The Ferns Preschool, Portarlington — inspection reports and findings

Sessional · 2 - 6 Years · Portarlington, Laois · Tusla ID TU2015LS018 · Registered since 1 January 2026

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

• One written validated reference from a past employer or from a source other than a previous employer in respect of one student was not available. • One written reference from a previous employer was not validated, in regard to one staff member. • Two written references from a source other than a previous employer, were not validated in regard to one staff member
The procedures in respect (2)(a)(b) were not carried out by the registered provider prior to the employment of staff in the service and the commencement of a student

Provider's corrective action:

Outstanding validated references received. Prior to reopening for 26/27 school year, the registered provider will go will through staff files with staff members and ensure everything is in check

(i) A staff roster was not available. The inspector was advised that a rolling roster is in place as staff work the same hours per week. (k) A sample of accident and incidents records were not available for review

Provider's corrective action:

A roster will be available, per room with staff allocation from September 2026. The roster will be placed on the notice board. The registered provider made contact with the electronic application support team and now knows how to find the accident and incident form, and medical administration forms on the new application system. Forms and records will be accessible going forward. Summary Comment The inspector has reviewed the corrective and preventive actions taken. The non compliances identified under Regulation 16 have been adequately addressed

(b) A record of annual maintenance of the fire detection system was not available in the service

Provider's corrective action:

Fire alarm system maintenance check conducted on 08 July 2026. Agreement that an electrician will visit every June to check/update and certify equipment

Found compliant: Regulation 11, 15, 19, 23, 25, 28.

International police vetting was not available in respect of one staff member who had lived outside of the state for over six consecutive months as an adult. It was acknowledged that the police vetting was subsequently secured by the registered provider in respect of the staff member and submitted to the inspector on 30 April 2025

Provider's corrective action:

The registered provider advised in the CAPA response that international police vetting was secured for one staff member. A copy of the police vetting was submitted to the inspectorate on 30 April 2025. As a preventive measure, the registered provider advised in the CAPA response that a new electronic application has been introduced in the service to alert the registered provider in relation to all updates required

Found compliant: Regulation 11, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28.

The Ferns Preschool