St. Kieran's Childcare Centre, Athlone — inspection reports and findings

Sessional · 1 - 6 Years · Athlone, Westmeath · Tusla ID TU2015WH019 · Registered since 1 January 2026

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

No non-compliance recorded in this report.

Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 32.

Two written validated references were not available in respect of the student on work experience

Provider's corrective action:

Both references have been verified and kept of file. Early Years Employer Service Staff Induction Checklist has been obtained and will be used going forward

General Safety: 1. Thermostatically controlled water was not available at the sink in the pre-school room. The temperature recorded was 53.1 degrees Celsius which presented a potential risk of scald injury. Upon the request of the inspector a corrective action was taken by the designated person in charge, a sign was posted to alert staff members of the high temperature of the water. 2. A piece of plastic on the front of the third drawer of the low-level shelving in the toddler room sanitary accommodation had a jagged edge which posed a potential risk of injury to a child. Infection Control: 1. The nappy changing bin in the sanitary accommodation adjacent to the toddler room was not suitable for infection control purposes as it was not pedal bin operated and did not have a tight secure seal. 2. The mattress cover on one cot in the sleep room was stained and required replacement. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: 1. The plumber came to control the water temperature and was booked to come back and install a system. The plumber installed thermostatic mixing valves to control the water temperature. 2. The unit has been replaced. A designated person has been allocated to carry out monthly risk assessments along with regular weekly risk assessments. Infection Control: 1. An airtight bin has been purchased to replace the bin. Staff have been made aware of the importance of using an airtight bin for the disposal of nappies. 2. The mattress has been replaced. The cot mattresses will be added to the weekly risk assessment document and inspected weekly

The first aid boxes were not stocked in line with TUSLA requirements as outlined in the Quality Regulatory Framework document. • The normal saline solution was out of date in first aid boxes. • The burns dressing was out of date in the first aid box in the pre-school room. • There was an insufficient number of medium bandages in the first aid boxes. • Adult medication was stored in the first aid box in the pre-school room

Provider's corrective action:

The first aid boxes have been restocked using The Tusla first aid checklist. A designated person has been allocated to monitor the first aid boxes monthly in both rooms

Found compliant: Regulation 11, 15, 17, 19, 24, 26, 27, 28, 31.

St. Kieran's Childcare Centre