Inspection of 15 April 2026 — Inspection Report
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (d) Following receipt of the employment record for one staff member, a review determined that police vetting was required for two countries. Police vetting was available for one country, and a basic disclosure was available for the second country; however, the requirement for that country is an International Child Protection Certificate. (3) From review of documentary evidence, it was determined that one staff member had commenced working in the service before the required international police vetting was obtained
Provider's corrective action:
- (2) (d) and (3) The staff member had one form of an international police certificate on file. However, when it was brought to our attention that the requirements had changed. An International Child Protection Certificate was applied for by that staff member immediately after the inspection. A copy of the confirmation of application and subsequent completion certificate was sent to the inspector via email once it was received by our service. We believed that the need for an international police certificate would be flagged during the Garda vetting procedure carried out by the Irish Garda Vetting Bureau. However, we now know this is not to be a part of the vetting procedure. Should any future employees disclose employment outside the state, we will request an International Police Certificate as part of their consideration for employment
Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
- (1) (a) An employment record for one staff member was not available on site; therefore, it could not be determined if police vetting was required
Provider's corrective action:
- A CV for the staff member has now been printed and added to the physical file. CV’s will be printed out and placed in a physical file for all future employees
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. In respect of 5 out of 9 staff members, the service did not demonstrate compliance with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice requiring services to renew Garda vetting every three years, as a period in excess of 3 years had elapsed since their Garda vetting disclosures were issued. 2. One blind cord attachment had come loose from the wall in the Acorn room, and two blind cords were not secured within the safety catch in the Leaf room, which poses a risk of injury to a child. Infection Control: 3. The bin used for storing soiled nappies was a swing-top bin, not a foot-operated, lined, lidded bin that is leak- proof and sealable in line with infection control requirements
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. Garda vetting renewals were in the process of being applied for on the day of the inspection. The vetting was enacted through Early Childhood Ireland. All outstanding Garda Vetting certificates were returned with this CAPA. A reminder has been scheduled on the company digital calendar to renew Garda vetting within the required timeframe. This will be done for all current and future staff. 2. Blind cords secured to the wall. Retraining of staff on room risk assessment. Infection Control: 3. Bins being used in accordance with previous rules. Bins changed in accordance with new rules
Found compliant: Regulation 11, 19, 26, 27.