately signed out in the attendance register, having been collected by their parent or guardian at 3.30pm. The incomplete attendance records did not accurately reflect the number of children present in the service which posed a risk of the children not being counted under the daily supervision routines or in the event of an evacuation emergency - The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been undertaken: Corrective Action: (1) This is not a regular occurrence. As the inspector noted on the day the attendance book is extremely tricky and not user friendly. Manager has since changed to a completely different attendance record book which makes this a lot easier to follow, all staff have been spoken to in relation to the importance of signing in and out at the precise moment a child enters and exits the building. Preventive Action: (1) Manager has assigned a designated staff member to supervise the attendance, this will be audited each morning, afternoon and evening on a daily basis ##### Regulation 25 — First aid - (2)(a)(b) The first aid box provided in the service was not suitably equipped. All 9 plastic ampoules of saline, all 10 wound dressings, all 9 alcohol-free cleansing pads and both burn dressings were out-of-date since at least October 2021 - The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been undertaken: Corrective Action: (2)(a)(b) New first aid box purchased. Preventive Action: (2)(a)(b) the first aid box will be checked monthly along with a monthly fire drill. Supporting evidence presented for inspection at the regulatory compliance meeting: • The service’s appropriately restocked first aid box was reviewed by the inspector. Summary Comment The non-compliance identified under Regulation 25(2)(a)(b) has been addressed ##### Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures - (1)(b) There was no up-to-date maintenance record of firefighting equipment and smoke alarms in the premises. A certificate of commissioning for the service’s fire detection system, dated 16/12/2021, was available - The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been undertaken: Corrective Action: (1)(b) The alarms have been re-certified and new certificates sent to inspector. Preventive Action: (1)(b) Staff have now asked their provider to send them automated renewal notices for all the equipment servicing, this will always maintain up to date systems checks ##### Regulation 29 — Premises - (e) Nappy changing for the younger children was insufficient. Children in standard nappies and children whose pull-ups were soiled had their nappies changed on a nappy changing unit located in separate sanitary accommodation located off the front hall of the registered provider’s family home, which also contained a toilet and a wash hand basin (where the water was excessively hot, as detailed in Regulation 23). The children were observed being taken from the Baby Room, through the service’s entrance hallway, through the Pre-school Room, through the sleep room, through the front hall of the registered provider’s family home to reach these nappy changing facilities. This practice was detailed as a temporary measure by the registered provider, and accepted by the Inspectorate as a temporary measure, following an inspection of the service in September 2018 until a foldaway wall-mounted nappy changing unit and an additional wash hand basin would be installed by the registered provider in the service’s designated sanitary facilities located off the entrance hallway. To date, this work has not been completed - The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been undertaken: Corrective Action: (e) Staff have tried on occasions to fit a fold down changing unit and this was not an option as it was not a solid wall, the water in this toilet area was corrected and a thermostat was installed. The registered provider will try to look at this again in the new year. The registered provider agreed at the regulatory compliance meeting to designate the sanitary accommodation located off the front hall of the registered provider’s family home for the toilet-trained children in the service. It was also agreed that one of the cubicles in the toilet facilities beside the Baby Room will be converted to a changing unit and this will be in place at the end of January 2024. Preventive Action: (e) There are three toilets and two hand wash basins available for the children, the above corrective action has now been implemented and will address this concern going forward ### Other services in Dublin - [Lansdowne Lodge Preschool Montessori](/creche/lansdowne-lodge-preschool-montessori-dublin-4.md) Dublin 4 - [Larkhill Playgroup](/creche/larkhill-playgroup-dublin-9.md) Dublin 9 - [Larkin Early Education Service](/creche/larkin-early-education-service-dublin-3.md) Dublin 3 - [Learn and Play Preschool and Afterschool CLG](/creche/learn-and-play-preschool-and-afterschool-clg-dublin-17.md) Dublin 17 - [Lily's Childcare Ltd in Saggart Schoolhouse Community Centre](/creche/lily-s-childcare-ltd-in-saggart-schoolhouse-community-centre-dublin-24.md) Dublin 24 - [Little Bambinos Childcare](/creche/little-bambinos-childcare-dublin-12.md) Dublin 12 - [Little Rainbows](/creche/little-rainbows-dublin-13.md) Dublin 13 - [Montessori Matters Ltd](/creche/montessori-matters-ltd-lucan.md) Lucan - [Saol Beag Project Creche](/creche/saol-beag-project-creche-dublin-1.md) Dublin 1 - [Bumblebee Montessori and Childcare](/creche/bumblebee-montessori-and-childcare-dublin-13.md) Dublin 13 [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/lamha-beag-swords/ Fonte: Tusla Early Years Inspectorate Recolha: 2026-09-11