Inspection of 10 September 2025 — Inspection Report
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for one staff member; however, this vetting disclosure was not dated within the previous three years in adherence to the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice (EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Notice). 2. An indoor trampoline was observed to be in use within the care room, without specific individual therapeutic guidance this may pose a risk to children’s safety. 3. The registered provider did not ensure that materials accessible to children were developmentally suitable for each child attending the sessional service, the following was observed: • A child was observed to mouth small smooth plastic shoes. This posed a risk of choking. • A child was observed to place hard plastic pliers in and around their eyes. This posed a risk of physical harm to the eye area. It is acknowledged that the adults present acted immediately to prevent harm, however these items were accessible to the children. 4. Two trailing flexes were observed to be in reach of children. posing a risk of strangulation. Infection Control: 5. The handwashing practices observed on the day were at variance from the service policy on handwashing, alcohol gel was observed to be used as a substitute to handwashing with warm water and soap. Ineffective handwashing techniques pose a risk to harmful bacterial growth. 6. Pedal bins were not in use within the service. This posed a risk to children being exposed to harmful bacteria. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. The registered provider stated that all staff members have completed Garda vetting through Early Childhood Ireland, copes of the updated Garda Vetting have been securely filed in each staff members file. The designated person in charge will review vetting expiry dates and maintain compliance. Staff will be reminded annually of the the vetting review policy during supervision meetings. 2. The registered provider has stated that the trampoline was immediately removed from the care room. It has been replaced with a cosy tent area creating a quiet, safe space for relaxation. All physical equipment is now reviewed monthly to ensure stability and is developmentally appropriate. The designated person in charge will continue to monitor equipment use and storage as part of the daily checklist. 3. The registered provider has stated that the learning environment has been reorganised to ensure all materials accessible to children are age appropriate and safe. Small items and toys with detachable parts have been removed or stored on higher shelves out of children s reach. The dolls house and small accessories have been removed and a mark making easel used to encourage creative, safe learning. The designated person in charge will review all materials monthly to ensure they remain suitable for the children developmental stage and will adapt materials based on observation and developmental needs. 4. The registered provider has stated that the twinkle lights and other electrical items with trailing flexes have been removed from the pre-school environment. Electrical sockets have been replaced with covers. A weekly walk is now carried out by the designated person in charge. Infection Control: 5. The registered provider has stated that new pedal bins have been purchased and placed in all the required areas. Bins are labelled for segregation and waste. The designated person in charge will monitor hygiene routines daily. 6. The registered provider has stated that staff have been reminded that handwashing with warm water and soap must be used. Alcohol gels is now used as an additional measure not a substitute. There is also a policy confirming that it occurs when needed. It is integrated into our Aistear themes to embed the intentional practices not just as compliance
Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 16, 19, 25, 26.