(9) (2) (a) (b) There were no references available on file for one staff member
Provider's corrective action:
Registered provider request two references and validated both references. R egistered provider will wait for all documents to be available before staff member starts employment
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
1. Garda vetting was available for 6 staff. However, one of the staff vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’
Provider's corrective action:
Applied for Garda vetting for staff member. To keep on top and be aware of dates on Garda vetting
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
(1) (b) There were no annual maintenance records available for review in relation to the smoke alarms. The documentation available on file was the installation certificate which was dated 15 January 2022
Provider's corrective action:
Company has been out to service smoke alarms. We have organised with company to schedule annual maintenance of smoke alarms
Immediate action notice. • The service is currently escalated to the Tusla registration office as it was found to be operating outside of its Tusla registration in May 2022 and April 2023.
Immediate action notice. • An immediate action notice was issued to the registered provider on 20 April 2023 in respect of:
Immediate action notice. Non-Compliance Information The preschool service was found to be operating outside of their registration status upon inspection. The service is registered to cater for children aged 3 to 6 years of age. Upon inspection one child aged 2 years 8 months was in attendance. A change of circumstances form is required to be submitted to the Tusla registration office. Corrective & Preventive Action submitted by the Registered Provider Corrective and Preventive Action A change of circumstance form was submitted to Tusla on 10 November 2022 to change the children’s age range from 3 - 6years to 2yrs 8 months – 6 yrs. Approval for this change was received from Tusla on 20 November 2022. It is proposed not to enrol any children under the age of 2 years 8 months, in line with the preschool scheme, however, should any of the services circumstances change we will make changes with Tusla prior to implementation. Supporting documentation submitted A copy of the change in circumstances email submitted to tusla, and a copy of the receipt of approval for change to age ranges catered for. Summary Comment The corrective and preventative actions along with the evidence submitted pertaining to the non compliance found upon inspection under regulation 8 has been reviewed by the inspector and regulatory compliance has been achieved.
Immediate action notice. On the 15th of November 2022, an immediate action notice was issued to the registered provider regarding the security of the premises. The main door and the door leading to the back of the premises from the preschool room had thumb lock devices fitted which were accessible by a preschool child and could pose the potential of a child accessing the front of the premises and the outdoor area posing a safety risk. It is acknowledged and advised within the content of the report that the registered provider addressed the issue satisfactorily. Acknowledgments The inspector wishes to acknowledge the cooperation of the registered provider, person in charge, staff and children who were present on the day of the inspection.
Regulation 8 — Notification of change in circumstances
: On the day of inspection, it was found that a notification of a proposed change in circumstances with regards to a change of the person in charge of the pre-school had not been submitted to the Early Year’s Inspectorate’s Registration Office within the required notification period
Provider's corrective action:
submitted by the Registered Provider CORRECTIVE ACTION: Change of circumstances has been submitted to Early Year’s Inspectorate Registration Office and has been approved. PREVENTIVE ACTION: Prompt notification to Early Year’s Inspectorate Registration Office if a change in circumstances arises again. EVIDENCE SUBMITTED: The service’s CAPA response did not include a submission of evidence in relation to Regulation 8. However, confirmation that approval had been granted in respect of the service’s proposed Change in Circumstance application for a change of Person in Charge was issued from the Early Years Inspectorate’s Registration Office on 12/01/22 confirming the registered provider’s corrective action statement. Summary Comment The registered provider’s corrective and preventive actions supplied in the CAPA response, together with confirmation that the service’s application for a proposed Change in Circumstances was approved by the Early Years Inspectorate’s Registration Office, indicates that the service has addressed the issues noted at inspection in relation to Regulation 8 and have put measures in place to achieve regulatory compliance
Regulation 8 — Notification of change in circumstances
: (1) & (3) Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016. REF: EYIRIRSESS03-2017 : Version 12: Mar 2021 1.0 TUSLA REGULATORY INSPECTION REPORT Additional Significant Risk Identified
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
(d) See statutory Notice section in relation to Immediate Action Notice IAN 1842. (3) The procedures specified in paragraph (2) were not carried for 1 staff member prior to being employed, assigned and allowed access / contact with preschool children attending the pre-school service
Provider's corrective action:
(d) A copy of the police vetting and the translation for the 1 staff member who had resided in 1 of the 2 countries was submitted to the Early years inspectorate and is now on file in the service. (3) To prevent future administrative errors the service has implemented a dual -audit system. A monthly checklist has been introduced for all staff files. For any staff member requiring multinational checks a digital backup folder has been created on the secure school drive to ensure copies are instantly accessible in the event that a physical document is misplaced. The management team will review this checklist on the 1st of every month
Regulation 9 — Management and Recruitment
International police vetting was not available for two adults who required it. Documentation available for a third adult who required police vetting could not be verified as it was not written in the English language. Corrective & Preventive Action submitted by the Registered Provider The service provided the following response; Corrective Action Managers immediately requested documentation from all 3 team members . Translated police vetting written in the English Language is now on file for one staff member. International police vetting is on file now for the second staff member. The third employee has initiated the process to apply for police vetting from the required state but has not yet received it. The service are expecting to receive it in May of 2022. Preventative Action The service have updated an ‘on-boarding’ document to clearly check and receive all relevant international police check s prior to someone commencing employmen t, including a translated copy. The service have updated the staff handbook to clearly state all relevant international police checks are to be furnished to the service, including a translated copy, prior to commencing employment. Summary Comment: Evidence was submitted and reviewed by the early years inspector. As one of the three employees is still awaiting international police clearance for another state, the regulatory requirement has not been met. (Early Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 REF: EYIRIRFDC02-2017: RN 9: 11.09.2018 TUSLA REGULATORY INSPECTION REPORT
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
(a) References were not available for one adult who had been recently employed in the service. (d) Police vetting was not available for this adult and for whom it was required. It is acknowledged that the required police vetting was received by the registered provider on the 23 July 2023 and forwarded to the inspector on the 24 July 2023
Provider's corrective action:
Paperwork including references and vetting is available for all staff. Will ensure that correct paperwork and vetting available for all staff
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
(2)(d) Police Vetting disclosure was not available for 4 adults working in the service that had lived outside the jurisdiction for a period of over 6 months
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider stated in their response that: Corrective and Preventive Action (2)(d) Police vetting for 1 adult has been received and the other 3 adults have applied and is in process. We will ensure in future that no adult will be employed prior to working directly with the children
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
(2)(a) One reference on file from a past employer had no evidence of validation
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action The registered provider submitted a written response to state the reference has been validated and is filed and available for inspection. Preventive Action The registered provider advised that she will ensure all staff files are checked to ensure all relevant information is available
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
(d) Police vetting was not available for one adult who had lived outside the State for a period of longer than 6 consecutive months since turning 18 years of age
Provider's corrective action:
Police vetting for the staff member has been obtained on the 30th November 2022 and will be filed in the staff members personal file for further inspections
Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
(h) A child from the Early Start Preschool room was present in the Toddler room at 10:15. This child returned to the Early Start Preschool room at 11:45 and was not recorded on the Toddler room register during this period. This posed a risk to the safe evacuation of children in the event of a fire. (j) A sample of medication administration records were reviewed. Some of these records were incomplete. Two records were not signed by the parent, contrary to the service’s administration of medicine policy. Failure to ensure that parents have been informed of the administration of medication poses a risk to the children
Provider's corrective action:
(h) The child was moved because of ratios. Staff have been reminded that all children should be signed in to whatever room they are in at that time. (j) Staff reminded about the importance of completing medication forms properly and ensuring they are signed by parents and guardians
Regulation 16 — Record in Relation to Pre-School Service
: (a) There were no employment histories available for three adults new to the service
Provider's corrective action:
submitted by the Registered Provider: The service advised in a written response: CORRECTIVE ACTION Two curriculum vitae have been submitted. The third adult no longer in service. PREVENTIVE ACTION The service will ensure that all employment history is on file for all staff. EVIDENCE SUBMITTED Copies of two curriculum vitae were submitted by the service to the Early Years Inspectorate. Summary Comment: The Early Years Inspectorate has reviewed the actions taken and evidence submitted by the service and deemed it to have addressed the non-compliance found on inspection
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
(1)(b) The register provider had an activated CCTV camera in operation and the inspector was informed by the person in charge that it was in place for a number of years, which was pointing directly onto the nappy changing table off the main corridor. The inspector instructed the staff to immediately cover the camera pointing to the nappy changing table and to get it disconnected. The staff covered the camera on the day of inspection
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider responded to say that: Corrective and Preventive Action • The nappy changing unit was removed from this area the following day after the inspection. The area is no longer used for nappy changing
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
1. Drinking water was not readily available to the children in the Wobbler or Toddler rooms throughout the day. It is acknowledged that children in the Wobbler room were given water with their dinner. However, not all children in the Toddler room were offered a drink at dinner time, only children who asked for a drink were given water with their meal. 2. On the day of inspection, a child in the Wobbler room, who was attending on a part time basis, was not provided with a dinner when they awoke from their sleep at 11:55. The child was asleep when the fruit snack was served in the morning. Staff stated that the child had toast at 09:30 and that the child never eats dinner in the service. When the inspector queried whether the child would be given anything to eat, staff stated they would give the child a rice cake which was given to the child at 12:15. It is acknowledged that the child regularly refuses food but no dinner was offered to the child and there was no documented plan of care as to how the child’s nutritional needs were being met while attending the service. 3. During the inspection, some children in the Wobbler and Toddler rooms were observed to have a soother in their mouth for prolonged periods of time contrary to the service’s policy on soother use. Staff stated that children can have their soother when they are upset, however the children were not observed to be upset. Prolonged use of soothers may inhibit language and oral motor development and prevent children from interacting with their peers. 4. A tablet was left playing in the Wobbler room for 15 minutes during the inspection. Three children who had been engaged in play in the outdoor area came back into the room to watch the tablet. Exposing young children to screens does not support their learning and development. This non-compliance was present on the last inspection on 15 December 2021. The corrective and preventive actions submitted by the registered provider did not prevent reoccurrence of this non-compliance. 5. The environments in the Wobbler and Toddler rooms were not appropriately resourced to promote all areas of development and to provide enriching play experiences for the number of children in attendance as follows; a. The rooms were poorly laid out with no designated areas of interest and with limited toys and materials available to the children. b. There were no books available to the children in the Wobbler and Toddler rooms. c. Children in the Wobbler and Toddler rooms did not have the opportunity to engage in sensory play with sand, water or different textures. The children in these rooms were attending on either a part time or full day care basis and were observed to be wandering aimlessly at times. Some children were observed climbing on chairs, low level tables and shelving units and running around the room. 6. Transitions from one activity to another required more planning and management by staff to anticipate the needs of the children and to support children to move from one activity to the next smoothly as evidenced by the following; a. Children were not consistently given notice of the end of an activity before transitioning to the next activity. Children in the Toddler room were engaging in a dancing activity when staff stated it was time to go outdoors. While staff were helping children to put their coats on, children were observed climbing on low level tables and chairs, sitting on a bed where another child was trying to sleep and turning the lights on and off in the care room. b. Children in the Toddler room who were ready to go to the outdoor area had to wait while the older group finished their play. During this period, some children were observed hitting each other. c. Three children in the Toddler room who were ready for bed had to wait outside the sleep room for ten minutes while a staff member made their beds
Provider's corrective action:
1. Children will have access to cups or beakers at their level so they can have drinking water whenever they choose. Staff reminded that children need drinking water throughout the day. 2. Staff reminded that all children should be offered what is on the menu each day and there is now a picky menu if children choose not to eat what is on the daily menu. 3. Staff reminded about the prolonged use of soothers and the importance of not having prolonged use of soothers, language, social, etc and that soothers are to be used when a child is upset or tired and encouraged to use other forms of comfort like hugs, distraction etc. 4. When the child with additional needs communicates with the staff member to turn the tablet on each day to meet his needs, the door will always be opened to the courtyard at the same time because the children are given choice and sometimes the children will hear the music and choose to come inside to listen to the music or participate in dancing as the tablet is used for educational purposes as well as recording the children’s daily information
a. Our childcare rooms have just been fully painted and we have just had a meeting with a provider to design the rooms with new furniture and toys to ensure that all children’s needs are met. While we are waiting on this, we have rearranged the Wobbler and Toddler rooms to more defined areas and have re-enforced our daily routines. b. Both Wobbler and Toddler rooms have books out on display in a small box every day. c. Sand, water and playdough are available every day to the children. Staff reminded to stick to their own routine, the children and staff will be busy, transitions from one activity to another will be smoother and this makes the day go more smoothly for everyone
a. When children are transitioning from one activity to another, we will now use a bell for the children to recognise that it is nearly clean up time, as some children need a little more time to get ready to move on to the next activity and after a few moments we will remind the children that it is clean up time and help with the children clean up. b. From now on when it’s time for the children to go outside we will wait until the other rooms have gone in before the Toddler room go outside. c. All staff have now been informed that all sheets are to be put on the beds first thing in the morning so the beds are ready for the children at sleep time which will be done first thing in the morning before children arrive at the centre the first staff member in each day for the toddler room will do this job. All routines will be reinforced at our next staff meeting. We have also had an introduction meeting with a mentoring service who will meet with the staff in the childcare rooms. They will visit once a week for around 15 months
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
Basic Needs There was no privacy or dignity provided for the preschool children when using the toilet cubicles. The service had erected shower curtains in these cubicles however, these had been removed. Shower curtains are no longer permitted as a means of provision of privacy and dignity and the cubicles must have appropriate doors fitted with securing devices to enable the children be afforded privacy and dignity
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action The registered provider submitted a written response to state: Two doors and locks have been fitted to the toilet cubicles. Preventive action The Registered provider and staff will ensure that doors are closed when children are using the toilets so that their dignity is respected
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
Basic needs: There were no defined rest or cosy areas in the early years rooms for the children to rest/sleep during the day or relax if they wanted to opt out of an activity
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action: The classrooms will be restructured to include rest areas. Preventative Action: The staff will be responsible for the maintaining of the rest areas to ensuring children’s rest needs are met. Evidence submitted: No evidence submitted. Summary Comment The response submitted meets the requirements of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016. This will be reviewed on next inspection
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
Infection Control: 1. Thermostatically controlled hot water was not available for hygienic hand washing for the children and adults present in the service. It was also a requirement for hygienic nappy changing which takes place in the service on a daily basis. The temperature of the water measured 12° C. This poses a risk of cross infection to the children and adults attending. This issue was non-compliant on 2 previous inspections dated 10/06/2022, 15/02/2019. Action submitted by the Registered Provider The registered provider submitted a CAPA response on the 14th June 2023 which stated:
Provider's corrective action:
Infection Control: Hand washing will take place at the wash hand basin in the playroom where the temperature of the water is sufficient until the temperature of the water in the sanitary accommodation is rectified
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of child
: Risk regarding the safety of the children has been identified in relation to safe sleep and general safety: SAFE SLEEP: 1. Based on the practices viewed and the records maintained on the day of the inspection and on an examination of the service’s previously completed sleep logs, it was evident that sleep checks were routinely Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 REF: EYIRIRFDC02-2017: Version 12: Mar 2021 1.0 TUSLA REGULATORY INSPECTION REPORT Additional Significant Risks Identified
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: The registered provider did not ensure that all reasonable measures had been taken to safeguard the health, welfare and safety of children as outlined below: 1. Heavy equipment was not secured in the Toddler room. A free-standing air-conditioning unit was observed in the room which posed a risk of tipping and injury. 2. Cleaning products were not stored out of reach of children in the nappy changing area in the Toddler room. The safety latch on a low-level cupboard containing cleaning products was broken posing a risk of injury if accessed. 3. A section of wall was missing under a low windowsill in the outdoor area and a large hole was observed in the wall at the children’s level exposing the polystyrene insulation within the wall. 4. In the outdoor area, a section of the shock absorbent rubber surfacing was observed to be missing posing a risk of tripping to the children. 5. A bin with no lid was observed in the outdoor area with plastic waste inside which was accessible to the children. Infection Control: Inspectors observed a number of practices which posed a risk of transmission of infection within the service: 6. Some nappy changing practices observed on the day of inspection in the service were inadequate for infection control purposes. Children’s hands were not consistently washed following nappy changes and two children were observed with their soother in their mouth throughout a nappy change. 7. The children attending the Wobbler and Toddler rooms were of an age where they explored toys with their mouths. There was no attempt made to remove the toys when mouthed despite the room having a designated box for these. The toys remained in use between the different children posing a risk of cross infection. This non-compliance was present on the last inspection in 2021. The corrective and preventive actions submitted by the registered provider did not prevent the reoccurrence of this non-compliance. 8. Children in the Toddler room were served their fruit snack on paper towels on the table and children in the Wobbler room were served their fruit snack directly onto the table posing an infection control risk. 9. The pedal function on the bin in the Toddler nappy changing area was not working. Staff were observed lifting the lid of the bin to dispose of waste. 10. There was no bin in the Toddler room. Used paper towel for hand drying was observed stored in an open container beside clean paper towel. 11. An open bin was in use in the Wobbler room and was observed with waste inside. 12. There were no paper towel dispensers in the Wobbler or Toddler care rooms. 13. The steps up to the nappy changing table in the Toddler room were not appropriately cleaned and had a build-up of dust and debris. 14. There were no cushion covers on the cushions in the rest areas in the Wobbler and Toddler care rooms. 15. A mat in the rest area in the Toddler room was observed with tears at the corners and could not be cleaned effectively. Safe Sleep: 16. Sleep checks were not consistently carried out every 10 minutes in the Wobbler room contrary to the service’s policy on safe sleep. Between 11:01 and 11:51, four sleep checks were carried out at intervals of 12, 16, 8 and 14 minutes. Concerns regarding unsafe sleep practices had been identified on previous inspections in 2018 and 2021. The preventive actions submitted by the registered provider had not been effective in preventing the reoccurrence of this non-compliance. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: 1. The air purifier has now been removed from the room. 2. New latch has been placed on cupboard and all staff have been reminded to store cleaning products safely away from the children. 3. The large hole under the low windowsill in the outdoor area has now been covered with a new air vent. 4. The section of shock absorbent rubber surfacing as has been filled taking away the risk of children tripping. 5. A new bin has been placed in the outdoor area. Infection Control: 6. New signs are placed in the nappy changing areas (no soothers and please wash children’s hands after nappy change). Updated nappy changing procedure in the rooms. 7. Staff have been reminded about the importance of infection control and how important it is to use the mouthed toy boxes. We have also put new signs in bold nearby to remind the staff to always use them throughout the day. 8. Extra plates have now been bought and every piece of food served to the children will be on a plate. 9. New bin has been purchased for the toddler room. 10. The toddler room has a new bin placed in the room and a new hand towel dispenser has been supplied for the children to dry their hands. 11. The large bin that was supplied for the wobbler room has now been moved from outside the wooden gate and placed further inside the room for easier access. 12. New hand towel dispensers have been supplied for the children to dry their hands in both wobbler and toddler rooms. 13. We have now put the cleaning of these stairs in our nappy changing areas onto our cleaning rotas and end of day routine. 14. On the day of inspections cushion covers for both rooms where still in the dryer and not fully dry yet and were placed back into the rooms once fully dried. We have asked about rubber circle cushions for the children’s rest areas from our supplier. 15. A new mat has been ordered. Safe Sleep: 16. Staff are physically staying in one sleep room with 4 children every day and physically checking and recording the other sleep room every 10 minutes
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: On the day of inspection the attendance of children in the Pre-Montessori room was not recorded. At 11.20am when the inspector checked the attendance record the time of arrival for fourteen children present in the room had not been recorded. An accurate recording of children’s presence in the service is required to ensure the safety of children in the event of an emergency evacuation of the premises. Administration of Medication: The medication administration forms did not record that parents had been informed when their child received medication. Failure to demonstrate that this information has been communicated to parents is a potential risk to children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: Children’s attendance is now accurately recorded using updated roll books and the importance of recording this information has been re-iterated to staff. Administration of Medication: The medication forms have been updated to include a parent’s signature to acknowledge that their child has received medication
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
Administration of Medication: 1. The documentation, procedures and practices in place for children attending the service requiring emergency medication were contrary to the service policy, posing a potential risk to the health and safety of children as follows; a. There was no documented care plan available for one child attending the service who required emergency medication for an allergy, posing a risk to the timely treatment of the child in the event of an emergency. Discussion with staff demonstrated that they were aware of what to do if the medication was required and where the medication was stored. b. Emergency medication for the child was not stored in its original container, therefore, the expiry date of the medication could not be determined. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
Administration of Medication: A specific care plan for the administration of medication and the detailed action to be taken was developed immediately and shared with staff. Each staff member has studied and understood the plan and how to administer emergency medication if required. In future we will always develop a clear care plan if required for a child with specific medical needs. We have put a reminder on the school phone calendar prior to the medication use by date to ask the parent to replace in time
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: • There were trailing cables for speakers in both sleep rooms which may pose as a safety risk to preschool children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider The registered provider responded to say:
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: • Trunking has been fitted to the trailing cables and secured to the walls in both sleep rooms
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General safety 1. Thumb locks were fitted on the main door and the back door leading to the outdoor area which were accessible by a preschool child and could pose risk of a child gaining access to the outdoor area unsupervised. An immediate action notice was issued to the registered provider and a response was received with the actions taken to address the non-compliance. 2. The door leading from the preschool room to the registered providers main residence had no lock fitted to prevent the children gaining access to the main residence. It Is acknowledged subsequent to the inspection of the service, a lock was fitted on this door. 3. A large trampoline was positioned to the front of the sheltered play area in the outdoor area and this was placed on a cement surface which could pose risk of injury to a child. 4. A pedal was missing from a tricycle which could pose risk of injury to a child. Infection Control: 5. A cotton hand towel was used for hand drying purposes. This could pose risk of cross contamination. 6. The nappy changing mat was ripped and could prove difficult to effectively clean. 7. The children’s lunch boxes containing perishable foods were stored in the reception area with a room temperature of 21.5◦c which is in excess of the recommended safe temperature of 5◦c. Fire safety 8. The side door of the enclosed play area was locked and had no key readily available in event of an emergency. There were items stored in this area to include a bike and steam cleaner which could cause an obstruction in event of the service having to use this door as a means of escape in event of an emergency/fire. Action submitted by the Registered Provider Corrective Action The registered provider submitted a written response to state General Safety: 1. A hook and eye have been fitted the main door back door and door that leads to the living quarters 2. A hook and eye has been fitted to the door leading from the preschool room to the registered providers main residence. 3. The trampoline has been removed. 4. The tricycle has been removed. Infection control 5. Only disposable paper towels will be used. 6. A new changing mat has been purchased. 7. Children lunches are stored in the fridge and this has been conveyed to staff to ensure this happens. Fire safety 8. The side door in the shed has been cleared of obstructions eg bike, steam cleaner and other toys the key hangs over the door and can be opened readily in event of an emergency. Preventive action 1. The staff will ensure that the eye and hook are used on the main door and back door while service is in operation. 2. The staff will ensure the eye and hook are used on the door leading from the preschool room to the registered providers main residence. 3. Trampolines will not be part of the services outdoor activities. 4. The staff will ensure the outdoor equipment is maintained in good condition. The outdoor equipment check-sheets have been amended to include toy pedals. 5. Staff have been advised thar only paper towels are to be used in staff toilets. 6. The changing mat has been included to cleaning checks to include condition. 7. The registered provider will ensure that all children’s lunches containing perishable foods are stored in the refrigerator. 8. Service Provider will ensure that the area in-front of shed door is kept clear of obstructions. Supporting documentation submitted Photographic evidence has been submitted to advise of General Safety: 1. The locks fitted on the main door and the back door leading to the outdoor area 2. The lock fitted on the door from the preschool room to the registered provider’s main residence 3. The removed trampoline 4. The removed tricycle Infection control 5. The disposable hand towel dispenser 6. The new nappy changing mat 7. Children’s lunches stored in the refrigerator Fire Safety: 8. The cleared area at the side door of the shed The revised checklist for the indoor and outdoor areas Summary Comment The Early Years Inspector has reviewed the actions and evidence submitted. The non-compliances identified under points 1 -8 have been adequately addressed. These will be reviewed on next inspection
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. A kettle was stored on the countertop within child reach within the kitchenette space which could pose risk of injury to a preschool child. 2. A seesaw in the outdoor area had evidence of chipped paint and rust which could pose a potential safety concern. 3. Three bikes/ tricycles in the outdoor area were in poor condition with the seat cracked on one of them, paint was chipped and rust on the second bike and the basket broken on the third tricycle which could pose a safety concern. 4. There were two wooden side panels on a climbing frame in the outdoor area which were worn and posed a risk of splintering. 5. A lath of wood on the roof of the wooden playhouse in the outdoor area was worn and could pose risk of splintering. Infection control: 6. Perishable foods were stored in the children’s lunch boxes within the preschool room with the temperature recorded at 21.4°c. Perishable foods must be stored at a temperature below 5°c. 7. The water temperature of the hot water was only 13.3°c which was too low to enable effective handwashing. The recommended maximum temperature for effective hand washing is maximum 43°c
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective action The registered provider submitted a written response to state; 1. The kettle has been removed from the area. 2. The seesaw has been removed from the outdoor area. 3. The three bikes have been removed from the school garden. 4. The side panels on climbing frame will be sanded down and repaired over the Christmas holidays. 5. The wooden house has been removed from garden. 6. All perishable foods are now stored in school fridge. 7. The water timer was faulty that day this issue has been fixed straight away Preventive action The registered provider submitted a written response to state; All garden toys will be checked to ensure there is no evidence of rust or wear and tear and they will be stored in the shed. The wooden equipment will be checked to ensure it is in good repair at all times. The children’s lunches will be stored in the fridge. The water temperature will be checked each morning prior to commencement of the service
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
Infection Control: 1.There were inconsistencies observed during the nappy changing procedures during the day. For example, children’s hands were not washed, and the changing mat not cleaned after each nappy change. 2.There were no foot pedal bins available for the safe and hygiene disposal of used tissues, nappies and handtowels. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action: 1.The nappy changing policy was updated and displayed in the nappy changing area. A stool was purchased to help with children’s handwashing at the sink. The handwashing procedure is displayed over the sink. 2.New foot pedal bins have been purchased. Preventative Action: 1. Staff have reviewed the new policies and the manager will review the practice. 2. The manager will ensure bins are available. Evidence submitted: Photographs of the new nappy changing mat, new bins, the nappy changing policy and hand washing policy. Summary Comment The response submitted meets the requirements of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
Infection Control: The toilet seat insert for children, in the first sanitary area, was stored on the floor. All toilet equipment should be hung safely out of the reach of children for infection control purposes. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
Infection Control: The toilet seat insert has been placed on wall beside toilet with hook for easy access for children and for hygienic purpose. The hook has been implemented for daily use of toilet seat insert
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
Infection Control: 1. On their return indoors from playing in the outdoor play space, children were not supervised in handwashing, and the adults were not observed to wash their hands. The children were observed to access resources from the shelves to play with them. This poses a risk to staff and children in cross contamination and cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
Infection Control: Staff members have discussed the services hand-washing policy and procedure with a reminder of those instances where handwashing is required for throughout the day for both children and adults
Regulation 25 — First Aid
: (1) There was no documentation available to show that there was at least one adult available to the children at all times in the service who held up -to-date certification demonstrating that they had successfully completed the FAR (First Aid Response) course delivered by a trainer approved by the Pre- Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC). It is acknowledged that the registered provider stated that each of the 3 staff members working directly with the children in the service had recently completed FAR training but the certificates for this had not yet been issued
Provider's corrective action:
submitted by the Registered Provider CORRECTIVE ACTION (1) Adult 1, 2 and 3 all had completed first aid course on 11/08/2021 but we are awaiting certificates. See attached evidence. Request for certificates has been sent. PREVENTIVE ACTION (1) All first aid qualifications will be kept up to date EVIDENCE SUBMITTED (1) On 21/01/22, the registered provider submitted to the Inspectorate copies of 3 certificates confirming that 3 adults working directly with children in the service ha d successfully completed the FAR (First Aid Response) course delivered by a trainer approved by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC). Each of the 3 certificates submitted showed an expiry date in August 2023. Summary Comment: The registered provider’s corrective and preventive action statements provided on 18/01/21, together with the evidence submitted to the inspectorate on 21/01/22 indicates that the service has addressed the issues noted at inspection in relation to Regulation 2 5 and confirms that measures are in place to achieve regulatory compliance in this regard. Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 REF: EYIRIRFDC02-2017: Version 12: Mar 2021 1.0 TUSLA REGULATORY INSPECTION REPORT
Regulation 25 — First Aid
: (2)(a) The first aid boxes in the Baby room and the Montessori room were not suitably equipped as some of the limited stock of wound dressings available were out of date in addition to a batch of expired cleansing wipes and eye wash
Provider's corrective action:
submitted by the Registered Provider The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been carried out: Corrective Actions: (2)(a) Wound dressings, eyewash and wipes have been replaced. Years Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 REF: EYIRIRFDC02-2017: Version 12: Mar 2021 1.0 TUSLA REGULATORY INSPECTION REPORT
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
(1) A record was not available for the following: (b) There was no maintenance record available for the firefighting equipment. It is acknowledged that a record for the maintenance of the firefighting equipment which took place on the 25 July 2023 was submitted on the 26 July 2023
Provider's corrective action:
The maintenance certificate is now displayed and in future all required documents will be available on inspection
Regulation 26 — Fire Safety Measures
: The maintenance record for the smoke alarms was out of date as they were last checked by a reputable electrician on the 1.9.2017. It is acknowledged that a maintenance record for the smoke alarms was submitted via email dated the 3.5.2019
Provider's corrective action:
submitted by the Registered Provider The Registered provider stated the following corrective and preventive actions in her response; CORRECTIVE ACTION Electrician due to perform annual audit was contacted immediately, audit conducted and maintenance record for the smoke alarms was undated. Copy of updated cert was forwarded to EYI PREVENTIVE ACTION Electrician informed that he must attend on schedule for audit in future i.e. every September, and maintain his commitment to the service or we will be giving contract to another contractor. We will make sure he receives notice from us, as usual, in good time. Summary Comment The Regulatory requirement has been met
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
(a) A review of documentation evidenced that fire drills are not occurring monthly in the service. The last recorded fire drill was documented to have taken place on 18 November 2025. Not practising regular fire drills can hinder the safe evacuation of children and staff in the event of an emergency
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider has stated that monthly fire drills will take place in the future and those required for March and April have been carried out
Regulation 29 — Premises
: (e) 1. The toilet seats had become detached from three separate low-level toilets in the sanitary accommodation in the service. This resulted in these toilets being uncomfortable and unsuitable for use by the pre-school children. 2. Both taps at one of the sinks in the sanitary accommodation on the ground floor were leaking. Water was observed squirting and dripping from the base of the tap levers rather than flowing from the spouts. This resulted in an inadequate flow of water directly from the taps which was insufficient to support effective hand hygiene. This non-compliance was also found at the time of the last inspection in January 2020
Provider's corrective action:
submitted by the Registered Provider The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been carried out: Corrective Actions: 1. New toilet seats have been delivered for all 4 children’s toilets and are to be fitted by the service’s handyman. 2. Handyman is due to fix dripping taps. Summary Comment The registered provider submitted the following documentary evidence: • Photographs of 4 new toilet seats fitted on the low-level toilet seats in the service. • Photographs of new taps in place in a number of wash hand basins in the service. The non-compliances identified under Regu lation 29(e) on inspection have been adequately addressed
Regulation 29 — Premises
• The service had 15 children in nappies on the day of inspection and only had 1 nappy changing unit, when 2 were required. The service requires one nappy changing unit, including a wash hand basin and changing mat for every 11 children requiring nappy changing
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider responded to say: Corrective and Preventive Action A second nappy changing area has been fitted in the service to accommodate the extra children requiring nappy changing
Regulation 29 — Premises
: (e) (1) There were insufficient toilets and wash hand basins for both adults and children. The adult ratio for toilets is 1:8 and children 1:11. The service currently has 42 adults in the building and only 2 adult toilets with wash hand basins were available, whereas 5 were required. (2) The current number of children requiring sanitary facilities were 96 and the service had 7 toilets with wash hand basins, whereas 9 were required. The lack of adult toilets was recorded in the last inspection on the 10/02/2021. Following that process the registered provider stated they would install new sanitary facilities within 12 to 24 months; however, it was found that work had not yet started. Lack of sanitary accommodation for both the adults and children increases the risk of cross infection
Provider's corrective action:
submitted by the Registered Provider CORRECTIVE ACTION AND PREVENTIVE ACTION (e) (1) (2) Following the Regulatory Compliance Meeting on 17/06/2022 the manager has procured a portacabin which will facilitate the current sanitary accommodation needs of both the adults and children in the service. The manager has stated that the portacabin will be plumbed into the main sewage system. EVIDENCE SUBMITTED The following documentary evidence has been received: (e) (1) (2) A copy of a signed contract from the portacabin company was received in the office of the inspectorate. Written assurance from the manager was also received stating that the portacabin will be fully operational before the service increases its numbers in September 2022. Summary Comment The requirement for Regulation 29 has been met. This will be assessed at the next inspection
Regulation 29 — Premises
(c) The mechanical ventilation in the children’s sanitary accommodation area was not in working order on the day of inspection
Provider's corrective action:
The electrician was contacted, and the mechanical ventilation was fixed within two days of the inspection. The staff will check that the ventilation is working on a weekly basis
Regulation 29 — Premises
(e) A separate dedicated wash basin for nappy changing was not available
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective Action The registered provider submitted a written response to state: A new wash hand basin has been installed in the toilet lobby for nappy changing. Preventive action Staff have been advised to use sink and facilities when changing nappies
Regulation not named in the report text
The preschool service was found to be operating outside of their registration status upon inspection. The service is registered to cater for children aged 3 to 6 years of age. Upon inspection one child aged 2 years 8 months was in attendance. A change of circumstances form is required to be submitted to the Tusla registration office
Provider's corrective action:
A change of circumstance form was submitted to Tusla on 10 November 2022 to change the children’s age range from 3 - 6years to 2yrs 8 months – 6 yrs. Approval for this change was received from Tusla on 20 November 2022. It is proposed not to enrol any children under the age of 2 years 8 months, in line with the preschool scheme, however, should any of the services circumstances change we will make changes with Tusla prior to implementation