Creche Inspection Reports

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Sessional · 1 - 6 Years · Dundalk, Louth · Tusla ID TU2015LH086 · Registered since 1 January 2026

An inspection records what inspectors saw on one day; services respond with corrective actions — how to read this.

3published inspections
0non-compliances at latest report read
2immediate action notices
0registration conditions

Inspection of 9 May 2025 — Change in Circumstance

Full report (PDF, Tusla)

No non-compliance recorded in this report.

Inspection of 24 October 2024 — Inspection Report

Full report (PDF, Tusla)

Immediate action notice. An immediate action notice was issued on the day of inspection in relation to excessive hot water temperatures in the service. The service manager provided written assurances of appropriate immediate actions undertaken in the service to control the risk to children within 24 hours of the inspection.

Immediate action notice. The inspection focused on an examination of compliance under regulations 9,11, 19, 20, 25 and 26 however, on inspection additional non-compliance which posed a risk was identified under Regulations 8 and 23. These findings are outlined within the relevant regulations within this report.

Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment

  • (9)(4) Documentary evidence of the minimum required level 5 childcare qualification on the National Framework of Childcare Qualifications or a qualification deemed equivalent was not available for one staff member who was observed working directly with the preschool children
Provider's corrective action:
  • Staff contacted QQI award to issue the certificate and get the proof that she had completed level5. Manager will make sure that all staff have copy of certificate in file

Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play

  • 1. There were inadequate sleep facilities available for the children attending the service aged under 2 years. A number of thin ‘fold’ out floor mats were available, and when questioned, staff confirmed they are used for sleep. These are not suitable for preschool children under 2 years of age in accordance with best practice guidelines. 2. The soft area in Toddler Room was considered inadequate for the age and stage of development of the children attending. The area consisted of a thin mat on the floor of the care room. This does not provide an area that is comfortable and inviting and conducive to rest/relaxation
Provider's corrective action:
  • 1. A new bed was ordered for age group 6 months to 3 years old from company. Manager will make sure that there are adequate sleep facilities for children attending the service. 2. New soft mats and cushions were bought for Toddler room. Staff will make sure that there is a soft area for the children to relax. Manager will check this every day

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. The hot water temperatures in the downstairs sanitary area and Toddler care room, exceeded the recommended maximum safe hot water temperature of 43 oC. The hot water temperatures were recorded as follows: At 11:14 the hot water temperature in the Toddler room was recorded at 54.6oC. At 11:30 the hot water temperature in the downstairs sanitary area was recorded at 57.4 oC. This is a scalding risk. An immediate action notice was issued in respect of this safety concern to which an accepted response was received. Infection Control: 2. Inadequate handwashing was observed. The children attending the Preschool room did not wash their hands prior to lunch time. The children were observed to complete tabletop and art activities and to go downstairs to the dining room for lunch, without hand washing taking place. 3. One staff member in the Toddler Room was observed to wear the same pair of disposable gloves throughout the morning when carrying out care practices for the children. For example, the staff member was observed to wipe children’s noses and did not wash their hands or change their gloves and continued to wear the same pair of gloves when engaging or caring for the children. Safe Sleep: 4. The safe sleep observations reviewed did not provide evidence of the observations being carried out at each 10-minute physical sleep check or details of the staff member carrying out the checks in accordance with best practice guidelines
Provider's corrective action:
  • Corrective & Preventive Actions 1. Plumber was contacted, advised as to reduce the temperature on boiler. Action note was issued to Tusla. A hot water temperature check list has been commenced. Every day the deputy manager or manager check the water temperature. 2 and 3 Staff had hand wash training and told that the best practice is to keep changing the gloves after every use. The manger will be checking that the best practice in hand washing is followed. Every day the manager will be attending rooms to observe and supervise. 4.Sleeping log was updated following the inspection. The manager and staff will be checking best practice guidelines to make sure that sleeping log is up to date with all regulations

Regulation 25 — First aid

  • (1) The registered provider did not ensure that a person trained in first aid for children was at all times available to the children attending the service. Documentary evidence indicated that one staff member had a First Aid Responder (FAR) qualification which expired on 22/09/2024
Provider's corrective action:
  • Staff attended FAR training refresher on 07/11/24 and 08/11/24. Second staff member will attend FAR training to make sure that we always have staff member with FAR qualification in the building. Training should be available in January /February

Regulation not named in the report text

  • The registered provider did not notify the agency in writing of a change in age profile of children attending the service. The service is currently registered to cater for preschool children aged 3-6 years. On the day of the inspection children aged 1-2 years were present in the service
Provider's corrective action:
  • A Change of the circumstances form was sent to Tusla on 24th October after Tusla Inspection. The registered Provider will make sure that all changes will be updated with Tusla before implementation

Found compliant: Regulation 11, 19, 26.

Earlier inspections

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