# Maap Childcare Limited T/A Tots Creche and Daycare Nursery, Maynooth — inspection reports and findings > Maap Childcare Limited T/A Tots Creche and Daycare Nursery (Maynooth, Co. Kildare): what Tusla inspections found — 5 published inspection(s), non-compliances and the provider's corrective actions. ## Maap Childcare Limited T/A Tots Creche and Daycare Nursery Sessional · 0 - 6 Years · Maynooth, Kildare · Tusla ID **TU2024KE001** · Registered since 12 February 2024 An inspection records what inspectors saw **on one day**; services respond with corrective actions — [how to read this](/methodology.md). #### Inspection of 30 April 2026 — Inspection Report Full report (PDF, Tusla) ##### Regulation 11 — Staffing levels - (1) The inspector observed there was an inadequate number of adults working directly with the children in the Pre-school 3 room. There was one adult allocated to work directly with nine children aged three years, between 9:30 and 12:30 on both days of the inspection. Regulations 19 (1)(b) and 23 were inspected in this room on Day 2 of the inspection. The inspector observed that a second adult was required to meet the needs of the children as outlined under regulation 19(1)(b) (non-compliance number 2) and regulation 23 (non-compliance number 2). (2) The minimum ratio requirement of adults to children was not maintained in the Pre-school 3 room between 9:30 and 12:30 on both days of the inspection. One adult was allocated to work directly with nine children aged three years who were attending on a full day care basis. Staff members and managers stated there can be one adult allocated to this room with up to 11 pre-school children attending on a full day care basis from 09:30 – 12:30. The minimum ratio requirement for children of this age attending on a full day care basis is one adult to eight children - (1) & (2) We had a number of staff ring in sick this day and we had amalgamated rooms to maintain ratios and still run the operations of the service. The register for this care room reflects the children that usually attend this care room had been moved up the building due to a lack of staff due to illness. If staff ring in sick to a service the person in charge risk assesses the number of staff they have to adhere to adult:child ratio, checks sleep planning, completes a lunch list for the staff in attendance and will then communicate via management, the staff they require and for what hours they are required ##### Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service - (1) (j) Although records were available detailing medicines given to children, signed parental consent was not always available. Medication records were sampled in the Wobbler room. There was no signed parental consent available in relation to medicines that had been administered to four children dated from October 2025 to April 2026. There was no consent available for medicine stored in the Pre-school 1 room for a child who may require it due to an underlying medical condition. One of the managers was unaware of the requirement to obtain written parental consent prior to administering medication. (1) (k) It is acknowledged that records were kept of accidents and incidents. However, the inspectors observed that the risk management section of records which was completed for two incidents that occurred on Day 2 of the inspection was not adequate. Details regarding the incidents are documented under regulation 19(1)(b) – non- compliance number 1. (a). The inspectors observed the incidents likely occurred due to overtiredness and slipping while dancing in socks. The measures documented to reduce the risk of reoccurrence was “We talk to her that we need to be careful when we jump” and “We talk to him to be more careful and not to play in the bed”. Failure to identify risks and take appropriate mitigating measures places the children at an increased risk of accidents and injuries - (j) All our services were instructed on 29 April 2026 to replace medical consent forms with the new one which includes a section for signed parental consent. (1)(k) A sample accident was given to all staff for them to see what we should be putting onto Accident/Incident forms and signed by all staff. The service manager and assistant manager will monitor this is being completed ##### Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child - 1. The inspectors observed that the service sleep practices did not adequately support the individual needs of children as outlined. a) Children in the Wobbler room were not provided with an opportunity to sleep outside of the designated sleep period. There were 15 children aged one and two years present in the Wobbler room on Day 2 of the inspection. The inspector observed two children showing signs of tiredness from 09:57. This included crying intermittently, rubbing their eyes and one child resting their head on the table. The children were not facilitated to sleep until the room was prepared for sleep at 12:50. A separate cot room was available; however this was not used during the inspection. Both children who were showing signs of overtiredness subsequently had accidents. The first child fell at 11:37 when despite showing signs of tiredness, staff removed the child’s shoes in preparation for sleep but then encouraged the child to dance. This resulted in the child falling backwards and banging their head. The second child fell at 11:57 when the beds were being laid out and fell again (off the bed) at 13:01 banging their head. Further information relating to these incidents is documented under regulation 16 (1) (k). Failure to facilitate children to sleep according to their needs can lead to increased risk of accidents and can impact negatively on their emotional and physical development b) The inspectors observed inadequate planning for the children’s transitions to sleep. Loud, fast-paced music was played as children were being guided to their beds in the Wobbler room on day 1 of the inspection. Children were not provided with blankets until 30 minutes into their sleep time in the Toddler room on Day 1 of the inspection and children were observed sleeping in the Wobbler room on Day 2 of the inspection with no blankets. These practices did not provide for a calm and restful environment or support the children’s comfort and ability to rest appropriately. 2. The inspector observed that children in the Pre-school 3 room were not facilitated to use the toilet in a timely manner. There was one adult caring for nine children aged three years when the inspector observed them arriving back from the outdoor area at 12:13 on Day 2 of the inspection. Two of the children were telling the adult repeatedly that they needed to use the toilet whilst pulling at the groin area of their trousers. The adult called for assistance but there was nobody available. The adult told the children that they would have to wait until another adult was available. One of the children kept repeating “I can’t wait that long teacher” and kept approaching the inspector for assistance. The children waited 15 minutes from the time the inspector heard the first request until the children were brought to the toilet. This practice increases the risk of toileting accidents and can impact on the children’s dignity and wellbeing. 3. The inspectors observed that appropriate practices were not in place at mealtimes to support the individual needs of children as outlined. a) On Day 1 of the inspection one of the managers reported they would arrange an alternative meal for a child in the Toddler room who they knew from experience would not eat the meal on the menu due to sensory issues. No alternative was provided. b) On Day 1 of the inspection a second child in the Toddler room refused to eat the meal that was offered. The child was not offered any alternative. Staff reported the child had also not eaten anything during the morning snack. The communication record shared with parents documented that this child had eaten all their meal and the morning snack. c) On Day 2 of the inspection a child in the Pre-school 3 room was upset when the main meal was served and did not come to the table initially. When the child did come to the table, they were given only potato and vegetables as their meal had been given to another child as a second portion. Failure to provide for the individual needs of children or communicate accurately with parents in relation to food may pose a risk to children’s health and wellbeing as their nutritional needs may not be met. 4. The inspectors observed that there were inadequate practices in place to support children’s hygiene as follows: a) On Day 1 of the inspection, the inspector observed an adult remove a wet nappy from a child who attended the Toddler room and replace it with a dry nappy. The adult did not clean the child before putting on the dry nappy. This practice can result in skin irritation, soreness and discomfort and does not support infection control. b) On both days of inspection, the inspectors observed adults interacting with children who had soiling and mucous on their faces for extended periods of time in the Wobbler, Toddler and Pre-school 3 rooms without taking measures to clean them. Failure to assist young children to clean their noses and faces can impact on their comfort and dignity and poses a risk to infection control - a) The staff on the day of the inspection were following the children’s sleep plans and when the children were tired the staff did not communicate with the manager or assistant manager that children needed to go to bed at a different time than they normally sleep. The children’s individual sleep plans state that the children sleep on floor beds or stackable beds. A staff meeting was held on 13 May 2026 going through all non-compliances and how to recognise a tired child and what to do when the staff recognise this. The manager of the service has put in place that when a child is tired outside of their normal routine, the staff are to notify the manager or assistant manager who will ensure they are put into bed, either in a cot in the nursery, or on a floor bed or a stackable bed in the care room. b) Soft music should be played as an indicator that it is sleep time and that they are preparing to go to bed. This music will calm the children while the children are getting shoes off and being handed their soothers for bed. 2. When staff ring in sick it puts pressure on a building. The manager should take this into account when assessing their building and asking for extra staff if staff ring in sick or they have staff on annual leave - a) An alternative meal is provided to all children that do not eat their dinner or require different food due to sensory issues. Giving the kitchen staff the information regarding the children in attendance needing alternative food is important to ensure all children get a good balanced diet and we meet their nutritional needs. b) Alternative food is prepared for children when they refuse to eat their dinner. It is important to maintain a healthy and nutritious alternative, so children are not hungry when they refuse to eat. This was communicated at the staff meeting on 13 May 2026. c) Extra meals are kept in the kitchen and if children ask for more or one falls or a child falls asleep there are extra dinners on hand and staff just ring the kitchen to request what they need. We will be checking this daily to ensure our healthy eating policy is being adhered to - a) & b) We have completed spot checks throughout our nappy changes, cleanliness, nose wiping by observing the staff and children in care rooms and in nappy changing rooms. If a staff member does not adhere to policies and procedures, we get them to read relevant policies and redo the nappy change or observe them in practice again so we can ensure they are adhering to correct procedures. This will give us an idea on what supports staff require and what training they may need. We have mirrors in all care rooms and have placed tissues at close range to these mirrors and ask the children to look in the mirrors and wipe their noses and wash their faces as a part of our daily routine ##### Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - Infection Control: 1. Nappies were not consistently changed in a manner which reduces the risk of infections spreading. On Day 1 of the inspection, adults were observed changing the nappies of children from the Toddler room. The inspector observed the following which was at variance with the service’s documented nappy changing procedure. a) One adult did not consistently wash their own or the children’s hands after changing the children’s nappies. b) The adults did not remove the gloves which had been worn to remove the soiled/wet nappies prior to re- dressing the children. c) The adults did not make any attempt to clean the changing mat between children. d) Materials were disposed of by handling the lid of the bin rather than the pedal. Failing to follow procedures for infection control when changing nappies poses a risk of spreading germs, increasing the risk of illness amongst the children. 2. Children were not appropriately supported to wash their hands in the Pre-school 3 room prior to the main meal on Day 2 of the inspection. There was one adult working with nine children aged 3 years. The adult instructed the children to wash their hands but was unable to appropriately supervise or assist them as he was tending to a child who was upset and serving the main meal. Two of the children did not use soap or dry their hands after washing. Four children did not wash their hands. 3. There was no procedure observed to prevent the spread of infection through mouthed toys, contrary to the service’s policy on infection control. Children were observed mouthing toys in the Wobbler, Toddler and Pre- school 3 rooms in direct view of staff without these being removed for cleaning. This posed a risk of cross infection as the toys passed between children, increasing their risk of illness. 4. The plastic coverings on soft material items were not repaired or replaced appropriately to allow for appropriate cleaning. The coverings on the nappy changing mat used by children attending the Toddler room and the soft play area in Wobbler room were torn, exposing the foam underneath. This posed a risk to infection control, increasing the children’s risk of illness. Administration of Medication: 5. Appropriate measures were not in place to safeguard a child who attended the Pre-school 1 room whom staff reported may require medicine. Medication was stored in the room for use if the child became symptomatic due to an underlying medical condition. The medicine was not stored in the original packaging and therefore had no identifying information. The inspector observed that the surname on the care plan stored with the medicine was different to that of the child. Staff then confirmed that the care plan was for another child and was stored with this child’s medicine in error. Consequently, there was no care plan, parental consent, or procedure in place for the administration of the medication to the child who was present. This posed a risk to the child’s health and safety, as staff did not have the information required to respond appropriately in the event of a medical incident. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - Infection Control: 1. Nappy changing spot checks were carried out to make sure all staff were following the nappy changing policy and procedure properly. If staff were not carrying out the proper procedure, they had to read the relevant policy and redo nappy changing again to ensure they were compliant. Ensuring staff are properly trained and that spot checks are done is important to ensure proper procedures are being carried out, what training needs to be done. 2. The staff member will call the floor staff to come and support when these practices are being carried out or at times support is needed. 3. A mouthed toys box has been placed into rooms so the toys can be placed into the box and washed and sterilised later. Sterilising instructions have been put in rooms to ensure they are reminded throughout the day to do this. 4. The soft play climber and mats have been replaced in the care room and nappy change. The staff and management are aware of the maintenance sheet in the hallway and are to report items to be replaced to their manager as part of their daily risk assessment. Administration of Medication: 5. The medicine stored in the original packaging now and is placed with the care plan and medical consent form ##### Regulation 26 — Fire records - (1) and (3) The registered providers did not notify the Agency of a proposed change in relation to the number of children attending on a full day care basis. The service was registered to accommodate a maximum of 46 children on a full day care basis. On Day 2 of the inspection (30 April 2026) there were 49 children attending on a full day care basis - We carried out an audit on our attendance levels and sent in a change in circumstances application to the agency to be adjusted as this building can hold 72 children on a full time basis. We are awaiting on the agency to approve this. The bookings department has all the registrations on their registrations spreadsheet and bookings are based Additional Information A Regulatory Compliance Meeting was held with the registered provider on 1 July 2026 due to repeat non- compliance that had occurred from a previous inspection dated January 2025 in particular regulation 11 – Staffing Levels and regulation 19 (1)(b) – Health, Welfare and Development of Child. Acknowledgments The inspectors wish to acknowledge the cooperation of the managers, staff and children who were present on the days of the inspection ##### Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures - (4) The inspectors did not observe a notice of the procedures to be followed in the event of fire displayed anywhere on the premises. The person in charge on Day 2 of the inspection confirmed that although a map of exit routes was displayed the procedures were not. This posed a risk to the safe evacuation of children in the event of a fire - New fire maps have been placed into all care rooms, nappy change, nursery and hallway for a much clearer instruction for evacuation. Clear instructions in place give the staff a clearer procedure to follow in an evacuation Found compliant: Regulation 9, 25. #### Inspection of 29 April 2025 — Inspection Report Full report (PDF, Tusla) ##### Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child - A child in the toddler room was observed to throw a toy oven mitt at a childcare worker. Rather than responding calmly, and speaking to the child as outlined in the service’s own policy, the worker responded by exclaiming ‘Oh my God’ and took the child by the wrist before lightly admonishing them. This does not constitute a suitable care practice under Regulation 19(1)(b) - At the monthly staff meeting, all staff read the draft inspection report, the service policy on managing behaviour and the promoting positive behaviour tips sheet. A discussion was had in relation to the non-compliance. All staff completed training regarding managing behaviour and promoting positive behaviour. This included demonstrations regarding verbal and non-verbal interactions, appropriate language, body language and voice levels. This training has been added to staff practical inductions so it can be conducted before staff start with the company Found compliant: Regulation 8, 11, 27, 30. #### Inspection of 21 January 2025 — Inspection Report Full report (PDF, Tusla) **Immediate action notice.** Regulation 9(2)(c): An Immediate Action Notice was issued on 22 January 2025 as a mandatory Garda vetting disclosure was not available for one person who was present in the service on Day 1 of the inspection, contrary to the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012. A response was received from the registered provider on 23 January 2025 outlining actions taken to address the risk including a copy of the outstanding Garda vetting disclosure. **Immediate action notice.** Non-Compliance Information The inspectorate reserves the right to edit responses received for reasons including clarity, completeness and compliance with administrative and legal processes. ##### Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - (2) The inspection focused on the recruitment records for 19 adults - (a) & (b) It is acknowledged that references were available for 18 adults. However, there were no references available for one adult who had access to children in the Baby room on Day 1 of the inspection. This regulation was non-compliant on the previous inspection dated 9 May 2024. The corrective and preventive actions submitted by the registered providers following that inspection had not been effective in addressing the non- compliance. (c) It is acknowledged that Garda vetting disclosures were available for 18 adults and had been renewed in accordance with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice, which requires services to renew Garda vetting every three years. However, a Garda vetting disclosure was not available for one adult who had access to children in the Baby room on Day 1 of the inspection. The adult left when the inspectors arrived at the service. An Immediate Action Notice was issued on 22 January 2025 due to the risk posed. The registered providers submitted a response on 23 January 2025 with supporting evidence which appropriately addressed the risk. (d) It is acknowledged that international police vetting had been sourced for 10 adults who had lived in another state for more than six months as an adult. However, international police vetting was not available for four adults who had lived in another state as adults for more than six consecutive months. This regulation was non-compliant on the previous inspection dated 9 May 2024. The corrective and preventive actions submitted by the registered providers following that inspection had not been effective in addressing the non-compliance. (3) The records outlined under regulation 9(2) had not been sought prior to these adults having access to children. In addition, reference record checks had not been verified prior to four staff members commencing in the service. The checks were dated from one week to four months after the start date of the adults. This regulation was non- compliant on the previous inspection dated 9 May 2024. The corrective and preventive actions submitted by the registered providers following that inspection had not been effective. The four adults had been employed after that inspection. (4) It is acknowledged that all staff documented on the roster and two relief staff members who worked directly with children held at least a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications or a qualification deemed equivalent by the Minister. However, one adult who was reported by staff to have worked directly with children in the Baby room on the morning of Day 1 of the inspection did not hold a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications or a qualification deemed equivalent by the Minister. This regulation was non- compliant on the previous inspection dated 9 May 2024. The corrective and preventive actions submitted by the registered providers following that inspection had not been effective in addressing the non-compliance. (7)(a) It is acknowledged that staff reported they attend regular one-to-one supervision meetings with the manager and detailed records were available of the meetings. However, it was not evident that staff were provided with appropriate information in relation to the services policies and procedures. Management reported that all staff are given a copy of the services polices to read during their induction. Two of the six policies inspected had multiple versions available. It was not clear which version the staff members had been provided with. One staff member told the inspectors that although she was given the policies on her first day, she did not have time to read them as she was working directly with children. Only one staff member had signed the service’s record to indicate they had read the services policies and procedures - (2) (a), (b) (c) (d) All staff files were being uploaded to the services new staff portal (as the company is trying to go paperless) which would allow for managers to view all paperwork before staff are allowed in the service. Some of the staff files had not uploaded properly to the portal and could not be downloaded on the day of inspection. This has been rectified. All files are available on the service portal and have been printed to make sure there is not an issue with downloading and viewing staff files again. (3) All staff references had been sought prior to the staff start dates and had been checked and verified by the area manager and recruitment specialist prior to the staffs offer of a position in the company. Staff are not allowed enter a service until the area managers have checked all staff files including vetting. A meeting was held after the inspection. Service managers reported they have been signing references as checked and validated when staff moved from another service after induction training or if they permanently move to another service. It is only when managers were updating the file in their service they may have put in that date by mistake. This has been rectified. (4) This employee works in the head office. The employee is not qualified so is therefore not allowed to work directly with children. Regulations regarding unqualified employees not working directly with children is always adhered to. (7)(a) The staff have all read policies and procedures whilst doing their induction training. Some staff read policies and will then do the practical induction training in the care rooms, others will do some practical induction training before reading policies and procedures. Signature pages have been signed by all staff in the service to show staff have re-read all policies and procedures in the service ##### Regulation 10 — Policies, procedures etc. of pre-school service - 1. Settling-in policy It is acknowledged the settling-in policy included information regarding supporting children’s initial transitions into the service. However, the policy did not include information regarding the following: a) Managing children’s daily transitions into the service and leaving for home b) Managing transitions within routines and from one type of activity to another c) Separations from familiar people and/or rooms within the setting d) How the service liaises with schools or communicates and exchanges information (with parent’s/guardian’s consent). 2. Managing behaviour policy It is acknowledged the managing behaviour policy included information regarding supporting children’s wellbeing. It also stated prohibited practices and procedures for the protection and welfare of children are managed in line with the service’s safeguarding statement. However, the policy was not compliant with requirements as follows: a) The policy did not outline the service’s procedures for managing behaviour with regard to the different ages and stages of the children. b) The policy included procedures relating to a child going missing from a service which could make the procedures for managing behaviour difficult for staff or parents/guardians to follow. 3. Recruitment policy It is acknowledged the recruitment policy included procedures to be followed when hiring employees and unpaid workers including obtaining international police vetting where required and obtaining and verifying references. However, the policy was not compliant with requirements as follows: a) There was no information regarding requirements for students. b) There was no information regarding procedures for managing vetting disclosures. c) The vetting procedures stated that candidates require ‘police vetting or police clearance’ for any country they lived in for more than six months as an adult. Although it was clear that international police vetting was required where the candidate had lived in another state, it was not clear that vetting disclosures were required from the National Vetting Bureau of the Garda Síochána for all adults. 4. Staff supervision policy It is acknowledged the staff supervision policy included information regarding how employees are supervised and supported in relation to their work practices; the format, duration and frequency of supervision including induction and ongoing supervision. It included information regarding what records will be kept and how these will be stored. However, the policy did not include the length of time that staff supervision records would be kept - The policies have been updated ##### Regulation 11 — Staffing levels - (1) Inspectors observed that there were not an adequate number of adults available to meet the needs of the children as outlined below. It is acknowledged that the service manager had identified the need for additional staffing and had consulted with the area manager in relation to this the week beginning 6 January 2025. 1. There were not enough adults available to provide the attention and comfort required by the children in the Wobbler room who were displaying signs of overtiredness between 12:10 and 12:55. Further information is documented under regulation 20 – point 3. 2. There were not always enough adults available to meet the needs of the children in the Baby room in a timely manner. Staff were observed calling for relief cover to change children’s nappies or put them to sleep at various times during the day. A person was not always available to provide cover when needed. Further information is detailed under regulation 19(1)(b) – point 3. (2) It is acknowledged that the minimum adult to child ratio was maintained on both days of the inspection. On Day 1 of the inspection there was a person to manage, and eight adults rostered to work directly with 49 children. Two additional relief staff members arrived during the inspection - one at 10:10 and a second at 11:05. This provided for 10 adults to work directly with a maximum 49 children outside of staff break times. On Day 2 of the inspection there was a person to manage, and eight adults rostered to work directly with 52 children. Two additional relief staff members were present. This provided for 10 adults to work directly with a maximum 52 children outside of staff break times. However, through review of documentation and discussions with staff it was evident that the minimum ratio requirement of adults to children was not always maintained when staff took their allocated breaks as outlined: 1. There were nine children aged 1-2 years present in the Baby room on the first day of inspection with two adults. An adult who was not rostered arrived from another of the registered providers services at 11:05 and provided cover for staff breaks. Staff reported that this was not usual practice. They stated that there is usually one adult working directly with these children for a two-hour period when each adult takes their break. This was confirmed through review of the staff roster, discussions with management and review of staff sign in/out records for the previous week. Attendance records showed there had been between 8 and 10 children present each day the previous week. It is acknowledged that staff reported the manager undertakes checks on the children who are sleeping during this period. 2. Through discussions with staff, and review of attendance records it was confirmed there were between 32 and 39 children aged 1-6 years present between the Wobbler, Toddler, Preschool 1 and Preschool 2 rooms the previous week during staff break periods. A minimum of five to six adults were required during this period according to the ages and numbers of the children present on each day. Through review of the staff roster, sign in/out records and discussions with staff it was confirmed that between four and five adults were working directly with the children daily during these periods - (1) & (2) The recruitment specialist had received a request for additional staffing from the service manager in January and was interviewing and hiring staff for this service. Since the inspection three additional staff have been employed and one staff member that was on long term leave has returned to work. The Manager and area managers have held a staff meeting since this inspection and have outlined times throughout the day that need more support. Additional staffing in this service that are not rostered into a room are available for such times that staff are out sick ##### Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child - 1. The registered providers did not ensure that drinks were always available to the children as outlined below. This was at variance with the service health eating policy which stated ‘We encourage children to drink water throughout the day. They have a choice of milk and water at all mealtimes’. a) Drinks were not made available to children attending the Baby room on Day 1 of the inspection while the inspector was present from 10:46 until 14:03. The children’s beakers were empty, and no drinks were offered before, during or after the main meal. One child was observed reaching up to the beakers and saying “water” repeatedly with no response from the adults. b) The jug of water and cups in the Wobbler room was stored on a shelf out of sight and reach of the children. The carton of milk that was brought to the room by the chef for mealtime was not offered. The adults poured a drink of water for each child before the main meal, however many of the children spilled these while waiting on the meal. The cups were removed and no other drinks were offered. 2. The registered providers did not ensure that appropriate care practices were in place in relation to mealtimes. a) The transitions to the main meal in the Baby and Wobbler rooms were not appropriately managed. There were not enough chairs in either room when the staff attempted to seat the children. Staff called repeatedly for assistance to locate chairs and bibs. The transitions took approximately 15 minutes in the Baby room and 27 minutes in the Wobbler room during which time the children were unsettled. See further detail under point 3. c) below. Two children in the Baby room were placed on chairs that were too high. One of the chairs was much too high for the child posing a risk of a fall and injury. It is acknowledged an adult recognised this and remained beside the child throughout their meal. The issue regarding seating was observed on the previous inspection dated 9 May 2024. The corrective and preventive actions submitted by the registered providers following that inspection had not been effective in addressing the non-compliance. b) An adult did not always sit with children in the Baby room who were eating outside of the designated meal time. The adults engaged in other duties while one child who ate slowly was halfway through their meal. The child spilled this on themselves and was not offered any more. A second child was placed in a highchair to have their meal when they woke up from their nap. No adult sat with the child throughout the entire meal to provide for a social experience. Further detail in relation to supervision at mealtimes is recorded under regulation 27. The issue regarding children sitting alone when eating was observed on the previous inspection dated 9 May 2024. The corrective and preventive actions submitted by the registered providers following that inspection had not been effective in addressing the non-compliance. c) A child in the Baby room who showed signs of being hungry after the main meal was not provided with any more food. The child reached into another child’s bowl and repeatedly stated “more”. The child was told “there is no more”. d) A child who was asleep during the designated mealtime was given a cold dinner to eat when they woke up. The meal had been delivered to the Baby room almost an hour earlier. 3. Staff in the Baby room were not always able to change children’s nappies in a timely manner. The staff members were observed calling for assistance and waiting for relief to change children’s nappies. Staff reported that every child’s nappy is routinely changed at 12:30. Two children still had not been changed by 13:41 as the staff stated they were still waiting on cover. This delayed one child who was displaying signs of overtiredness in being placed to sleep as they waited to have their nappy changed first. The child was crying loudly and clinging to the adult at this time. 4. It was not evident that children’s needs in relation to having consistent caregivers and minimal disruptions were provided for when decisions were made regarding staff allocations as outlined. a) Staff reported that the number of children in each room is constantly virtually monitored to maintain adult-to- child ratios, often leading to immediate decisions to move children between rooms. This was observed by inspectors on arrival to the service on Day 1 of the inspection when five children were suddenly moved from Preschool 1 room to Preschool 2 room due to ratio monitoring. b) The staff absence policy did not include provisions to ensure continuity of care, which could minimize disruptions and support the development of stable, consistent relationships between children and their caregivers. Two staff had been on leave between three weeks and three months prior to the inspection. There was no replacement staff documented on the staff roster. On Day 1 of the inspection, two unfamiliar adults were assigned to the Baby room. One left after the inspectors arrived. The second adult arrived at 11:05. The inspector observed that the adult who arrived at 11:05 had not been briefed about the children, was unaware of their names, and had no prior information about their needs. In the week prior to the inspection, five different adults from the registered providers other services were allocated to the Preschool 1 room - 1. There are plenty of drinks supplied to the care rooms throughout the day and the kitchen is going to automatically replenish the rooms three times a day with drinks of water and milk. If a refill is needed the staff ring the kitchen. The Baby room has three jugs of water put into the fridge, so staff do not need to request drinks from the kitchen when needed. The Baby room staff and all other care room staff have been reminded of the importance of giving plenty of fluids throughout the day. Jugs and cups are placed at a hydration station in each room, so they are not out of sight. 2. Mealtime training has been given to all staff, and this will be monitored closely to see staff are continuing good practices. a) The chairs had been moved out of the rooms when decorating the previous weekend and the wrong number had gone back. It has been discussed with all staff regarding furniture being placed back into the care rooms so there is always enough seating. The risk assessments for the rooms include furniture placement. The staff have been shown why the children are not to be placed on chairs that could lead to a fall and injury. A good routine for daily operations and additional staff has provided good supportive transitions. b) The adults have all been shown how and where to sit in the classroom that always gives full view of the children. This was addressed at the staff meeting and management explained so the staff are aware of the risks involved. Area managers have created and are carrying out training evenings to make sure the staff have the knowledge and training required and that they are re-trained throughout their time in the company. c) Extra food is ordered from the kitchen when needed. It is not known why the staff did not ring the kitchen for more. This has been addressed, and the kitchen makes sure to have extra for more portions. d) Food is stored in the kitchen and heated when the children wake from their sleep. Hygiene standards and safe storage of food to keep it fresh and nutritional is maintained. 3. The service has hired additional staff to cover in buildings where staff are on long term sick. Daily sickness levels are managed by the addition on three floating staff that are directed daily to services requiring cover. There is additional staffing in the service to accommodate nappy changes. 4. Adding additional staff to this service has achieved a better routine and consistency for care givers and the children ##### Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play - The registered providers did not ensure that adequate facilities were available for children to sleep according to their needs. The inspectors observed the following on Day 1 of the inspection. 1. Staff in the Baby room reported they could not place a child to sleep as they had nowhere to put a bed. They reported that the Preschool 2 room is usually set up as a sleep room, but this had been opened as a preschool room when the inspectors arrived. The child was observed displaying signs of overtiredness from 10:46 including disengaging, rubbing his eyes, staring into space and crying. The child became increasingly distressed and was screaming prior to being placed to sleep at 12:54 when the room became ready. 2. Staff told the inspector they were waiting on two children who were asleep in cots to wake before they could place the next two children to sleep. The children who did not have a cot were showing signs of over-tiredness at this time including clinging to staff and crying. 3. Children in the Toddler room were observed displaying signs of overtiredness for up to an hour before they were provided with an opportunity to sleep. From 11:55 children were observed wandering around the room, crying and saying “sleep”. Staff recognised the children were tired but told the inspector they had to wait for the Preschool 2 room to be prepared for sleep. One child who had fallen asleep on a mat was woken to have their meal and wandered around the room crying as the meal was delayed. Two children who were sucking soothers and hugging each other toppled and banged their heads on the floor. One child walked into a chair and bumped his mouth. Two children lay on the floor cuddling a toy. Three children approached the inspector during this time seeking comfort and asking for “dodeys”. At 12:51 the staff started to bring the first children to the Preschool 2 room to sleep - 1. & 3. A few children have left the service. Due to this change, the service has re-allocated the rooms to accommodate the numbers of children outlined below. This has freed the smaller room in the service for beds to be made up in the morning for when children show signs of tiredness. Cruisers – 10 Wobblers – 10 Toddlers – 12 Full daycare & ECCE combined – 22 Total Children in the AM - 54 2. Two children have since been moved onto floor beds which means there is no longer a wait for these children to go to bed. The service has the correct number of cots, floor beds and stackable beds for the quantity and age ranges of children who require sleep in the service. Training for staff and management has been carried out for how to recognise a tired child and what to do when this happens. The Staff Induction and Practical training sheets have been updated to include these important items. a) A risk assessment and sleeping plan for sleep needs is to be written up prior to booking to ensure there is a plan for when children sleep times vary from day to day. b) Training for staff needs to be done so they can make an informed decision at any time of the day a child may need a sleep outside of their normal routine. c) Staff induction training has been changed to include sleep signs etc ##### Regulation 27 — Supervision - Two children in the Baby room were not appropriately supervised when eating their main meal on Day 1 of the inspection. Although there were two adults in the room, one of the adults sat with her back to the children while the other adult engaged in cleaning duties. This posed a risk of a delay in providing first aid to the children if they were to choke on their food - Mealtime and supervision of children training has been given and the staff change has improved the supervision standards. Adequate supervision must be always provided, and staff are observed to be maintaining this ##### Regulation 30 — Minimum Space Requirements - The inspectorate reserves the right to edit responses received for reasons including clarity, completeness and compliance with administrative and legal processes. The contents of the report are compiled by the inspectorate body. Acknowledgments The inspectors wish to acknowledge the cooperation of the registered provider, person in charge, staff and children who were present on the days of the inspection ##### Regulation 30 — Minimum space requirements - (1)(2)(3)(4) Through review of documentation and discussions with staff it was evident that the minimum space requirement was not always maintained in the Preschool 1 room during the sessional period (9:30 – 12:30). Children were moved from the Preschool 1 room to the Preschool 2 room when the inspectors arrived at the service on Day 1 of the inspection. Staff told the inspectors that the Preschool 2 room was not open any day the previous week and was only used at sleep time when the session finished. They reported that on the previous week children from the Preschool 2 room and some children from the Toddler room had been accommodated in the Preschool 1 room. The free floor space in Preschool 1 measured 22.3m2 allowing for a maximum of 22 children. There were between 23 and 26 children present on each day the previous week - A few children have left the service. Due to this change, the service has re-allocated the rooms to accommodate the numbers of children outlined below. Cruisers – 10 Wobblers – 10 Toddlers – 12 Full daycare & ECCE combined – 22 Total Children in the AM - 54 The new person in charge is fully aware of the room ratios in the whole setting and has been trained extensively in how to maintain all regulatory requirements. The area manager, operations manager and registered providers are spot checking all services to make sure all staff and management are maintaining the regulations ##### Regulation 32 — Complaints - (1)(a)(b)(c) The complaints policy was incoherent and failed to offer clear direction on the procedure for managing a complaint to the service, the manner it will be dealt with and the procedure for keeping the complainant informed. The policy included passages from the early years inspectorate complaints policy referring to various departments within the inspectorate and inspectorate procedures that did not apply to the service. (2)(b) The registered providers could not ensure that complaints could be dealt with in accordance with the service policy as the policy was incoherent - (1)(a)(b)(c) & (2)(b)The service complaints policy has been updated. The policy is clearer to follow. (2)(b) Complaints are dealt with and records are kept in the service of how they were managed ### Earlier inspections - 9 May 2024 — Inspection Report · PDF - 7 February 2024 — New Service · PDF ### Other services in Kildare - [Maap Childcare Ltd. T/A Tots Crèche and Daycare Nursery Ltd.](/creche/maap-childcare-ltd-t-a-tots-creche-and-daycare-nursery-ltd-naas.md) Naas - [Maap Childcare Sallins Limited T/A Tots Creche and Day Care Nursery](/creche/maap-childcare-sallins-limited-t-a-tots-creche-and-day-care-nursery-sallins.md) Sallins - [Maynooth University Creche](/creche/maynooth-university-creche-maynooth.md) Maynooth - [Naíonra Aoibhneas](/creche/naionra-aoibhneas-celbridge.md) Celbridge - [Play and Learn Childcare and Education](/creche/play-and-learn-childcare-and-education-newbridge.md) Newbridge - [Sugradh Kilberry](/creche/sugradh-kilberry-athy.md) Athy - [Ballycane Preschool](/creche/ballycane-preschool-naas.md) Naas - [Little Harvard Childcare Ltd](/creche/little-harvard-childcare-ltd-leixlip.md) Leixlip - [Kildangan Education Centre](/creche/kildangan-education-centre-nr-monasterevin.md) Nr Monasterevin - [Funbugs Childcare](/creche/funbugs-childcare-naas.md) Naas [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/maap-childcare-limited-t-a-tots-creche-and-daycare-nursery-maynooth/ Fonte: Tusla Early Years Inspectorate Recolha: 2026-09-11