(1)(g) The inspector observed that the recording of individual children’s general medical practitioner’s (GP) details was not consistent. While the inspector observed that the GP’s details were recorded on 3 of the 12 records reviewed, the following non-compliances were observed. There was no GP details recorded on 3 of the 12 pre-school records. Limited information regarding 6 children’s GPs was only found on the individual child’s vaccination record accompanying the child’s pre-school record, and not on the preschool record
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider has submitted the following response. Corrective and Preventive Action All parents were contacted to fill out their GP details, and all are now on file. For both ELC and SAC. In August for registration this form will be included in our registration form
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: The inspector observed the following that could potentially cause injury to a child in the wobbler and toddler outdoor play areas. 1. The edges of some of the cement pillars in both outdoor areas had sharp corners which could potentially injure a child if they were to run or fall against them. 2. There was a sloping aspect towards the right-hand side of the wobbler play area where it is acknowledged that an old divider was placed to slow and prevent the children from running down the slope, however the gate of this divider was broken and provided a tripping hazard which could potentially injure staff or children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider The following response was submitted by the registered provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: 1. The edges of the pillars have been covered with protective foam. Risk assessments will be carried out daily to include the pillars to ensure they remain safe, intact and covered. 2. We have a builder contacted who will commence the work to fill in this slope to a level surface S: Level the outdoor play area identified in report. M: The ground will be at a level surface for Children. A: Builder confident this will be achieved R: A safe space for Wobblers to play outdoors. T: Completion within 3 weeks from today’s date. While we are waiting for the work to be completed, we have another route out for outdoor play through the Sleep room in large playground. The gate concerned, the divider gate has been removed. However, the children will not be using this area until work is complete
Regulation 24 — Checking in and out and record of attendance
(3)(b) While it is acknowledged that the service maintained a visitors’ book detailing the date and names of any visitors to the service, details such as the visitor’s contact number, reason for visiting the service, name of person approving the visitor’s entry and check in and out times were not requested or recorded
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider submitted the following response. Corrective and Preventive Action New visitors book was developed to include the visitors contact number, name, reason for visit, and name of person approving visitors’ entry, including times in and out of the building. Old book has now been filed, with our new visitors book up and running since receiving the report
Immediate action notice. On the day of inspection, the inspector was informed that the registered provider as detailed on the Early Years Inspectorate register was no longer in position. No Change in Circumstances (CIC) form had been submitted to the CIC registration department. A referral was made to the registration department regarding the service operating outside of its registration details. This non-compliance was previously identified on last inspection on the 25 September 2024.
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
(2)(a)(b) Two references were not available for each of two staff members employed in the service. Two references were not available for the incoming registered provider. A second reference was not available for three staff members employed in the service, who as part of their roles in the service worked directly with the children. Seven references that were available had not been validated
Provider's corrective action:
All staff and registered provider have two references on file in the childcare managers office. All references have now been validated. A new validating letter has been developed and will be used when new staff are being appointed. Maintain an inspection check list ensure compliance with regulations monthly
Regulation 10 — Policies, procedures etc. of pre-school service
1. The recruitment policy did not state how the records relating to the recruitment process for any person employed in the service are stored, and for how long these records are retained. 2. The staff training policy did not set out how staff training needs are identified and supported, what resources are available for training, it did not detail what induction training is provided or how staff training records are maintained in the service
Provider's corrective action:
The recruitment policy has now been updated to show how all records are being stored and for how long they are being stored for. The policy handbook has been updated
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
(1)(a) The record of monthly fire drills maintained in the service demonstrated that a fire drill was last recorded as having taken place in September 2024. This was not in line with fire safety in preschools recommendations of carrying out a monthly fire drill
Provider's corrective action:
Fire Drills have taken place. A safety audit has taken place, and new procedures are now in place A new fire safety audit book was obtained, and the monthly fire drill will be recorded monthly
Regulation not named in the report text
(1) The service had not notified changes in the registered provider’s details 60 days prior to the change taking effect. The service was operating outside of its registration details. This non-compliance was previously identified on inspection on 25 September 2024. It is acknowledged that the designated person in charge and the new registered provider submitted a change in circumstances form immediately on the evening of inspection
Provider's corrective action:
A change of service provider was submitted on the 29 April 2025. The new registered provider’s Garda Vetting has been also submitted to the Early Years Change in Circumstances department. Maintain an inspection check list to ensure compliance with regulations monthly
Found compliant: Regulation 11, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25.
Inspection of 25 September 2024 — Inspection Report
Immediate action notice. This inspection was triggered by receipt of information to the Early Years Inspectorate. An Immediate Action Notice was issued to the registered provider regarding no Garda Vetting Certificates available on file for two ancillary staff members, who as part of their roles in the service were observed to have access to the children’s classrooms on the day of inspection. An adequate response to the Immediate Action Notice was subsequently submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate on the evening of the inspection, 25 September 2024.
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
(2)(a)(b) Two validated references were not available for each of six staff members employed in the service. A second validated reference was not available for each of two staff members employed in the service. (2)(c) While two staff members were not employed to work directly with the children, the inspector did observe on the day of inspection, that as part of their role in the service, they entered each classroom, where children were in attendance. There was no Garda vetting certificates available for each of these staff members. An Immediate Action Notice was issued to the registered provider at the feedback meeting
Provider's corrective action:
The following corrective and preventive actions were submitted. Two validated references are on file for all staff and a new reference check questionnaire has been developed. All vetting is on file for the two staff members who work in the kitchen and have been submitted to Tusla. A service specific recruitment policy is now in place. No staff will be appointed without Garda Vetting and two validated references
Regulation 10 — Policies, procedures etc. of pre-school service
The following policies were not available in the service on the day of inspection. Policy on Outdoor Play, Policy on Staff Absences, Recruitment Policy, Staff Training Policy and Supervision of Staff Policy
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider submitted the following g corrective and preventive actions: A new policy has been created for each of the following Outdoor Play, Staff absences, Recruitment, Staff Training and Staff supervision An annual review of all policies will be undertaken by the manager using the list of required policies in the QRF to ensure all required policies are on file
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
(1)(b) Under Regulation 16, 40 Accident and Incident reports were reviewed by the inspector covering a period from 06 September 2023 to the 30 July 2024. The inspector observed that 32 of the 40 reports pertained to a child’s behaviours, of which the majority of incidents had caused injuries to other children and to staff. The reports were completed in full and in detail by staff, however there was no evidence that management at the time carried out a risk assessment, developed a child centred plan or communicated with parents and staff to develop a solution focused plan of action. This was not in line with the service’s Positive Behaviour Management Policy, which stated “In the case of a particular incident we will always discuss ways forward with the parents or guardians of the child” “Recurring problems will be dealt with in an inclusive manner”
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider submitted the following corrective and preventive actions. Staff have been retrained on the Behaviour Management Policy. New accident /incident report books have been purchased. The new manager has also been trained with the services behaviour management policy. All staff must inform the manager of all accidents/incidents that occur daily where required the manager will deal with all accidents/incidents in an inclusive manner with the parents/guardians and staff
Regulation 28 — Insurance
(1) Changes to the details of the service in the early years register were not notified at least 60 days before the changes were to take effect. It is acknowledged that these changes were unforeseen and that the current registered provider is endeavouring to rectify the non-compliance in a timely manner
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider has responded with the following corrective and preventive action – A Change in circumstance with the updated registered provider has been submitted to and approved by Tusla. All changes to the Tusla register will be submitted with 60 days notice as required and a new procedure is now in place. Acknowledgments The inspector wishes to acknowledge the cooperation of the registered provider, person in charge, staff and children who were present on the day of the inspection
Found compliant: Regulation 11, 15, 16, 23, 25, 26, 28.