Inspection of 20 November 2025 — Inspection Report
Immediate action notice. An Immediate Action Notice was issued on 20 November 2025 for non-compliance with regulation 23. This was issued in relation to a child attending the service who requires emergency medication. There was no care plan available and no clearly labelled medication stored in the service in its original packaging available as required in the event of a medical emergency. The registered provider submitted a response on 21 November 2025 which should address the risk identified on inspection.
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- While it is acknowledged that four written references were available for two staff members, there was no evidence to demonstrate that these references had been validated by the registered provider prior to both adults commencing employment in the service. A second written and validated reference was not available for two staff members. (d) Police vetting was not available for one staff member who had lived outside of the State for a period of more than six months as an adult
- There was no documentary evidence available to demonstrate that four staff members held a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications or a qualification deemed equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- To correct this non-compliance the registered provider has now ensured that all references have been validated and placed on file. A second written and validated reference is now on file for two staff members. (d) A police vetting disclosure is now available on file and translated by a certified translator for one staff member
- Qualification certification is now available on file for 4 staff members demonstrating that they hold an award at Level 5 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications. To prevent non-compliance in the future, the registered provider has undertaken to ensure that for any new staff that join the team, that the checklist of required documents is on the staff file prior to start date and these records reviewed during the year. Responsibility for ensuring this has been assigned to a member of the staff team
Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
- (j) Two administration of medication records were available for review in a hardcopy book. One record had not been completed appropriately as there was no parent signature on the record. (k) A sample of five accident and incident records were available for review in a hardcopy book. While it is acknowledged that four of these records were completed appropriately, one record did not include the child’s full name, was not signed by the manager or parent and there was no evidence that this had been shared with the parent
Provider's corrective action:
- To correct this action, the registered provider has stated that all records have been completed. To prevent this from re-occurring in the future, the registered provider has stated that a staff meeting was held to remind staff of their responsibilities and the requirements of this regulation
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting disclosures for two adults were not dated within the previous three years in adherence to the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’ Infection Control: 2. In the sanitary areas adjacent to the care rooms, there were no facilities for hand-drying on the day of inspection. In the sanitary area beside the staff toilet, the hand dryer was not working, and a roll of toilet paper had been placed on top of it. In the sanitary area with two toilets and handbasins, the paper towel dispenser was empty, and a roll of toilet paper had been placed on top of it also. This poses a risk of cross contamination and infection for staff and children. Administration of Medication: 3. An Immediate Action Notice was issued to the registered provider on the day of inspection 20 November 2025 in relation to the fact that emergency medication required for one child was not immediately available in the service in addition to a care plan. This poses a risk to the health and safety of the children concerned. 4. Anti-febrile medication was not available in the service should it be required in an emergency. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting disclosures have been renewed for 2 adults employed in the service. To prevent recurrence of this non-compliance, responsibility for staff files and ensuring garda vetting disclosures are always in date has been assigned to a member of staff and will be reviewed regularly. Infection Control: 2. To correct this action, additional paper towel dispenser has been fitted and re-filled and staff reminded to ensure daily that there is sufficient hand towel available. Paper towels are ordered monthly. Administration of Medication: 3. A response to the Immediate Action Notice issued on 20 November 2025 was submitted to the inspector on the 21 November 2025 which addressed the fact that emergency medication was unavailable for a child who required this. This medication is in-date and is now stored in the service as required. A care plan has been updated and a new template will be used in the future. 4. The registered provider has stated that anti-febrile mediation is now available and stored safely in the service
Found compliant: Regulation 11, 19, 22, 25, 26, 28.