Inspection of 14 October 2025 — Inspection Report
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) &(b) 1. Two validated written references were not available for the student in the service. 2. One validated written reference was not available for 2 staff members. (4) Documentary evidence was not available to confirm that 4 staff members whose files were reviewed and who work directly with the children in the service held at least a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications or a qualification deemed eligible by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. The 4 staff members held qualifications in the following: Bachelor of Arts in Youth work Graduate in Modern language & translation Special needs assistant. Master’s degree in teacher training for compulsory secondary education
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action (2)(a) &(b) Validated written references have now been obtained for all individuals identified during the inspection, including the student and the two staff members. Each reference has been verified directly with the referees by phone/email, and all documentation has been uploaded to the staff files and cross-checked against the Tusla Regulatory Requirements
- All staff qualification files have been reviewed and confirmed as complete. The service has staff members who hold a recognised Level 5 ECCE qualification (or higher) in line with the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and the DCDE Recognised Qualifications List. The non-compliance arose due to staff absences on the day of inspection, which resulted in no qualified ECCE staff member being physically present at that time. This has now been rectified through an updated staffing and rostering procedure. A Level 5-qualified staff member is now scheduled on every shift and present at all times children are in the service. Preventive Action (2) (a) & (b) To prevent this issue reoccurring, a revised recruitment checklist has been implemented. No staff member or student will commence induction or be included in the rota until two validated written references have been received, verified, and recorded. A monthly internal audit of staff files will be carried out by the Person in Charge/Manager to ensure all documentation remains complete and compliant. This process is now part of the service’s standard operating procedures. (4) To prevent a recurrence, the service has implemented the following measures: ● Two qualified ECCE Level 5+ staff members will now be rostered on all operational days, ensuring that if one staff member is absent, the second qualified person remains on-site. ● A ‘Qualified Person in Attendance’ check has been added to the daily opening checklist. ● Any roster changes due to sick leave or emergency absence will be approved by management only after confirming a qualified staff member is available to cover. ● Quarterly file audits will continue to ensure all qualification documents remain current and accessible
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: 1. Although a fridge was on the premises, the children’s packed lunches supplied from home were not refrigerated on arrival to the service. This increased the risk of bacteria growth in perishable food items. Action submitted by the Registered Provider Corrective Action Infection Control: 1. Children’s packed lunches are now refrigerated immediately on arrival at the service. A designated food- storage container has been placed inside the fridge to separate children’s items from staff products. All staff have been briefed on the updated food safety procedure, and signage has been placed at the reception area and kitchen reminding staff to store lunches immediately. Preventive Action Infection Control: 1. To prevent recurrence, the service has implemented a ‘Packed Lunch Refrigeration Procedure’ and a daily ‘Food Safety Opening Checklist’. All staff have been trained in this procedure. A nominated staff member will ensure all lunches are placed in the fridge before 9:30am daily and will sign the checklist as evidence. Supervisors will audit compliance weekly. Supporting documentation submitted • Packed Lunch Refrigeration Procedure. • Daily Food Safety Opening Checklist. • Weekly Food Storage Audit. Summary Comment The inspector has reviewed the actions and evidence submitted. The non-compliance under Regulation 23 has been addressed
Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures
- (1)(a) A recent record of fire drills was not available on the premises with the last fire drill dated as having been carried out on the 09 July 2025
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action (1)(a) A fire drill was carried out on the 15 October. The drill was recorded using the updated fire drill log. Fire safety documentation has been reviewed, and all records are now stored together in the fire safety folder on site. Staff received refresher training on fire drill procedures and documentation requirements. Preventive action To prevent this issue reoccurring , a fire drill schedule has been created to ensure drills occur at least every four weeks. The fire drill log has been updated and will be checked monthly by management. A calendar reminder has been added to ensure fire drills cannot be missed. All fire safety documents will be kept onsite in a clearly labelled fire safety folder
Found compliant: Regulation 10, 11, 15, 16, 19, 25, 27, 29, 31.