Inspection of 18 February 2026 — Inspection Report
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (d) Police vetting was not available in relation to one adult who previously lived outside of the State for a period of more than six months as an adult. (3) A review of documentation evidenced that the registered provider had not taken the required steps as outlined in Regulation 9(2)(a), (b), and (d) to ensure that new recruits were suitable and competent before allowing them access to children, as detailed below: • Documentary evidence indicated that one adult had commenced employment within the service prior to the receipt of police vetting. • Documentary evidence indicated that one adult did not have their references validated before they commenced employment. • Although there was a reference available for one adult from a previous employer, it had not been verified by the registered provider. Additionally, there was no second reference available for the adult. Allowing staff to begin work with children before their suitability has been established may result in individuals who are not appropriate having access to children
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider submitted the following response. The staff member has applied for Police vetting. The recruitment policy has been updated, and all references will now be verified before an employee begins work in the service. The service will also hold a training day in April on recruitment protocols
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- Children were not provided with daily opportunities to engage in outdoor play. During discussions with the inspector, it was identified that children had not been brought to the outdoor area since December 2025, limiting their opportunity for physical exercise, fresh air, and exploration while in the service. While an outdoor area was available, access was not embedded into the daily routine
Provider's corrective action:
- The garden has since been cleaned of rubbish and the debris has been removed. The children have had daily access to the garden since the inspection. A portion of the garden is due to be upgraded with an alternative surface; the service is awaiting a start date for work to begin
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of child
- The registered provider failed to notify the agency of a change to the age range of children being catered for. On the day of inspection, it was observed that the service was providing care to a school-age child. As the service is currently registered to cater for preschool children only, it was found to be operating outside the conditions of its registration
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated that the school‑age child was the child of a staff member. Going forward, staff will be required to make alternative arrangements to ensure their children are cared for while they are at work
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. The entrance doors to the preschool rooms were unsecured, posing a risk of unauthorised entry from the from the reception area of the community centre or a child leaving unsupervised. This concern was raised during the previous inspection on 23 May 2023. The preventive actions submitted following this inspection have not prevented the non-compliance from recurring. 2. The lock on a low-level press in the kitchen area was broken. The press contained hazardous objects, which included two bottles of deodorant and could pose a risk to children. 3. A door leading to an office directly off the play space in the Preschool 2 room was observed to be open. The inspector observed hazardous items such as paint and liquid correction fluid stored in the office. These items pose a risk to children’s safety. 4. The outdoor area was not maintained to ensure a safe space for children to play. There was a build-up of rubbish and sharp brambles along the perimeter fence. 5. An electrical cable was not safely secured in the Preschool 1 room. A trailing cable from an electric heater was not safely secured out of children’s reach, posing a tripping hazard to children. Infection Control: 6. A vinyl mat in use by the children in the Preschool 2 room was observed to be heavily soiled with a build- up of dirt and dust, posing a risk of the spread of infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. A memo has been sent to all staff to ensure the doors to reception are secured at all times and new locks have been fitted. 2. The hazardous objects have been removed and the presses have been fitted with safety locks. 3. The hazardous objects have been removed from the office and the office door will be secured at all times when not in use. 4. The garden has been cleaned and made safe for outdoor play. 5. The electric heater has been removed from the preschool room. When the heater is required in the care room, the cable will be safely secured to the wall. Infection Control: 6. The mat has been cleaned and staff have been advised to adhere to the cleaning schedules
Found compliant: Regulation 11, 20, 25.