# Play and Learn Childcare and Education, Dublin 18 — inspection reports and findings > Play and Learn Childcare and Education (Dublin 18, Co. Dublin): what Tusla inspections found — 4 published inspection(s), non-compliances and the provider's corrective actions. ## Play and Learn Childcare and Education Full Day · 1 - 6 Years · Dublin 18, Dublin · Tusla ID **TU2024DR001** · Registered since 29 July 2024 An inspection records what inspectors saw **on one day**; services respond with corrective actions — [how to read this](/methodology.md). #### Inspection of 16 February 2026 — Inspection Report Full report (PDF, Tusla) ##### Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - (a), (b) Two written validated references were not available for one adult. (3) Documentation reviewed evidenced that the procedures specified above under 9(2) had not been carried out prior to one adult commencing employment in the service - (a), (b) The registered provider obtained two references for the staff member. The registered provider will ensure that references for each employee are obtained prior to them start with us. Management will be engaging in re training in our hiring policy. (3) The registered provider will ensure that the correct hiring procedures are followed ##### Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. In the Senior Preschool room, the inspector observed a child independently opening a cupboard secured with a child-proof lock while returning a cloth. Cleaning detergents were stored within this cupboard, presenting a potential safety risk to children. The system in place did not adequately prevent access to hazardous substances and therefore did not ensure children’s safety. It’s acknowledged upon the matter being brought to the attention of staff, immediate action was taken and a second lock was installed on the cupboard door to prevent access by children. Infection Control: 2. In Toddler 2 room, a staff member was observed completing a nappy change for a child with a soiled nappy. After removing the soiled nappy and cleaning the child, the staff member did not remove her used disposable gloves. She proceeded to redress the child and then supported the child to wash their hands while still wearing the contaminated gloves. This practice poses a risk of cross-contamination and infection transmission. This practice was not in line with the service nappy changing policy and procedure. Safe Sleep: 3. Sleep plans were available for 11 children under two years of age who were sleeping on floor beds. Sleep plans reviewed were found to be inadequate. There was no evidence of documented rationale for the use of floor beds. The plans included the child’s preferences for example uses soother, likes relaxing music but did not include an assessment of the child’s home sleep arrangements or evidence of developmental readiness to transition from a cot. Staff did not complete an individual risk assessment for each child prior to the transition. This was contrary to the service’s own “Risk assessment: Transitioning from a cot to a floor bed” which states that a sleep plan incorporating a risk assessment should be completed before moving a child from a cot to a floor bed. While parental consent had been obtained, it was unclear what information informed this consent. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. The staff member informed management of this on the day of inspection. Management put a different child lock on the press immediately. Management will remind all staff members the importance of making sure that no child can open the locks on the press and to report to management as soon as they notice if a child can open the press. Infection Control: 2. Management have spoken to all staff members about the importance of following the correct nappy changing procedure. Management will ensure that this is done regularly with all staff members. We have provided extra training where necessary. Management will review the nappy changing procedure with all staff members at our staff meeting on 24/3/26. Management will ensure that every staff member is reminded to follow each step of the nappy changing procedure. Safe Sleep: 3. The manager has developed a new Sleep plan for parents to complete. This was created using the QRF template for safe sleep. The manager will ensure these are completed for any child under 2 that is ready to move to a floor bed in consultation with the parent. These individual sleep plans also include an individual risk assessment for each child Found compliant: Regulation 11, 15, 16, 19, 26. #### Inspection of 4 June 2025 — Inspection Report Full report (PDF, Tusla) ##### Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - (2)(a) A second written past employer reference for one adult was not validated. (7)(a)(b)(c) Significant levels of non-compliance were found during the inspection across several regulations. The registered provider did not demonstrate that they had taken all reasonable measures to ensure that all employees were appropriately supervised and provided with sufficient information and training to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of children attending the service and to comply with the regulations as follows. 1. Through a review of documentation, observations of practices and conversation with staff and management the inspectors were not assured that all employees had sufficient training regarding the services policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children. Although the training policy stipulates that all staff will receive an induction training programme, there was no available evidence to substantiate that this had been implemented. Additionally, while the policy specifies that induction must be documented using the designated “induction record form,” there was no completed forms available for any staff members. The manager confirmed to the inspectors this form had not been completed for staff. 2. Care practices observed during the inspection did not align with the policies and procedures in place in the service indicating a gap in staff training and understanding as detailed under regulation 16, 19 and 23. While staff reported receiving the relevant policies via email, there was no follow-up from management to review the content with them and ensure the policies were understood - (2)(a) The manager validated the 2nd reference on Monday the 9th of June 2025. Going forward, the manager will ensure that all references are validated before an employee commences employment. Two people will be appointed, the Centre Manager along with the Creche Supervisor, to cross check this to make sure that all references are validated on time and that nothing is missed. (7)(a), (b) and (c) 1. Since the inspection, management have put together an intensive induction training pack for all employees. Management have provided this intensive training workshop to our current employees at the beginning of this week to retrain all of our current staff members. Management now have a group training pack that includes more generic information re Play and Learn and then individual classroom packs that we will use with each classroom going forward. Going forward, when a new employee starts with us, management will ensure that the new employee receives a full and thorough induction training, as outlined in our new training and induction pack. 2. Management have reviewed and updated our policies and procedures as advised by the inspectors and all staff have received a copy of these and have been given sufficient time to review. When completed, staff will then sign to confirm they have received and understood our policies and training. Care practices have been one of the areas of focus within our training programme. Going forward, all new employees will still receive our policies and procedures prior to starting with us to familiarise themselves with them. When the new employee starts with us, we will ensure that the staff member has sufficient time to read through our policies and procedures along with availing of our induction training programme within the first 4 weeks of employment, as per our policy. Management will ensure to check that the new employee understands our policies and procedures and give them time to ask questions. Extra training will be given if required. For example, we will have individual one: one meetings and/or small team meetings to ensure that our staff care practices align with our policies and procedures. All new staff will be required to sign and confirm that they have received and understand our policies and procedures ##### Regulation 15 — Record of pre-school child - (f) There was insufficient detail recorded about the illness, allergies or special care or attention that may be required in relation to four of the five children - Management have gathered all of the relevant information that we needed from the inspector’s recommendations. Management have reviewed and updated our plans to reflect this. Examples of this include receiving a GP letter for any child with an allergy or needing medication. A parent signature is on each care plan now and we will ensure that the enrolment form information matches with the care plan, unless anything changes. If there are changes, we will ensure that the enrolment form is updated and signed by both parent and service. Going forward, we will ensure all of these procedures stated above are followed – Parent’s will be required to sign the care plan and we will ensure that the enrolment form information matches with the care plan, unless anything changes. If there are changes, we will ensure that the enrolment form is updated and signed by both parent and service. Parents will also be required to provide us with a GP letter to confirm that a child has an allergy and/or if a child requires medication ##### Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service - (k) 1. In the Butterflies room the inspector observed three separate incidents in which pre-school children aged (1-2 years) either fell or sustained injuries as a result of interactions with other children. In each case, staff did not complete the required incident documentation. This practice was not in line with the service policy which states “All accidents / incidents even minor ones, are recorded in an accident record sheet with details on how they are dealt with or treated.” 2. A sample of forty-five accident and incident forms were reviewed. Of these, six forms were not signed by parents to confirm they were informed. One form was incomplete, and one form was not signed by a manager. This was contrary to the accident and incident policy and posed a potential safety risk - (k) 1. Management have reviewed and updated our Accidents/ Incidents Policy and submitted a copy as evidence. Staff members have received extra training this week as part of our training workshop in relation to accidents/incidents and responding to them appropriately. Going forward, all accidents/incidents will be responded to appropriately as per our updated Accidents/Incidents policy. Minor accidents/incidents do not need to be documented but will be monitored. We will document any accidents/incidents above the minor level i.e a visible injury such as a scratch or swelling or any bump to the head. 2. The six accident forms have now been signed by parents. One form was incomplete, so we have explained to staff members the importance of completing all accidents reports properly within our training workshop. Accident/Incident books are now stored in the office and management will ensure to double check. Accident/Incident book weekly going forward to ensure that they are being completed appropriately to double check Accident/Incident book weekly going forward to ensure that they are being completed appropriately. Staff members have received extra training this week on the importance of completing all accidents reports properly and we will ensure any new staff members receive the same. Accident/Incident books are now stored in the office and management will ensure to double check Accident/Incident book weekly going forward to ensure that they are being completed appropriately ##### Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child - 1. In the Butterflies room there was inadequate attention by staff to planning activities and limited responsiveness to children’s engagement levels. When children showed signs of disinterest or disengagement, alternative choices or modifications to the activity were not consistently provided. (a) For example, staff invited the children to dance to music. Children who were not interested in this activity were observed banging toys, running around the room falling and physically hurting each other. Five children became very upset and were crying. Staff were observed to continue to try to get these children to dance and responded by raising their voice and singing louder. (b) On another occasion children were provided with a drawing activity and given paper and crayons. After approximately two minutes some of the children started pulling crayons off each other and started getting upset. An alternative activity was not provided. 2.Transitions between activities were poorly managed by staff as evidenced by the following examples. (a) The transition to outdoor play in the Preschool room was observed to be disorganised and overly energetic. There was a high level of noise, with children shouting and running around the room. Twenty-one pre-school children were present. Two staff members were positioned at the doorway attempting to organise the children in a line, with one staff member bending down while children climbed and jumped on him. It is acknowledged the manager arrived during this time and provided assistance to help support the transition. (b) In the Butterflies room the transition from lunch to sleep time was observed to be unsettled and disorganised. Several children were crying, while others remained awake and were climbing on beds. The environment lacked a calm and structured approach conducive to supporting children’s rest. (c) In the Wobbler 1 room staff prompted the children to begin tidying up for lunch. During this time some children were observed climbing on the furniture, wandering around the room and engaging in disputes over toys. It is acknowledged that five staff members were absent from the service on this day. 3.In the Butterflies room four children who required help to clean their noses were left unaided by staff until prompted by the inspector. 4.In Wobbler 2 room one child was observed to be upset and crying. Staff told the inspector that the child had not eaten his dinner. When asked whether an alternative had been offered, the staff member responded that it had not. After being prompted by the inspector the staff member stated she could provide something. The child was subsequently given a yogurt, which he ate, and then appeared settled - (a), (b) Management has made changes to the staff within each classroom. Management have designed training packs to support each of the areas that are needed for improvement, focusing on the care of the child, interactions and curriculum and activities. All staff have received this training this week. Since the inspection, management have been monitoring staff interactions and have been providing support to staff members. Examples of this include regular support and role modelling in the classroom, one: one meetings, classroom meetings and other training workshops - (a) Management have provided further training and support around transitions as part of our intensive training programme. (b) Management have provided further training and support around supporting children’s sleep as part of our intensive training programme. It is important to note that in order to provide a calm and structured environment that supports children’s rest, a number of strategies are used daily to promote sleep. These include organisation in that the children’s beds are organised and ready to go before dinnertime commences, blackout blinds and calming music. (c) Management have provided further training and support around managing children’s behaviour and promoting. (a), (b) and (c) Management will ensure all new employees receive our intensive training programme as part of our induction period and ensuring that staff know to call management if they need help or support. 3. Good hygiene practices and measures were emphasised to all staff members and also included in our workshop training. Good hygiene practices and measures will be thoroughly outlined in our induction training. 4. Alternative meals/snack are always offered in Play and Learn. This has always been our practice. Management met with the staff member from this situation to figure out what happened in this scenario. Management emphasised the importance of children always being offered alternative meals/snacks if they don’t eat in creche and we have retrained staff on this as part of our training workshop. Again, we have retrained all of our staff members this week on the importance of good care practices and the care of the child. All staff members will know the importance of never letting a child go hungry and to call management for help if a parent needs to be contacted ##### Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - The inspectors found by observation of practice, review of documentation, discussion with staff, and inspection of the premises that the registered provider did not ensure that reasonable measures were taken to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of children in attendance and that the environment of the service was safe as follows. General Safety: 1. A child with a known medical condition was prescribed two auto-injector pens as part of their emergency care plan. However, only one auto-injector was available on-site, which posed a potential safety risk in the event of a medical emergency. It is acknowledged that the service took steps on the day of the inspection to address the issue, and a second auto-injector pen was provided to the service 2. In Wobbler 1 room at lunchtime a meal intended for a child with a known food allergy was not placed on a designated placemat, as required. This action was not in accordance with the allergy management plan implemented following a risk assessment conducted after a previous serious allergic reaction with another child. Staff were asked why the placemat was not provided and they responded that this child usually attends the Butterflies room. 3. Medication provided for one child had no label detailing medication instructions and was written in a foreign language, making it difficult to verify its contents and administration instructions. This posed a potential safety risk to the child’s health and safety. It was not in line with the medication policy which states “Medicines must be in their original packaging clearly labelled with the child’s name, the current date, expiry date, storage instructions and dosage, method of administration, plus the name of the health care provider that recommended the medication.” 4. In the Wobbler 1 room care plans available for two children had not been signed by the parents to confirm their acknowledgement and agreement with the content discussed. 5. In the Butterflies room a child was observed by an inspector to open a cupboard with a child proof-lock. The staff did not witness the child opening the lock but was informed by the inspector that the child had accessed it. The staff member acknowledged awareness that the child had previously demonstrated the ability to open such locks. The inspector noted that a pair of sharp scissors was stored inside the cupboard and alerted the staff member to remove them. 6. The inspector observed a staff member from the Preschool room leaving a child unattended on the nappy changing station while proceeding to wash their hands. This practice posed a significant safety risk, potentially leading to a serious injury. 7. In the Wobbler 1 nappy changing area a metal frame from a sensory table was stored on the floor posing a potential injury risk. Infection Control: Inspectors observed a number of practices which posed a risk of transmission of infection within the service: 8. In Wobbler 2 room staff did not wash their hands after cleaning children’s noses. This was not in line with the infection control policy which states “Staff must wash their hands after handling secretions e.g. from a child’s nose or mouth, from sores or cuts.” 9. In the Butterflies room toys that had been mouthed and showed signs of nasal secretions were not appropriately sanitised or removed by staff. This was not in line with the infection control policy which states “In order to reduce the risk of cross infection, all toys are cleaned on a regular basis i.e. as part of routine cleaning schedule and toys that are shared are cleaned between uses by different children. 10. Nappy changing practice in Butterflies room was observed staff did not wash their hands between changing three children’s nappies. This was contrary to the infection control policy which states “Staff must always wash their hands after every nappy change using warm water and liquid soap.” 11. Staff from Preschool room did not wash a child’s hands after nappy changing. Upon inquiry, the staff member explained that the child is not yet able to wash their hands independently and that a wipe will be used upon returning to the care room. Safe Sleep: 12. There were no documented sleep plans that included a risk assessment for the 14 children, approximately aged from 15 months and under 2 years, who were sleeping on floor beds. 13. In the cot room 50 cm spacing was not maintained between two cots as required. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. When it was noted that the child only had one auto-injector pen the managers acted on it immediately and ensured that the parents brought in another. The managers will make sure two people are now checking the medication press to ensure the correct medication is there. 2. The only reason why this child was moved to a different classroom was to ensure that every room was in ratio. Going forward, staff will ensure that placemats are moved with the children if they need to move rooms. 3. The parent has provided us with the medication in English, in line with our newly updated Medication Management policy. 4. The two care plans have since been signed by the parents. Going forward, management will ensure that all care plans include parent signatures. 5. The staff member informed the manager. The scissors was removed from the press. The manager reminded the staff member of the importance of letting management know if they feel that there are any risks in the classroom. Management have since changed the locks in the Butterfly classroom to locks inside the press door. These locks are ones that the children cannot open. Management will monitor the situation and insure this will not happen again. 6. Training has been provided to all employees for our Nappy Changing procedures. There is also a visual schedule in each nappy changing area to remind staff of these procedures, broken down step by step. Management have explained to staff the dangers of leaving children unattended on the nappy changing station and we focused on this as part of our training workshop. Management have also created a risk assessment on this to highlight the risk. Going forward, to ensure that this does not happen again, a risk assessment will be displayed in the nappy changing area and will be discussed as part of our training. Management will ensure to do regular checks of nappy changing procedures to make sure that this does not happen again. 7. We have cleared the nappy changing area to ensure that the area is free from clutter and any risk. Management will ensure to keep nappy changing areas free from clutter and any potential hazards. Infection Control: 8. Management have provided extra training on infection control as part of our training workshop. We have also reviewed and amended our infection control policy. Going forward, management will ensure to provide adequate infection control training as part of our induction programme or when required. 9. Management have provided every classroom with a storage box for mouthed toys. To prevent cross infection, Staff will put any mouthed toys into this box during the course of the day and the mouthed toys will be appropriately sanitised and cleaned every evening. 10. Training has been provided to all staff regarding our nappy changing procedures and infection control. There is also a visual schedule in each nappy changing area that breaks the procedure into a step-by-step format, from start to finish. Management provided extra training on this as part of our training workshop. Again, we will ensure to provide thorough training as part of our induction programme and to carry out regular checks that staff are following our nappy changing and infection control procedures. All children will be supported to wash their hands with soap and water. Staff will try different strategies with children who require additional support. 11. Management will support all children to wash their hands with soap and water by trying different strategies. Staff know that they can come to management for help and support if needed. All children will be supported to wash their hands with soap and water. Staff will try different strategies with children who require additional support. Safe Sleep: 12. Sleep plans and a risk assessment have been done for the 14 children who sleep on floor beds. Going forward, we will ensure that all children under two years of age that sleep on a floor bed will have a safe sleep plan along with a risk assessment. 13. Management have met with staff and provided extra training as per our safe sleep policy and ensuring that 50cm spacing is maintained between cots. We will ensure that there will be 50 cm spacing in between cots going forward. Management will ensure that staff understand and know the importance of same ##### Regulation 24 — Checking in and out and record of attendance - (3)(a)(b) The registered provider did not ensure that a written record was maintained of persons, other than those specified in Regulation 3(a) (i)-(iv), who entered the premises. On the first day of inspection, a yoga teacher entered the premises, but no such record was kept - (3)(a)(b) Management will ensure that all visitors sign in and out going forward Found compliant: Regulation 10, 11, 25, 32. #### Inspection of 24 October 2024 — Inspection Report Full report (PDF, Tusla) ##### Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - (2)(a) There were no written validated references available for two staff members and another staff member had only one validated reference on file. The manager will make sure that we request, receive and validate references prior to employee’s commencing in the company going forward. (3) All the required recruitment procedures specified in paragraph (2) were not carried out prior to staff being appointed, as detailed under (2)(a) - (2)(a) The manager has obtained the references for 2 staff members and we have validated them. Another staff member has since finished in the company so we cannot obtain references. (3) The manager has received and validated the missing references for these staff files. The registered provider has updated the recruitment policy and a checklist has been provided that we must follow to ensure that each of the recruitment procedures are met prior to an employee commencing in the company Found compliant: Regulation 11, 19. ### Earlier inspections - 10 July 2024 — New Service · PDF ### Other services in Dublin - [Play and Learn Childcare & Education](/creche/play-and-learn-childcare-education-dublin-24.md) Dublin 24 - [Play and Learn](/creche/play-and-learn-swords.md) Swords - [Playdays Preschool](/creche/playdays-preschool-dublin-18.md) Dublin 18 - [Popcorn Childcare](/creche/popcorn-childcare-skerries.md) Skerries - [Primary Pals](/creche/primary-pals-dublin-24-2.md) Dublin 24 - [Realt Beag](/creche/realt-beag-dublin-10.md) Dublin 10 - [Shanganagh Park Creche & Playgroup](/creche/shanganagh-park-creche-playgroup-dublin-18.md) Dublin 18 - [Sunshine Creche & Montessori Ltd](/creche/sunshine-creche-montessori-ltd-dublin-9.md) Dublin 9 - [Apple Blossom](/creche/apple-blossom-dublin-6.md) Dublin 6 - [It's a Small World Montessori School](/creche/it-s-a-small-world-montessori-school-dublin-5.md) Dublin 5 [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/play-and-learn-childcare-and-education-dublin-18/ Fonte: Tusla Early Years Inspectorate Recolha: 2026-09-11