Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. A box of suncreams stored in an unlocked press which was potentially accessible to children posed to risk of harm if ingested or rubbed into the skin or eyes. 2. The water temperature in sinks on the ground floor used by the children exceeded the recommended temperature of 43oC. This posed a potential scald risk to the children. The following temperatures were recorded: Room Time Temperature in °C Required Temperature °C Nappy change room – left sink 10.41am 45.1°C Less than 43°C Nappy change room – left sink 10.41am 45.7°C Children’s toilets – both sinks 10.50am 44.8°C Baby Room 11.57pm 44.7°C 3. A child’s lunch from home which was observed to contain perishable dairy food such as cheese and a yogurt was not observed to be stored in a refrigerator. Dairy products should be stored refrigerated to prevent food from spoiling which can potentially result in illness if consumed by young children. Infection Control: The following increased the potential risk of infection: 4. One of the cots, which was observed to be in use on the day of the inspection, did not have a mattress protector in place. This can increase the potential risk of cross contamination. It is acknowledged that mattress protectors were fitted on the 12 other cots in use in the service. 5. The flooring in the ground floor nappy change room was damaged, leaving a gap exposed which can cause a build-up of dirt and debris and limit effective cleaning. Documentary evidence was available to show that this risk had been identified by the service and plans were underway for this to be addressed. 6. There was a build-up of dust on the ventilation fan in the ground floor nappy change unit, which can reduce the effectiveness of the ventilation fan in the room Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: 1. The items were immediately removed from the press. A meeting was held with the relevant staff regarding unlocked presses, and a maintenance checklist is maintained regarding locks. 2. The thermostat has been corrected, and the temperatures are now reading correctly. Water temperatures will be logged and monitored by management. 3. A meeting was held with staff advising of requirement to refrigerate perishable foods. The service will provide all food, and a small fridge has been purchased to provide storage for those who wish to bring a lunch from home. Infection Control: 4. All cots were rechecked and the mattress protector was sourced. The cots will be monitored by management to ensure mattress protectors are in place. 5. There are plans underway for flooring to be fitted in the service on the 28 March, which is to include the nappy changing room. The flooring will be monitored on an ongoing basis. 6. The vent was cleaned immediately. The maintenance list for vents checks was changed from monthly to weekly in order to prevent a build-up of dust
Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 19, 21, 25, 29.
Immediate action notice. An immediate action notice was issued to the service on the day of inspection under
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
1. Water was not freely available to children in the Playschool room. This may prevent children from developing self-regulation skills around hydration. 2. In the outdoor area there was a lack of resources available in the mud kitchen, this limits a child’s choice and hinders the development of play experiences and interest in this area
Provider's corrective action:
1. The registered provider has stated that a team meeting was undertaken and that teachers in playschool room will ensure a water station is available at all times, with the person in charge reviewing this at daily. 2. The registered provider has stated that new toys have been added to the outdoor area and review of this will be added to the maintenance checklist
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. A handbag belonging to a member of staff was accessible on a windowsill in the Playschool room. This posed a potential risk of injury to children. 2. A large panel of wood along the gate was observed to be broken and splintered. Posing an injury risk to children. Infection Control: 3. Effective handwashing technique was not consistent across the service, as outlined in there. For example: • In the Playschool room children’s hands were not washed upon return from outdoor play or prior to mealtime. It is acknowledged that handwashing is undertaken in the sanitary area however this was not observed immediately prior to mealtime. • Staff were inconsistent in washing their hands after performing nasal hygiene. • Staff were not noted to wash their hands between cleaning table surfaces, soothing children and assisting with food. Effective consistent handwashing practice is necessary to prevent the risk of cross contamination and therefore the risk of infection. 4. Mattresses were not adequately cleaned and were dirty, the following was observed. • In the cot room four mattresses were observed to have no waterproof wipeable covering, preventing adequate cleaning between use. • In the sleep room seven mattresses were observed to have no waterproof wipeable covering, preventing adequate cleaning between use, this also has the potential to harbour harmful bacteria. Four of these mattresses were found to be dirty and stained. This was not reflected in the risk assessment in the sleep room. 5. Pedal bins were not consistently in use throughout the service, preventing the safe disposal of waste. For example. • The bin in the Toddler room has no lid and rubbish was accessible to the children. • In the Outdoor area a plastic bag placed against the wall was used to discard used tissues. Potentially exposing children to cross contamination. Safe Sleep: 6. The registered provider did not ensure the suitable sleep equipment for a child who was 16 months old who was observed to sleep in a bean bag for 47 minutes. This was at odds from Tusla’s “Guidance for the Early Learning and Care sector on sleep provision for children under 24 months and the standards outlined in Quality Regulatory Framework for Full Day Care”. This potentially increases the risk of suffocation and SIDs. Beanbags are prohibited for use by sleeping children. Fire Safety: 7. The registered provider did not ensure that the fire exit gate located in the outdoor area were clear. This was addressed with the person in charge and cleared at the time. Mitigating the risk of ineffective fire evacuation. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: 1. The registered provider has stated that staff re-education has been undertaken around the importance of safely storing personal items. This will be reviewed daily by the person in charge. 2. The registered provider has ensured that the outdoor wooden panel has been repaired, and this will be added to the maintenance list. Infection Control: 3. The registered provider has stated that staff were re-educated on the service handwashing policy, and that pedal bins have been replaced, with hand sanitising stations situated nearby, supported with visual prompts. The person in charge will review this daily. 4. The registered provider has purchased new mattresses and placed waterproof protectors on each mattress. This is reflected in the maintenance checklist. 5. The registered provider has purchased pedal bins for all rooms to include the outdoor area and will replace with these when needed. Safe Sleep: 6. The registered provider has stated that a cot has been assembled in the baby room for children who won’t settle in the sleep room. The registered provider also states that the service policy excludes use of beanbags for sleeping children. The person is charge is to monitor this daily. Fire Safety: 7. The person in charge removed the barrier blocking the outdoor fire exit. Therefore, addressing the risk. Further evidence was submitted to indicate no toys blocking the outdoor gate
Regulation 25 — First aid
(1) The registered provider did not ensure that a staff member trained in First Aid Response (FAR) was immediately available to the children at all times during the service opening hours. A review of the FAR certificates of three staff members and the roster showed that a staff member trained in FAR was not available to the children from 5pm-6pm on the day of inspection and again from 8am to 9am on the 6 March 2025. A sufficient number of adults must be trained with First Aid Responder training and available to children at all times should a medical emergency arise. This was also noted as a non-compliance on the previous inspection dated the June 2024, actions put in place by the registered provider did not prevent a reoccurrence. (2) (a) The registered provider did not ensure that the first aid box which was stored in a cluttered press, was easily accessible to staff nor was it in a conspicuous position within service, this could potentially delay treatment in an emergency. It is acknowledged that staff were aware of the first aid box location
Provider's corrective action:
(1) A response to the immediate action notice mitigating the significant risk was received in writing on the 4 March 2025, this outlined a change in staff rosters to ensure sufficient number of adults who are trained in First Aid Response were available to the children at all times during the operational hours of the service. The service also indicated a plan was in place to ensure additional staff are to receive first aid responder training. Further information received outlined that four staff members undertook First Aid Responder (FAR) training on 3 April 2025, ensuring that someone trained in FAR is present within the service during its operational hours. (2) (a) The registered provider has ensured that a first aid box has been moved to an accessible area within the service with clear signage of its location
Regulation 29 — Premises
The registered provider did not ensure that the service was adequately cleaned, maintained and repaired to ensure the safety of the children. (d) 1. A build-up of dirt was evident on the vent in the sanitary area opposite the Preschool 2 room and the Nappy changing area, which may hinder effectiveness. This was also noted as a non-compliance on the previous inspection in June 2024, actions put in place by the registered provider did not prevent a reoccurrence. 2. The upstairs sanitary area opposite Preschool 2 needed maintenance, there was a number of areas needing repair, for example. • A gap was present in the lino along the toilet cubicles preventing effective cleaning, this poses an infection control risk. • Sealant at the base of the sink was observed to have a build up of dirt and debris. • Pipework under the sink was not adequately enclosed, and dirt and debris were observed behind the pipes accessible to the children. • A spotlight fixture was not adequately secured and was observed hanging down from the ceiling. • Wooden boxing behind the toilet opposite the entryway was not secured appropriately. The top board was lifting, and screws were observed sticking out. These were also noted as non-compliances on the previous inspection in June 2024, actions put in place by the registered provider did not prevent a reoccurrence. 3. Shatter proof light coverings were observed to be missing from the following areas. • Preschool 1 room was missing three light covers. • Preschool 2 room was missing two light covers. • First Floor Hallway was missing one light cover. • Baby Room was missing one light cover. This poses a risk of injury to the children using these spaces. 4. The gate in the outdoor area needed repair, there was a large, splintered piece of wood at child height posing a risk of injury. o There was a build-up of dirt and debris in the outdoor area. There was no evidence of an effective cleaning schedule to manage the cleaning of this area. This poses an infection control risk. 5. Damage was observed on the shelving under the window in the Baby Room. Preventing ineffective cleaning. 6. The wooden radiator cover in the Playschool room was splintered exposing children to potential injury
Provider's corrective action:
1. The registered provider has stated that the vents have been professionally cleaned with a quarterly cleaning schedule commenced. 2. The registered provider has ensured that interim measures have been undertaken to box off pipework and clean lino until more permeant measures are completed. 3. The registered provider has ensured that light casings have been replaced, and this has been added to the maintenance checklist. 4. The registered provider has stated that the garden gate has been repaired, with the outdoor area to be swept weekly with the pedal bin emptied daily. This is to be documented in the garden and maintenance checklist. 5. A plan has been put in place to rectify the damage to the shelving in the Baby room. This is to be expected to be completed by the end of the month. 6. The radiator cover has been replaced, and this has been added to the maintenance checklist
Immediate action notice. An immediate action notice was issued to the registered provider on the day following the inspection under
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
(1) (a)(b) A second written and verified reference was not available for one staff member who had commenced employment since the last inspection. (2) (c) Garda vetting had not been obtained for one staff member who was present in the service on the day of inspection but was not working directly with the children. This posed a risk to the safety of the children. An immediate action notice was issued to the provider under Regulation 23 Safeguarding the health, safety and welfare of the child in relation to this non-compliance. (3) The registered provider did not ensure that the checks required under (2) were completed prior to the start date of one new staff member who commenced employment since the last inspection. (4) Evidence was not available to show that two staff who worked directly with the children held at least a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework, or a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent. This was a non-compliance on the previous inspection in 2023
Provider's corrective action:
(1) (a)(b) A written and verified reference is now on file. The service will ensure it is always kept in the staff file. (2) (c) Garda vetting has been obtained for the staff member. The service have updated the child protection policy regarding vetting for admin staff. (3) Corrected and updated though the employee checklist and signed off by two of the persons in charge. (4) One staff member has misplaced their certificate and has applied for a replacement copy. The second staff member completed their final module in October 2023 but has not yet received her certificate. In future we will ensure staff have 8 modules in Childcare. Monthly rechecks on staff flies and after inspections that files have not been misplaced
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
1. (a) 1. A suitable sleep environment was not provided for two children who were observed to sleep in the Baby and Toddler care rooms for example the Baby room was observed to be bright and noisy, and children were observed playing loudly while the child slept, and the child was observed to startle a number of times in response to loud noises. 2. The individual sleep needs of one child were not observed to be met on the day of inspection which led to the child being visibly upset. At 10:25am a child was observed showing clear signs of tiredness and staff repeatedly acknowledged the child was tired and would sleep soon. Staff advised the child would fall asleep in a bouncer seat and then be transferred to a cot. The child was observed crying, yawning, and rubbing their eyes before falling asleep. The child was observed sleeping in the care room from 10:48am- 11:12am before waking, crying, moving to a soft pillow on the floor and lying down. The child continued to cry, yawn, rub their eyes and appear tired until 12pm. Although staff acknowledged the child’s sleep cues, they did not respond appropriately to provide an opportunity for restful sleep which the child required. 3. The Playschool room did not provide a stimulating play environment for the children present with limited resources available to the children and toys were not grouped appropriately to support spontaneous play experiences. For example, there was no props or supporting equipment for the chalk board or dolls house while the cars were not located in close proximity to the car table. Jigsaws were stacked on a high shelf out of reach of the children and the box of trains was inaccessible due to the size and weight of the box. Children require a range of toys and equipment with associated props to be visible, accessible, and grouped appropriately to support choice and invoke interest in a variety of play experiences. 4. Children in the Toddler room did not access the outdoor area in accordance with the daily rota on the day of inspection despite the weather being appropriate to do so. Children require access to the outdoor area daily to engage in gross motor activities which may not be appropriate for the indoor environment. (1) (b) 5. Staff were not observed to clean children’s noses in a timely manner for example two children in the Toddler room were observed to have nasal discharge from 10:25am-10:41am when their noses were cleaned following nappy changing. Children of this age require adult support to ensure their noses are cleaned for their comfort and to ensure adequate infection control
Provider's corrective action:
(1) (a) 1. The creche has two sleep rooms however for those who find it challenging to sleep alone, we have changed our rest areas in the classrooms to give as much downtime as is possible in a classroom. Staff working with under 2’s have been reminded of the importance of supporting and encouraging the children who find it difficult in transitioning to our sleep rooms. We are also liaising with parents to allow and encourage younger children to sleep in cots. 2. The child mentioned was unwell, only attends mornings and usually naps at home. The Practitioner on the day felt it would upset the child further to put the child in the sleep room alone. Child was sent home sick 90 mins later and the Person In Charge on the day supported the Practitioner during this time. A more restful option in the room has been provided in the care room. 3. Issues have been rectified. Staff meeting with three practitioners on the day in regard to environments. Higher level of supervision and support provided. 4. We will ensure management on the floor support those working alone to accommodate outdoor play. This was discussed at a staff meeting in July. 5. Infection control policy reissued to staff and discussed with staff involved. Person In Charge will provide supervision
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety, and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. The service did not follow the manufacturers instruction in relation to the use of bouncer seats in both the Baby and Toddler rooms for example three bouncer seats were observed to be used in a reclined position for children aged over 1 year old who were capable of sitting unaided. The instruction stated that the reclined position should only be used for children who cannot sit unaided. This posed a risk of injury to the children. 2. Radiator covers were not adequately secured to the wall in the Baby room and Preschool room 2 and were observed to move when pulled. This posed a potential risk of injury to the children. 3. A handbag belonging to a staff member was accessible on a shelf in the Toddler room posing a potential risk of injury. 4. Sections of the flooring in the garden were observed to be lifting and posed a trip hazard to the children. 5. Wood panels beside the gate at the end of the garden were broken and posed a risk of injury to the children for example the wood was broken and splintered, and nails were exposed where the wood had lifted. Infection Control: 6. Paper handtowels were not hygienically dispensed in the Playschool room posing a risk of cross contamination. 7. The bin used for disposal of nappies was not pedal operated and posed an infection control risk due to repeated touching. It is acknowledged that the service had a pedal operated bin which was broken, and correspondence was reviewed which showed the service were awaiting a replacement from the manufacturer in the coming months. 8. A sofa in the Playschool room was torn which did not allow for easy cleaning and posed an infection control risk. 9. A pillow in the Playschool room did not have a cover and posed an infection control risk. 10. Foam climbing blocks which were in the outdoor area were torn which prevented adequate cleaning and posed an infection control risk. Administration of Medication: 11. Health care plans which detailed the signs and symptoms and procedure to be followed in the event of an emergency were not available for two children who required emergency medication which may impede the child receiving adequate care in the event of an emergency. 12. A bottle of medication which was out of date was observed to be stored in one care room and posed the risk of it being administered to a child. It is acknowledged that the medication was labelled as out of date and that the service policy does not set out the procedure to dispose of out-of-date medication. Safe Sleep: 13. The registered provider did not ensure the use of suitable sleep equipment for two children aged between 14-20 months old who were observed to sleep in a bouncer seats which posed a potential risk to the children. Bouncer seats are prohibited for use for sleeping children. 14. The registered provider did not ensure the service safe sleep policy checklist was implemented to ensure the safety of the children. A child aged 19 months was observed to be put into a cot to sleep with a bottle. Although the staff member was present, this practice is not in line with the service policy and posed a risk of choking to the child. Fire Safety: 15. A designated emergency exit door in the Baby room was obstructed and could not be opened on the morning of the inspection as a shutter on the outside had not been raised fully. This posed a potential risk to the children in a fire emergency. It is acknowledged that an additional fire route was accessible on the day of inspection however all emergency exit doors should be maintained free of obstruction at all times. 16. The attendance of two school aged children who were present during the inspection was not recorded on the service attendance records which posed a risk to the children in the event of a fire emergency. A record of the presence of all persons present in the building is required to ensure safe evacuation in the event of a fire emergency. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: 1. Removed all bouncers. Lollipop lane no longer use bouncers effective 1st July. 2. The radiator covers have been fixed and the service have employed a reliable handyman so matters can be attended to promptly. 3. Staff were reminded of the importance of storing handbags up high out of reach. Hooks are available on back of doors in under 2s care rooms and high shelves in over 2s care rooms. Person in charge will supervise this issue. 4. This has been added to the maintenance list for the handyman and will be completed by 16th Aug. Areas flattened down to stop tripping hazard. 5. This has been added to the maintenance list for the handyman and will be completed by 16th Aug. The area has been barricaded off. New handyman will be available to fix issues as they arise. Infection Control: 6. Paper handtowels are now in the dispenser. Infection control policy has been issued to staff highlighting this. 7. Bin has been replaced. Have an extra bin as a replacement if needed. 8. The sofa has been sent for repair. 9. Pillows without covers discussed at staff meeting. PIC will supervise this issue. 10. Torn foam blocks discarded. Garden maintenance plan weekly checked by PIC. Administration of Medication: 11. Health care plans have been obtained for both children. PIC will ensure they are available at all times in the relevant classrooms. 12. Out of date medication has been disposed of. We have updated our safety plan. Safe Sleep: 13. Bouncers discarded and are no longer in use. 14. Staff meeting with staff member and reissued safe sleeping plan. Fire Safety: 15. The importance of shutters being fully opened was discussed at a staff meeting with PIC. Outside / garden policy was re-issued to staff. 16. Discussed at staff meeting that visiting children are put on the class rolls and the importance of it. Update Fire policy and reissue
Regulation 25 — First aid
(1) The registered provider did not ensure that a staff member trained in First Aid Response (FAR) was immediately available to the children at all times during the service opening hours. A review of the FAR certificates of three staff members and the roster showed that a staff member trained in FAR was not available to the children from 4:45pm-6pm on the day of inspection. This posed a potential risk to the children
Provider's corrective action:
Ensuring FAR cover 50 hours per week. Opening it out for a fourth staff member to train in FAR
Regulation 29 — Premises
(d) 1. A build-up of dirt was evident on the vent in the nappy changing area and Preschool 2 care room which may hinder it effectiveness. 2. The upstairs sanitary area needed maintenance; a number of areas were observed to require repair for example; • A number of gaps were present in the lino in the toilet cubicles which did not ensure a smooth easy to clean surface and a build-up of dirt and debris was observed posing an infection control risk. • Pipework was not adequately enclosed, and dirt and debris were observed behind the pipes accessible to the children. • A build-up of dirt was evident on the vent which may hinder it effectiveness. • A spotlight fixture was not adequately secured and was observed hanging down from the ceiling. • The sealant at the base of one sink pedestal was observed to have a build-up of dirt and could not be adequately cleaned posing an infection control risk. • Wooden boxing behind the toilet opposite the entryway was not secured appropriately. The top board was lifting, and screws were observed sticking out. 3. The carpet was not non-slip and was observed to be coming away from the stair. This posed a risk of injury from slip or trips. 4. Edging used to secure the floor in the hallway was observed to be worn with porous wood exposed which prevented adequately cleaning. 5. Shatterproof covers were not observed to be fitted on two lights in Preschool room 2 which posed a risk of injury to the children
Provider's corrective action:
(d) 1. Vents cleaned. Regular maintenance worker under PIC and owner. 2. All cleaning surfaces listed, cleaned. Lino is scheduled to be replaced by will be replaced by 23rd Aug. 3. Carpet secured and will be replaced by Aug 23rd. Regular Maintenance worker, under PIC and owner. 4. Will be replaced by Aug 23rd. Regular Maintenance worker, under PIC and owner. 5. Listed with maintenance worker as urgent. Will be completed by 31st July. Regular Maintenance worker, under PIC and owner