(2)(a)&(b) • Three validated written references were not available. • Three references were not validated. (3) Three staff members commenced employment in the service prior to all of the requirements of regulation 9 being in place. (4) Two staff members whose files were reviewed and worked directly with the pre-school children in the service did not have evidence available that they held a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) or a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
All staff files have been updated. Each staff member has all documents that they need including qualifications, Garda vetting and references. Management will ensure each new staff member has all required documentation before their starting date by using the check list from recruitment policy
Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
(8)(a) Based on a review of the staff attendance records the registered provider did not ensure that 2 adults were present on the premises at all times. This was apparent on the 26/05/2026 when there was no record available for staff members who were present in the service
Provider's corrective action:
The Staff Absence Policy was reviewed and updated to reflect that unqualified staff members will not be left with the early years children in the morning even if there is qualified staff present. To prevent this from happening again we will close the creche if qualified staff are absent due to unforeseen circumstances
Regulation 15 — Record of pre-school child
On review of the eleven children’s registration records the following sections of the registration forms were not completed; • Three of the eleven children’s records did not include Part (1)(e) authorisation for the collection of the child, if any, this section had been left blank. • One of the eleven children’s records did not include Part (1)(i) written parental consent for appropriate medical treatment of the child in the event of an emergency
Provider's corrective action:
The files were completed and returned to the service. Each new application that comes in will be fully checked and made sure that each section is filled out correctly. Summary Comment The inspector has reviewed the actions and evidence submitted. The noncompliance identified under regulation 15 – Record of pre-school child has been adequately addressed
Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
(i)Although there were staff rosters available in the service there was no record of 2 adults who were present and working directly with the children on the 26/05/2026 on the roster or staff sign in sheet
Provider's corrective action:
The names of the two adults present on 26/05/2026 were added to the sign in sheet. The person in charge will ensure that all staff that are on the roster and are marked in on the sign in sheets each day. In the event of unforeseen absences, where cover is arranged for qualified staff, the rosters will be updated to reflect these changes by the person in charge straight away
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
Physical and material environment: 1. Two shelving units were observed to be turned away from the children and stored tightly against the wall which prevented the children from accessing the play resources contained within, which included specialised Montessori materials and tabletop resources. This practice restricts children’s play through reducing their access to play materials and resources. 2. The children’s books were located at the rear of a shelving unit and were difficult for the children to access or retrieve them
Provider's corrective action:
1.The shelving units were turned around to their usual position with montessori materials and tabletop resources accessible to the children and the shelving units will not be turned into the wall again. All staff have been reminded of this 2. The books were made easily accessible to the children. Staff will make sure to keep the book area clear of toys in future
Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play
(2)(a) There is no outdoor area available in the service for the children to use. At previous inspections of the service in 2022 and 2023 there was no outdoor area for the children to use. At the inspection of the service in January 2024 a temporary outdoor area was provided for the children however at the inspection in January 2025 the outdoor play area was not available
Provider's corrective action:
The new permanent outdoor play area has been built and is just at the finishing stage. The temporary area was being used up to this point. Access to the new permanent play area will be available for everyday use from now on
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. On the 26th of May two staff members from the indoor play area on the ground floor of the service worked directly with the children attending the early years’ service. Neither of the 2 staff members had Garda vetting disclosures, reference checks or qualifications checks undertaken by the early years’ service to assess their suitability to work with children, or a record of training on policies and procedures of the service. This posed a potential safety risk to the children in attendance as only employees of the service who are vetted, trained and qualified can work with children. 2. On the inspector’s arrival to the service the door to the care room was unlocked which increased the risk of unauthorised entry to the service and to children leaving the service. Infection Control: 3. Two couches in the care room were damaged with holes present and foam exposed. This is an infection control risk as the couches could not be cleaned effectively. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: 1.On the 26th of May an unforeseen circumstance arose where the 3 qualified staff were absent. A detailed email has been sent into Tusla regarding this situation. Staff from the playcentre will not be asked to cover again and the creche will be closed. Only employees of the service who are vetted, trained and qualified will be permitted to work with the children. If such a situation were to happen again the parents will be notified straight away and creche will remain closed until all qualified staff are available to return to work. 2.All staff members have been told to make sure the door is locked at all times and is not left on the latch. This door will remain locked at all times to secure the room and ensure the safety of the children. Infection Control: 3.The 2 couches have been removed and are no longer in the room, washable beanbags have replaced them in the cosy corner. All soft furnishings will be checked regularly for any damage like holes etc when being cleaned on a weekly basis
Regulation 31 — Notification of incidents
(c)The registered provider failed to notify the Agency in writing that the service was closed on the 27th of May 2026
Provider's corrective action:
Tulsa will be contacted within the 3 working days if we must close the premises for any reason The person in charge has been reminded that it is their responsibility to notify the agency within the 3 days for any closure that may occur. Summary Comment The inspector has reviewed the actions and evidence submitted. The noncompliance identified under regulation 31 - Notification of incidents has been adequately addressed
(2)(a)(b) Two validated written references were not available for 1 staff member and the student who was present on work experience placement in the service. (3) Following a review of the staff files and a previous staff roster it was apparent that 1 staff member who works directly with the children had commenced working in the service in advance of Garda vetting procedures being completed
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (2)(a)(b) Two written references for student have been collected and put on file. No longer need written references for the staff member as she has left the service. (3) Make sure everybody is garda vetted before the y begin working in the service and manager has received all relevant documents. Preventive Action (2)(a)(b) Make sure everybody has their references before starting the job. (3) Make sure everybody is garda vetted before the begin working in the service and we have received all relevant documents
Regulation 15 — Record of pre-school child
On review of the eight children’s registration records completed. One of the eight children’s records did not include Part (1)(e) authorisation for the collection of the child, if any, this section had been left blank. One of the eight children’s records did not include Part (1)(h) record of immunisations, if any, received by the children, this section had been left blank. Three of the eight children’s records did not include Part (1)(i) written parental consent for appropriate medical treatment of the child in the event of an emergency
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action Manager has given all parents a new and updated application form to fill out. One child who had no authorisation to collect does not have any other family members in the country. The form without record of immunisations and parental consent for medical treatment have been given back to the parents to fill out. Preventive Action Ensure all parts of application form has been filled out before child starts in the service. Summary Comment The inspectors have reviewed the actions submitted. The noncompliance identified under regulation 15 – Record of pre-school child has been adequately addressed
Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
(I)A staff roster was not available in the service
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (I) Weekly staff roster is hung up in the classroom. Preventive Action (I) Make sure new roster goes up every Monday
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
Basic needs: 1. The children’s water bottles were not freely available to the children as they were stored in their bags located in their individual cubbies. This prevented the children from taking a drink spontaneously if they were thirsty during the day. Supporting relationships around children: 2. The inspectors were informed that an individualised care plan had not been developed for a child who may at times require additional support from staff members when in attendance in the service, taking account of the child’s strengths, interests and preferences in order to facilitate meaningful interactions and activities. Physical and material environment: 3. Two shelving units were observed to be turned away from the children and stored tightly against the wall which prevented the children from accessing the play resources contained within, which included specialised Montessori materials and tabletop resources. The children were given access to these shelves at 11:30am and were then observed to play enthusiastically with the contents of both shelves, this practice restricts children’s play through reducing their access to play materials and resources
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action Basic needs: 1. Water bottles are now displayed on the shelf beside their bags. Supporting relationships around children: 2. Care plan has been written up for that child. Physical and material environment: 3. Shelves are left turned around so children can access them at all times. Preventive Action Basic needs: 1. Ensure water bottles have been taken out of the bag first thing in the morning. Supporting relationships around children: 2. Ensure manager writes up a care plan beforehand. Physical and material environment: 3. Ensure all shelves are turned facing the children at all times
Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play
(2)(a) The temporary outdoor area which was available to the children on the last inspection of the service on the 25/01/2024 was not in place on the day of inspection and despite the day being dry and sunny the outdoor area was not established throughout the course of the day for the children to be facilitated in outdoor play. It is acknowledged that the boundary fencing that surrounds the play area was observed stored in the car park and the staff members stated that the area was not in place because of the recent weather storms
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (2)(a) Garden (play area outdoors) is put up every Monday morning before children start. Preventive Action (2)(a) Staff putting up garden every Monday morning
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
Infection Control: 1. Thermostatically controlled warm water was not available for hand washing at the wash hand basin in the care room where the children washed their hands throughout the day. The water at the hot tap felt cold to touch at 11:40am. Cold water does not support pre-school children to effectively wash their hands. 2. The cushions in the cosy area were stained and required laundering. 3. The step that the children used to access the sink in the care room was ingrained with dirt and required cleaning. Action submitted by the Registered Provider Corrective Action Infection Control: 1. Tap has been fixed. Hot water has been fixed and is accessible all day. 2. New beanbags have been bought for cozy corner. 3. The step has been cleaned/disinfected. Preventive Action Infection Control: 1. Check tap is working each morning and hot water is on. 2. Cushions cleaned daily. 3. Step cleaned regularly. Supporting documentation submitted Photographic evidence was provided. Summary Comment The inspectors have reviewed the actions and evidence submitted. The noncompliance identified under regulation 23 - Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child has been adequately addressed
Regulation 25 — First aid
(1) A person who held in-date First Aid Response (FAR) training was not immediately available to the children attending the service at all times. One member of staff who works directly with the school aged children only and is not always present with the pre-school children currently holds in-date First Aid Response (FAR) training. It is acknowledged that 1 staff member has in date first aid training
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (1) Staff members have booked their FAR training for March and April 2025. Preventive Action (1) Make sure this is kept up to date and one staff member with FAR is in the building at all times
Regulation 29 — Premises
(d)The registered provider did not ensure that the premises was being maintained in an appropriate condition as evidenced by the following: The paint on the wall adjacent to the cosy area was peeling with plaster exposed underneath. The paint on the wall beneath the window alongside the sink in the care room was peeling with plaster exposed underneath
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (d) Walls have been fixed and painted. Preventive Action (d) Monitor and inspect walls. Get them fixed as soon as staff notice a fault
Immediate action notice. A regulatory compliance meeting was convened on 07/03/2024 to discuss the non-compliances found at inspection and actions to be taken to address the non-compliances. A timeframe for submission of outstanding documentation was agreed.
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
(2) (a)&(b)Two validated written references were not available for 2 staff members whose files were reviewed. (3) Following a review of the staff files it was apparent that the following information was not available for staff members who worked directly with the children in advance of them commencing employment in the service: Two validated written references were not obtained for 2 staff members. Garda vetting procedures had not been completed for 4 staff members. (4) Documentary evidence was not available to confirm that 3 staff members whose files were reviewed and who work directly with the children in the service held an appropriate childcare qualification at Level 5 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications or a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent. The non compliances identified in (2)(a)(b) & (4) were identified at the last inspection of the service on the 25/04/2023 The registered provider provided written assurances in the corrective and preventative actions that procedures had been put in place to prevent a recurrence of the noncompliance however these were insufficient to ensure that the non-compliance did not re-occur
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (2) (a)&(b) Validated references attached. Three adults in the service are all students currently working towards their qualifications and do not work with the children directly but support existing colleagues to support the 19 children availing of the service. Operations manager has started the recruitment process for a fix term contract employee until June to cover the hours of the Ecce morning sessions 9-12.30pm until staff member returns from statutory leave. Hope to have an appointment made by March end and started in the service once Garda Vet process and ref checks completed. (3) Colleagues are supervised by Level 8 and Level 6 qualified educators and are never unsupervised with children, maintaining compliance with Regulation 11 ratios. (4) Written assurances will be given once clarity is obtained regarding compliance with ratios and the ability of colleagues to assist qualified childhood educators. Preventive Action Ensure no student educators are left unattended in room with children, and we remain in ratio with child to qualified educator. References all checked prior to start date going forward. No staff member will be employed or allowed access to a pre-school child prior to having all recruitment procedures in place including Garda vetting
Regulation 15 — Record of pre-school child
(1) The following information was not maintained in writing for 6 of the 10 sampled registration forms: (i)Written parental consent for appropriate medical treatment in the event of an emergency
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (1) (i) Booked ordered and in place once delivered – will place a periodical check on the compliance of this, Preventive Action Booked ordered and in place once delivered – will place a periodical check on the compliance of this
Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
(1)(a) Information including each staff member’s experience and training records was not maintained within 1 of the staff files that was reviewed on the premises. (j)Medication of administration forms were not available in the service to record medication administered to children
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (1)(a) CV for staff member attached. Preventive Action Periodical checks on all staff files quarterly by PIC
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety, and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. In the preschool room a cupboard which contained disinfectant and surface cleaner was unlocked and therefore accessible to the children. Surface cleaner was also accessible to the children on the countertop adjacent to the sink. This noncompliance was identified at the last 2 inspections of the service and the registered provider stated in the corrective and preventative action plan submitted to the Early Years Inspectorate that all cleaning products would be stored on high shelves out of reach of the children. 2. There were 2 gaps present in the portable perimeter fencing in the outdoor play area which a child could attempt to exit through unsupervised. Action submitted by the Registered Provider Corrective Action General Safety: 1. Cupboards have been cleared of any cleaning chemicals and new latches installed. All COSHH protocols in place and chemicals stored out of reach to children. 2. Fencing to the joined with catch, link chain and latch to prevent these being separated thus any children escaping. Staff members position will be situated at the corners to monitor children at all times. Preventive Action General Safety: Operations Manager will be carrying out weekly checks on play area & cupboards. Supporting documentation submitted Photographs indicating locks have been placed on the cupboards. Photograph showing that the fencing in the outdoor area is secure. Summary Comment The registered provider submitted photographic evidence indicating that the noncompliance’s observed on inspection have been addressed. The noncompliance’s under regulation 23 - Safeguarding health, safety, and welfare of child has been addressed
Regulation 24 — Checking in and out and record of attendance
1. A system was not in place to ensure that no person other than the children and their parents or guardians, employees, approved students, or authorised visitors could enter the service. A visitor’s book was not maintained in the service. 2. The service did not maintain accurate details of all children in attendance during the inspection, on the inspector’s arrival in the service at 09:50am none of the 14 children present were signed into the attendance register
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action
1. Corridors access to be controlled by buzzer and CCTV – to be installed by 31-03-2024- Visitor sheet to be placed by doorway and all unauthorised people to the checked in by staff member and accompanied. 2. Signing in and out process is well maintained and up to date to and be conducted in real time and not retrospective of children arriving. Preventive Action The children’s attendance register is to be completed on the children’s arrival at the service. Summary Comment The evidence submitted by the registered provider in relation to regulation 24 - Checking in and out and record of attendance has been reviewed and accepted
Regulation 25 — First aid
(1) A person trained in first aid including first aid responder (FAR) training was not always immediately available to the children attending the pre-school service as evidenced in the staff roster. One staff member only had in date FAR certification, this staff member was on leave from the service on the week of January 22nd, 2024
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (1) Bounce N Beyond Colleagues with FAR training to be in building during opening hours of the creche and provide support. One adult in the service has FAR also and will provide extra first aid cover in the event of any injuries. Preventive Action A person within date FAR training will always be available in the service
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
(b) A record was not available of the number, type and maintenance of the firefighting equipment and smoke alarms in the premises
Provider's corrective action:
Fire inspection reports and alarms and emergency lights for building all checked and compliant
Regulation not named in the report text
(1) The registered provider failed to notify the Early Years Inspectorate of a change in circumstances in relation to the following as per the schedule 4 form for Notification of change in circumstances. • The name of the designated person in charge of this service did not correlate to the name detailed on the National register. The non compliances identified in (1) was identified at the last inspection of the service on the 25/04/2023. The registered provider provided written assurances in the corrective and preventative actions that procedures had been put in place to prevent a recurrence of the noncompliance however these were insufficient to ensure that the non-compliance did not re-occur
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action (1) E.P. to be Operational Support = PIC to be transferred over to O.H. (L6) and Deputy to be T.G. (L8) Preventive Action (1) Succession Plan in place to ensure PIC transfers are done prior to changes being made and mitigate against any unforeseen changes but having the deputy in place as a safety net