(4) Insufficient documentary evidence was available to determine that 1 staff member who was observed working directly with the preschool children held at least the minimum required level 5 childcare qualification
Provider's corrective action:
(4) The staff member contacted the awarding body (QQI) to obtain official documentary evidence of their Level 5 Childcare qualification. The qualification documentation has now been received and verified. Copies of the qualification have been placed on the staff member’s personnel file and are available for inspection. All new staff qualifications will be fully verified prior to onboarding. A copy of the full QQI Level 5 Major Award will be required and retained in the staff file; module transcripts alone will not be accepted. A standardised Staff Qualification Verification Checklist will be completed for all new and existing staff to confirm compliance with minimum qualification requirements. The Person in Charge/Service Manager will be responsible for checking, signing off and securely storing qualification documentation before a staff member works directly with children. Annual audits of staff files will be conducted to ensure all required documentation remains complete, current and inspection ready
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
At 13.45pm when the inspector entered the Caterpillar Room to do the afternoon headcount the room was converted to a sleep room and was in darkness. One child was awake and walking about the room with the staff member while 2 others slept. This child was awake from approximately 13.15pm. The lighting in the room was insufficient for the child to partake in meaningful activities either at the tabletop or in any other area of the room. It is acknowledged that the regional manager who came in after the inspector noted the darkness and immediately opened one of the blinds
Provider's corrective action:
The manager spoke personally with each staff member to reinforce the importance of adequate lighting at all times, ensuring the environment reflects the current needs and activities of the children present. An email was issued to all staff outlining the Safe Sleep Policy, specifically highlighting the section relating to room lighting and the care of awake children during rest periods. A memo was issued to all staff, which they were required to read, sign, and return, confirming their understanding of and commitment to adhering to the Safe Sleep Policy going forward. Immediate action was taken by management to increase lighting in the room once the issue was identified. The manager will provide ongoing supervision and monitoring to ensure the Safe Sleep Policy and appropriate room lighting are consistently implemented. A clear procedure is now in place whereby lighting must be adjusted immediately when any child wakes, to ensure the child can engage in age-appropriate and meaningful activities. All staff covering rooms for breaks or lunches, including relief or new staff, will receive a verbal reminder at handover regarding lighting adjustments should a child wake. The Safe Sleep Policy will be reviewed at staff meetings to reinforce expectations and ensure consistent understanding across the team. Management will conduct periodic spot checks during rest periods to ensure compliance. If required, the service will purchase and install an appropriate lamp for the room to ensure adequate lighting can be provided without disrupting sleeping children. This issue and the actions taken will be recorded and reviewed as part of the service’s quality and risk management process
The registered provider did not ensure that appropriate vetting procedures had been completed for all staff. The following documents were not available and were not in place prior to the staff members commencing in the service; 1. An appropriate 2nd written and validated reference was not available for one adult who is engaged in administrative duties in the service. 2. Documentary evidence was not available to confirm that the 2 written references available for 2 students and 1 staff member were validated. (3) The required documents relating to written and validated references were not complete prior to 2 students and 2 staff members commencing in the service. (4) Sufficient documentary evidence was not available to confirm that 1 member of staff who worked directly with the preschool children held at least the minimum required level 5 childcare qualification on the National Framework of Childcare Qualifications or a qualification deemed equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
(2)(a) &(b) - The staff member engaged in administrative duties has been requested to provide a second written reference immediately. - Documentation for the two students and two staff members lacking validated references has been rectified. Validation calls/emails have been made and logged, and confirmation letters from referees have been secured and filed. Documentation of validation will be retained in files. - The recruitment policy has been revised to include a mandatory checklist for all staff and students that clearly outlines vetting requirements, including: two validated references prior to start, documentary evidence of qualification, - Only staff with complete documentation will be allowed to commence employment or placement. - Quarterly internal audits of staff and student files will be conducted to ensure ongoing compliance
- A Pre-Employment Checklist must now be completed and signed off by manager before any staff member or student placement starts. This checklist includes a section confirming two validated written references. - As it states in Regulation 9 Management and recruitment the procedures specified in paragraph (2) shall be carried out prior to any person being appointed, assigned or allowed access to or contact with a child attending the pre-school service
- The staff member in question holds a letter of recognition from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) confirming that the qualification is equivalent to a Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Additionally, the staff member has now provided transcripts/results. These documents have been formally put in the staff member’s file. - All qualification-related documents, including DCYA recognition letters, transcripts, or equivalent certifications, will be verified and securely stored in staff files before the staff member commences work. - The pre-employment checklist has been updated to include: o Verification of the DCYA recognition letter (if applicable). o Verification of qualification transcripts or certificates. - This checklist must be completed and signed off by manager prior to start date. - The manager will conduct audits of all staff files to ensure continued compliance with qualification and vetting standards. - Quarterly audit will also be carried out by area manager
Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
(2) The adult:child ratios were not correct when the inspectors reviewed the Bumble Bees room at 11.10am. At this time there were 12 preschool children aged 3-5 years in attendance with 1 staff member and 1 student when 2 staff members were required. A child who had been signed into the Bumblebee room from 08.45am was then moved to the Caterpillar room at 11.15am so as to return to the correct adult:child ratios
Provider's corrective action:
- A full review of the daily room attendance records and staff rosters has been conducted to ensure compliance moving forward. - The student present in the room was not counted in the adult: child ratio as per regulations, and this has been clarified with the team. - The non-compliance has been documented and reported internally. - A formal memo was issued to all staff members reminding them of the critical importance of maintaining correct adult: child ratios at all times. - All staff members are responsible for verifying ratios and contacting management if ratios approach the limit. - All staff have received policies on ratio as a refresher – email sent on 14/05/25 and signed off. - Particular emphasis was placed on not counting students in ratios. - The manager/ person in charge will be responsible for doing spot checks on ratios in the rooms
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
The Inspectorate is not assured that adequate steps have been taken to ensure that each child’s learning, development, and well-being was facilitated within the daily life of the service in relation to the following observations: 1. Child led sleep needs were not being facilitated in the Ladybug room. For example; at 11.05 am one child (aged 1 year 11 months) who was observed displaying signs of tiredness was not put down to sleep in a timely manner. This child was observed in a staff members arm in the outdoor area when the inspector’s arrived on the premises. The child was then observed crying and rubbing their eyes when they returned back to the care room. Eventually the child was observed to fall asleep on a staff members knee at 11.35am while sitting on the floor during story time. The child was then taken into the sleep room by another staff member and had to stand up and wait while the staff member put the sheet on the cot mattress. The child was then placed into the cot to sleep and within a few minutes was removed by another staff member to have their nappy changed. The child did not sleep at this time. This is a recurring non-compliance form the last inspection which was carried out on 10/04/2024 and demonstrates that previous remedial actions which were stated in response to the non-compliance have not prevented its reoccurrence. 2. In the Ladybug room at 11.50am one child was visibly upset and distressed after their hair was pulled firmly by another child and was not comforted and reassured by the staff in a timely manner. One staff member was observed to state “that’s not nice we don’t’ hurt our friends” and then moved on to serving dinner. It is acknowledged that after a period of 15 minutes another staff member eventually lifted the distressed child in their arms to comfort them. 3. During the inspection, transition times in the Ladybug Room were chaotic and noisy. For example; At 12.15pm the staff commenced putting the sleep mats and sheets out for sleep time. At this time some children were still finishing their dinner, some children were having their nappy changed, 2 children were being settled to sleep in the adjoining sleep room and other children were running up and down the room and jumping on the sleep mats. Eventually when the children would not settle to sleep and 2 children became visibly upset, one staff member took 2 children to the Bumble Bees room to engage in activities and the remaining children who did not sleep or were upset were taken outside to play at approximately 1.15pm. 4. Nappy changes were not always carried out in a timely manner. For example; At 12.20pm in the Ladybug Room one child was observed jumping up and down saying “nappy poo …nappy poo”. The student present in the room responded to the child stating, “did you do a poo?”, however no staff member was observed to check the child and when the nappy changing records were reviewed by the inspector at 1.45pm the last recorded nappy change was documented at 11.40am
Provider's corrective action:
s 1. The staff member involved has been immediately debriefed, and a review of the incident has been discussed. A Sleep Policy has been revised reinforcing that children showing signs of tiredness must be responded to without delay. New Signs of Tiredness policy has been implemented. A cot in the sleep room will now remain pre-prepared at all times during the day (with clean sheets ready), to avoid delays and disturbances when transitioning a tired child to rest. All Ladybug Room staff have undergone mandatory refresher training on recognizing and responding to children’s cues (e.g. tiredness, distress), aligned with national frameworks. A new protocol ensures at least one cot is always ready for immediate use, and a second cot is prepared once a child starts showing signs of tiredness. Each child has assigned a key worker responsible for monitoring their individual needs, including sleep cues and patterns. Sleep routine implementation is now included in weekly audits by the room supervisor and reviewed by the service manager. A memo was distributed to all staff highlighting this repeat non-compliance and reinforcing the importance of following the child’s lead in all aspects of care. 2. The incident was reviewed with both staff members involved. The staff member who failed to comfort the child has been reminded of their duty of care. The event was discussed in a team debrief with emphasis on timely emotional support following distress. A documented procedure for responding to distressed children has been introduced. It includes comforting immediately, acknowledging feelings, and ensuring follow-up. Management will conduct random spot checks focused on staff-child interactions during key emotional moments. Role-playing scenarios on conflict resolution and emotional reassurance, behaviour management and interactions are now part of monthly staff meetings. 3. The daily routine and transition schedule has been reviewed and adjusted to avoid overlap between mealtimes, nappies, and sleep preparations. Sleep mat setup now begins only after all children have finished their meals and are settled. A staggered approach has been adopted for transitions, with clearly assigned roles; One staff member handles sleep room, one manages nappies, one supervises and engages remaining children in calm-down activities. A visual timetable is now displayed in the room for both staff and children to promote smoother transitions and reduce confusion. A designated transition coordinator (lead staff member) now oversees all transitions, ensuring clear delegation. Managers now observe and evaluate transitions weekly, with feedback given directly to staff. 4. Any staff member who hears or observes a toileting request or verbal cue is required to respond immediately or ensure that the child is supervised until another staff member can respond. Nappy checks are carried out and logged every 3 hours or as needed and signed off by a qualified staff member. All staff have been reminded that students cannot be left to manage or decide on care routines independently. Staff have been reminded of their duty to oversee and direct student actions at all times. Float staff have been scheduled to assist during high-demand times such as pre-nap or post-meal periods to prevent delays in care. The staff team and student were debriefed and reminded that students are not permitted to perform or delay essential care tasks without supervision
Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play
(1)(b) During the inspection, there was no soft area available in the Ladybug room for a child to take a break or rest when they required. The children and staff were observed sitting on the floor during some activities and story time. In the Caterpillar Room although there was a small cosy area it was inadequate for the number of children attending the room
Provider's corrective action:
s (1)(b) Soft area in Ladybug Room - Extra mats and blankets will be made available when one is being washed it does not leave the room empty of a cosy corner, Cozy corner in CP - Adjust room layout to make area bigger, more soft cushions, mat and soft toys added - Additional blankets available for when any material is in the wash - Washing to occur later in the day and dried overnight if required so it is always available for start of day
Regulation 22 — Food and drink
1. The majority of children in the Bumble Bees did not eat the hot dinner at 12pm. No alternative hot meal was available to them. The staff member did offer the children a half or a full rice cake and 1 corn puff crisp from a packet and stated they “were very fussy eaters and don’t usually eat it”. This is not considered adequate
Provider's corrective action:
- Extra pasta to made as second option for children not eating dinner. - Offer alternative such as sandwich or wrap at lunch time so food available is much more sustainable for children on premises all day. - Update menu to remove any dinners that are not being eaten. - Changing supplier for more variety and options for children
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
The registered provider did not ensure that all reasonable measures were taken to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of a preschool child in relation to the following: General Safety: 1. In the Bumble Bees Room there were sharp unprotected corners on the white shelving unit, and on the white shelving unit and white table in the Caterpillar Room. These are a potential injury hazard. 2. The wall mounted phone in the Bumble Bees Room had a hanging cord from the handset which was accessible to the children and a potential impact hazard. 3. A bottle of cleaning spray was observed sitting on the worktop in the Bumble Bees Room and accessible to the children. This was a health and safety risk. Infection Control: 4. There were inadequate hand washing practices observed in The Ladybug Room, as the children’s hands were not observed being washed prior to dinner time. Safe Sleep: 1. Documented safe sleep observations were not available for 2 children who were asleep in the cot room. At 12.50pm when the inspector requested to review the documented safe sleep observations, the person in charge advised that the children had just gone off to sleep and no information had been recorded on the electronic device. However, one of the children had been asleep for a period of greater than 20 minutes and this was further confirmed by the staff member who was present in the sleep room and stated “that they did not have access to the electronic device to record the observations”
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective & Preventive Actions General Safety: 1. Covers applied to all corners on the shelfing units in Bumblebee and Caterpillar rooms. Constant room checks and monitoring to make sure protectors are not removed. 2. Phone lines removed, now being used in play area. Daily room checks by staff and manager to review for any wires or hazards in the room. 3. Reminder issued to all staff the importance of making sure all cleaning products are out of reach of children and placed on a high shelf. Advised of the potential risks to children should they be ingested or rubbed into eyes. Infection control policy issued to all staff on the 15th May 2025 to emphasize the importance of keeping all cleaning solutions out of the reach of children. Spot checks by manager to make sure this is being implemented. Infection Control: 4. New handwashing routine added for when coming inside after playing outside. Handwashing policy sent to remind staff to maintain strict handwashing policy when returning from the garden. Infection control policy emailed to all staff to highlight the importance of hand washing especially when returning from garden. Safe Sleep 5. Two new tablets now provided in Ladybugs and Caterpillar rooms for constant updating on the interactive information sharing App during the day. WIFI router has also been added to premises to improve internet signal. Daily spot checks by manager to make sure breaks/sleep/nappy changes are being correctly added throughout the day. Staff reminded if no internet or access to a device to use pen/paper to log anything immediately and can be added to App at a later time, especially during sleep times
Regulation 29 — Premises
(c)There was a lingering odour in the nappy changing area off the Caterpillar Room
Provider's corrective action:
(c)Drains have been unblocked as of 1st May by registered drainage company. Regular checks on drains outside for any blockages. Staff have been reminded to check for any toys/paper towels being flushed down the toilets. Explain to children in the rooms not to place anything down toilet that is not toilet roll
(4) Documentary evidence was not available to confirm that 1 staff member who was observed working directly with the preschool children held at least the minimum required level 5 childcare qualification on the National Framework of Childcare Qualifications or a qualification deemed equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
(4) The Staff member in question was advised promptly to retrieve her Certificate which was awarded in 2020. She has been in contact with the college and they have given her a letter stating that she has completed her Early childhood and education course while she waits to receive her certificate. This staff member has joined the company in October 2022. To prevent these issues from recurring again, extensive checks will be completed on the staff files regularly and when employing a new staff member
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
The registered provider did not ensure that each child’s learning, development, and well-being was facilitated within the daily life of the service in relation to the following:
1. In the Ladybug Room some children who were visibly showing signs of tiredness for example, rubbing eyes, crying, wanting to be held in staff members arms, were not put down to sleep in a timely manner. The inspector heard one staff ask the children “you are very tired….?” And another child was asked “are you tired?” to which the child was observed nodding their head. 2. One child attending the Ladybug room was given a bowl of crunchy snacks for dinner when their peers were seated around the table eating the dinner of the day which consisted of cubed potatoes, sausages and peas. Dinner was not offered to this child and no documented care plan was available to demonstrate that parents and staff had discussed strategies to support healthy eating
Provider's corrective action:
1. The Ladybug room is currently receiving support from both the Manager and supervisor to enhance their daily routine, aligning with the children’s needs. Emphasizing the importance of meeting these needs, staff have been reminded to be attentive to signs of tiredness in children and to offer nap opportunities accordingly. This was reiterated during our recent Staff meeting on 08.05.2024. To proactively address these concerns staff have been sent and asked to refresh on The Sleep policy. Close observations are being conducted daily to refine the routine and ensure that each child’s needs are met effectively. Cot risk assessment is being carried out daily by the staff members and the manager. 2. The service upholds a healthy eating policy, which has been consistently communicated with parents. Regarding the issue of providing a bowl of crunchy snacks, after discussing the matter with the staff, it has been observed that the child in question is particularly selective with dinners provided by the crèche. The manager has reached out to the parent to discuss potential plans moving forward. Staff members have been advised to promptly communicate any concerns or matters related to children in our care to the parents, manager or person in charge. A specific plan has been devised for the child, which is displayed in the room and in the kitchen. The staff will actively encourage the child to try the meals daily, and in case the child refuses to eat, a healthy food option will be readily available in the kitchen. Additional food items will be included in our weekly shopping order to accommodate such needs
Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play
(1)(b) There were instances where sleep facilities were found to be inadequate for example, one of the cot mattresses was ill-fitting and had a foothold present in the cot, which was a potential safety hazard. This was not identified by the staff carrying out the daily risk assessment of the sleep room. (3)(a) The outdoor area accessed by the preschool children during the inspection was inadequately resourced. A number of the interest areas did not have supporting play materials and equipment to facilitate a creative, diverse and enriching outdoor play environment for the children. For example, the mud kitchen and water tray did not have any supporting play equipment and the pink picnic table had areas of paint chipping off. No additional toys were brought out from the indoor area
Provider's corrective action:
(1)(b) Following the staff meeting on May 8th 2024, the registered provider has emphasized the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments daily. Since then, the cot has not been in use, and all staff members have been duly informed. A new cot has been purchased. Staff has undergone a retraining session to reinforce proper procedures for conducting risk assessments. To maintain adherence, these procedures are now being monitored daily by the designated person. (3)(a) The service possesses a significant number of resources and equipment, all securely stored in our shed overnight. Regrettably, during the day of inspection, the toys were inadvertently not taken out for the children to use. Following the staff meeting on May 8th, a plan has been put in place for the staff members opening in the morning to have all the interest areas in place in the garden for the day. The Pink picnic table has been removed and is awaiting maintenance. New materials for the garden area have been purchased to support the Mud kitchen and water tray. Daily checks will be completed by the manager to ensure children’s play experiences are being met. Staff has been informed play equipment needs to be taken out in the morning
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
The Inspectorate is not assured that adequate steps have been taken to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the pre-school children attending the service based on the following observations made during the inspection: General Safety: 1. Some of the blind cords in the service were not appropriately restricted and were therefore potentially accessible to the children, e.g. in Caterpillar and Ladybug rooms. In addition, this potential safety risk was not detailed on the services risk assessment documents. Infection Control: The following cross infection risks were observed: 2. During a nappy changing procedure one staff member was observed wearing the ‘used’ gloves to clean down the mat after the procedure and also to replace the child’s nappy changing supplies to the boxes on the shelf above. 3. Sensory trays containing oat flakes, dried pasta and cereal hoops were stored in the lobby of the sanitary area of the Ladybug room
Provider's corrective action:
Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. Following our staff meeting on May 8th, 2024, the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments daily and to be reported to the manager was emphasised. The blind has been on the list for the maintenance team to fix it. The issue has been immediately fixed. To prevent occurrences in the future the importance of risk assessments was reiterated with all staff during our recent staff meeting on 08/05/24. Extensive daily and weekly checklists will be completed by the person in charge along with checks to ensure staff are following and completing their daily risk assessments. Infection Control: 2. At the staff meeting held on 08/05/24, the registered provider underscored the significance of adhering to proper nappy changing procedures and emphasizing the importance of infection control to mitigate the spread of bacteria. The management spoke with staff about the importance of understanding and following the policies and procedures. Additionally, extra nappy changing training was provided to staff. To ensure compliance, the person in charge will conduct weekly checks to verify that each staff members following the correct procedures and adhering to the infection control policy. Staff were sent the infection control and nappy changing policy and asked to refresh on this. Policies has been given to staff during the meeting. 3. The sensory trays have been promptly removed from the lobby of the sanitary area, and it has been clearly communicated to all the staff the imperative of refraining from such actions in the future. The Infection control policy was thoroughly discussed during the staff meeting held on 08/05/2024. Daily overview of compliance will be conducted by the person in charge