# The Maples Creche, Portlaoise — inspection reports and findings

> The Maples Creche (Portlaoise, Co. Laois): what Tusla inspections found — 3 published inspection(s), non-compliances and the provider's corrective actions.

## The Maples Creche

Sessional · 1 - 6 Years · Portlaoise, Laois · Tusla ID **TU2015LS027** · Registered since 1 January 2026

An inspection records what inspectors saw **on one day**; services respond with corrective actions — [how to read this](/methodology.md).

#### Inspection of 9 March 2026 — Inspection Report

Full report (PDF, Tusla)

##### Regulation 11 — Staffing levels

- Minimum adult/child ratios were not maintained at all times. At 12:00pm, a staff member was observed in the outdoor play area with 7 children aged between 2-3 years. A second staff member arrived to support the staff member in the outdoor play area at 12:08pm. The ratio for children age 2-3 years is 1:6

- All staff members have been retrained in relation to ratios and now understand what the ratios are for each age group but also how important it is to maintain these ratios at all times. As part of the retraining, staff now understand if they are stepping out for any reason to call for a staff member to replace them. Training will be provided to new staff in relation to understanding the importance of maintaining ratios at all times. The management team will carry our spot checks to ensure the whole team is very clear on the importance of ensuring ratios are always met

##### Regulation 15 — Record of pre-school child

- One child record had no recorded details for a suitable person who was authorised to collect the child, the child’s GP details or their immunisation record

- The child’s record has been updated with the relevant information. The record of each new child enrolling into the service will be double checked by both the manager and the registered provider

##### Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service

- The staff roster presented was not adequate. The weekly roster presented for the week of March 09 did not detail the following: • Staffs rostered hours for Tuesday 10 – Friday 13 March 2026, to include start, finish and break times for each staff member. • The staff roster did not set out the adult to child ratio for each area of the service by providing information on the allocated rooms the staff members were assigned to work in. • The named staff member to provide cover for staff breaks. • The full names of the staff members

- A weekly roster now includes staff start, finish and break times. A specific staff member has now been allocated to breaks daily. All staff members will be identified on the staff roster in relation to their room allocation. Staff child ratios will also be identified. The staff roster will contain the full names of staff members. This will ensure all staff have a clear understanding where they are working during the day. The staff roster will be amended weekly where required and available for all staff members

##### Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child

- 1. The care practices and interactions observed in the Chicklets room on the morning of the inspection were inadequate to meet the needs of the age and stage of development of the children evidenced as follows: • A child aged 1 year was observed to cry for a prolonged period of time without any comfort offered by staff. From 12.04pm until 12.21pm a child was crying and looking for comfort, the staff member placed the child at a table with toys and sang a song to try to distract them and stated, ‘you’re fine there’s nothing wrong with you’. • On numerous occasions a staff member was observed to use language such as ‘ah, ah’ don’t do that’ and ‘get down you’ when managing behaviour in the care room. This is at variance with the service behaviour management policy which states positive behaviour management strategies should be used. • A number of children were observed with runny noses and required their noses to be wiped throughout the morning. The staff member was observed to use blue paper roll on the children’s noses which is harsh to a child’s skin. There were tissues observed in other care rooms in the service. • The sleep practice for children age 1-2 was inadequate for their developmental needs. There was no designated sleep time or plans in place should a child become tired and require sleep. Staff stated the children in the Chicklets room do not go to sleep at all during full day care. At 12.25pm a child aged one year was observed to fall asleep on the staff member’s lap the staff member did not move them to a cot until the inspector requested, they do so. Later that day another child was put to sleep from the Chicklets room when they became tired. Staff were not aware of the children’s individual sleep needs, which can affect the care they receive when in the service. • Despite there being a designated sleep room with cots and floor bed, no child from the Chicks room, where the children are aged between 2-3 years, had a sleep during their full day at the service. There was no set sleep routine to accommodate children when they displayed signs of tiredness. • Throughout the morning of the inspection in the Chicklets room, activities were adult led. At times children were engaged in tabletop activities such as arts and crafts, the staff member was observed to remove activities after a short period and replace it with a different activity, despite the children appearing engaged and enjoying the activity. The children did not get an opportunity to direct their own learning and have freedom of choice. • There were no bibs put on the children in the Chicklets and Chicks rooms during dinnertime resulting in their clothes becoming soiled. 2. The rest areas required further development for children to rest or relax in all care rooms. The rest areas were inadequate for children who attended on a full day care basis to take appropriate rest from activities throughout the day. There were a small sofa and a mat in the Chicks and Chicklet rooms. There was no rest area in the Caterpillar room. 3. At 12:00pm, a staff member was observed in the outdoor play area with 7 children aged between 2-3 years. One child was observed sitting on a trike that was too big for them. The child was crying; however, the staff member present was busy with another child. The child could not place their feet on the ground or reach the pedals on the trike and required the assistance of a staff member to use the trike or to get off. A second staff member arrived to support the staff member in the outdoor play area at 12:08pm. 4. Caterpillar and Butterfly room Children from the Caterpillar and Butterfly rooms merge together in one room for lunch and for the afternoon. During lunch time, there were 23 children sitting at three tables. The room was extremely loud from 12.25pm – 12.45pm. The staff did not support the children to use calm indoor voices or redirect the children with a story or songs while wating for their meal. Signs were displayed in the rooms stating, ‘indoor voices need to be used’. It was difficult for children to hear and communicate with each other. After lunch a staff member attempted to read a story to the children. Two children were observed trying to hear the story however, 17 children were in the area where the story was being read and playing energetically with a variety of toys, making it very difficult for the children to hear the story

- 1. A staff training session was held with staff in relation to interactions with children, how to soothe a crying child and using positive language with the children. All staff have been issued with a copy of the services Behaviour Management Policy and have signed off on it to ensure they understand it. New staff will have induction training prior to commencement in the service in relation to behaviour management, sleep routines, and child management. • The staff member who mistakenly wiped a child’s nose with blue roll has been spoken to and understands that it is not acceptable to use blue roll as a tissue. A staff member has been allocated to checking each room has a box of tissues each morning. • Sleep plans are in place for each individual child. Parents had been requesting that their child not sleep during the day. This has been addressed with the parents who request that their child does not sleep during the day. Parents and staff have been issued with a copy of the sleep policy. It has been explained to all parents that the service is child led service and all children are offered sleep time during the day. • The staff have attended training on Aistear The National Curriculum Framework delivered by Laois county childcare committee to ensure they fully understand that children must direct their own learning and have freedom of choice. • Bibs have now been supplied to all of the younger children’s rooms. 2. Rest areas have received a revamp to ensure children can rest and relax in an appropriate manner. 3. Staff members have been retrained in relation to ratios and now understand how important it is to maintain these ratios at all times. Staff understand if they are stepping out for any reason to call for a staff member to replace them. Training will be provided to new staff in relation to understanding the importance of maintaining ratios at all times. The management team will carry our spot checks to ensure the whole team is very clear on the importance of ensuring ratios are always met. 4. The caterpillar and butterfly rooms no longer merge together for lunch. Staff members will sit with the children during meals and engage them in conversation

##### Regulation 21 — Equipment and materials

- 1. The furniture in the Chicks and Chicklets rooms was unsuitable for the age of the children attending each room. Children were observed sitting on chairs which were the incorrect height for them as they could not place their feet on the ground for balance and stability. This posed a potential risk of injury to a child if they lost their balance and fell off the chair. 2. Two scooters in the outdoor play area were observed to have missing handles. This compromised the grip for children using the outdoor play equipment. 3. A play mat in the shape of a flower in the Chick’s room was torn in a number of places and required replacement

- 1. Furniture in the chicks and chicklet rooms have been changed to suit their age and stage of development. 2. All toys throughout the service have been inspected and any broken toys have been disposed of. 3. The play mat in the chick room has been replaced. The manager will carry out and sign off on monthly checks of all rooms and equipment

##### Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

- General Safety: 1. A toaster was stored on top of the microwave, which was on top of the fridge in the Butterfly room and Chicks room, there was a trailing cable within reach of the children which posed a risk of injury to children. 2. A number of hazards were identified in the outdoor play area which posed a risk of injury to the children as follows: • A wooden piece of equipment located in the outdoor play area off the Butterfly room, was damaged with exposed jagged edges and sharp nails sticking out; this was accessible to children playing in the outdoor area and posed a risk of injury to the children. • A damaged tree had fallen on the outside of the fence in the outdoor play area. The wire fence located to the rear of the outdoor play area could not support the tree and the fence was leaning inwards into the outdoor play area compromising the security of the perimeter fencing. • A gas heater was located in the roofed outdoor area to the side of the Butterfly room; there was a gas cylinder attached with a pipe which was accessible to the children. • A wooden climbing frame was severely water damaged was unsafe for children to use. It is acknowledged that staff used a slide and chairs to prevent children from gaining access to the equipment. 3. The surface radiator temperature in the Chicks room was recorded at 58.7oC which posed a risk of a child receiving a burn injury. Infection Control: 4. Inadequate infection control measures to prevent the spread of infection were observed on the day of inspection as follows: • There was no effective system in place to sterilise the mouthed toys in the Chicklet and Chicks room. Children with runny noses were observed to place toys in their mouth and staff did not remove these from circulation. This non-compliance was found on a previous inspection dated 27th February 2025. The corrective and preventive actions submitted by the registered provide did not prevent the re- occurrence of this non-compliance. • Staff did not wash their hands following wiping children’s noses. • Staff were observed to manually handle bins in the service and not use the foot pedals. • Waterproof mattress protectors were not provided on the mattresses of the cots in the sleep room. Safe Sleep: 5. The sleep records demonstrated that staff recorded the incorrect sleep room temperatures. During inspection, staff recorded the temperature as 18oC. The temperature stated on the thermometer in the sleep room was 20oC. Fire Safety: 6. Exit doors in all the care rooms identified with fire exit signage were obstructed with internal half doors and bolts at the top of the door which were locked during the inspection. This posed a risk to the safe evacuation of children in the event of a fire. 7. The bar on the fire exit door in the Caterpillar room was not functioning, a slide bolt on top of the door was used keep the door closed. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

- General Safety: The toaster has been removed to a more suitable location. All hazards identified on the day have been removed. New fencing has been installed in the outdoor play area. A radiator cover has been fitted to the radiator. Infection Control: A sign has been printed and laminated and put on boxes for mouthed toys to ensure greater clarity for everyone. The staff will place mouthed in these boxes and then wash these at the end of the day. Staff have been retrained in hand washing. Staff have been retrained in the correct use of bins. Waterproof mattress protectors have been placed on all cot mattresses. Safe Sleep: The temperature of the sleep room will be recorded correctly. Fire Safety: The push bar on the fire exit door in the Caterpillar room has been replaced

##### Regulation 24 — Checking in and out and record of attendance

- The service did not maintain a record of any visitors to the service. The registered provided advised the inspectors that there was no written record of visitors maintained in the service

- There is a visitors sign in and out book but was not available on the day. This is now fully in use and is on the desk in the front door for all visitors to sign in and out. The manager will continuously monitor the sign in and out book to ensure it is being used properly

##### Regulation 25 — First aid

- A review of the staff roster indicated that a First Aid Response (FAR) qualified staff member was not present in the service between 5:30pm-6:30pm on Monday 09 March. This posed a potential risk to children in the event of a medical emergency occurring. A staff member trained in FAR must be present in the service during the operational hours of the service

- The registered provider and five staff members have undertaken FAR training to ensure the service is fully covered during the operational hours. The manager will ensure there is documentation in relation to expiration dates for First aid certification

##### Regulation 26 — Fire safety measures

- The firefighting equipment was not serviced annually; the firefighting equipment was last serviced in January 2025

- The fire extinguishers were service the day after the inspection, 10 March 2026

##### Regulation 29 — Premises

- (c) Although mechanical ventilation was provided in the nappy change and sanitary accommodation in the Chicks room, the air was stale and malodourous

- The nappy bins in the Chicks room will be changed every two hours to prevent the air becoming stale and Malodourous. Staff will regularly check bins. Summary Comment The inspector has reviewed the corrective and preventive actions taken and evidence submitted. The non- compliance identified under Regulation 29 (c) has been adequately addressed

Found compliant: Regulation 9.

#### Inspection of 27 February 2025 — Inspection Report

Full report (PDF, Tusla)

##### Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

- General Safety: 1. The three tier trolley with a nappy changing mat placed on the top shelf was unsafe for use and not suitable for nappy changing in the chick’s sanitary accommodation. 2. The kitchen was open and the contents within were accessible to children and posed a potential risk of injury if a child went into the kitchen. Infection Control: 1. The nappy changing procedures observed were ineffective for infection control purposes: • A staff member did not wash their hands or wear an apron when carrying out the nappy changing procedure. • Staff members redressed the child with the same gloves used for nappy changing. • The child’s hands were not washed after nappy changing. • The staff member cleaned the nappy changing mat wearing the same gloves used for nappy changing. • The nappy changing policy available in the service did not detail a step-by-step procedure for nappy changing that staff could adhere to. • The wash hand basin in the nappy changing area on the main corridor was not accessible due to the position of the nappy changing unit. • Cold water was noted at the wash hand basin in the nappy changing area on the main corridor which was not conducive to appropriate hand washing. • Children were observed to wash their hands in cold water at the wash hand basin in the Chicks room which was not conducive to appropriate hand washing. 2. Children’s spare clothes were stored in the sanitary accommodation in the Chicks room which was unsuitable due to the risk of cross contamination. 3. Foot operated pedal bins were not in place in the pre-school rooms for the hygienic disposal of waste. 4. The floor mat in the chick’s room was torn at the edges and required replacement. 5. The mechanical ventilation in the sanitary accommodation and nappy changing areas were noted to be dusty with physical debris which required cleaning. 6. Cobwebs were noted on the ceiling lights in the sanitary accommodation for the chick’s room and required cleaning. 7. A container for mouthed toys was not available in the Caterpillars room. 8. Fridge temperatures were not recorded in the pre-school rooms to ensure appropriate storage of any perishable food products. Administration of Medication: 1. The second staff member signature was not detailed on the children’s medication form record stored on the electronic device in the service. The second staff member signature is required to ensure medication is given in safe manner in the service. Safe Sleep: 1. The sleep logs for the ten-minute physical checks of sleeping children did not include or record the colour, position and breathing of sleeping children. 2. The sleep room temperature was not recorded on any checks or logs. 3. An electronic monitor was not in place to alert staff to a waking or distressed child in between sleep room checks. 4. The wall mounted temperature monitor in the sleep room was not operational. It is acknowledged that the registered provider took a corrective action and had a replacement device to install by the close of the inspection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

- General Safety: The registered provider stated the following in the response: 1. The three-tier trolley was removed and replaced with a two-tiered nappy changing trolley unit. Staff have been reminded of safety consideration regarding replacement of equipment. (photograph included). 2. A lock has new been installed on the kitchen door. Staff have been reminded that the kitchen door is to be kept locked at all times. (photograph included). Infection Control: The registered provider stated the following in the response: 1. A new nappy changing procedure has been developed. Staff have been retrained on the nappy changing policy and all hygiene procedures associated with nappy changing since the Inspection. The nappy changing procedure is on display for all staff. The thermostat was fixed on all taps following the inspection (photographs included). 2. All spare clothes were removed from the sink area in the Chicks room and relocated. (photograph included). 3. The bins were replaced. (photograph included). 4. The floor mat was replaced. (photograph included). 5. The mechanical ventilation was cleaned and staff have been re-trained on all cleaning procedures. (photograph included). 6. The light was cleaned and staff have been re-trained on all cleaning procedures. (photograph included). 7. A new container for mouthed toys is now available in the Caterpillars room. (photograph included). 8. The temperature is now recorded for all fridges. (photograph included). Administration of Medication: The registered provider stated the following in the response: 1. A second signature has been added to the medical administration form and staff have been re-trained on the administration of medication policy. (photograph included). Safe Sleep: The registered provider stated the following in the response: 1. The sleep logs have been amended to include the colour, position and breathing of sleeping children. (photograph included). 2. The sleep logs have been amended to include the room temperature. (photograph included). 3. An electronic monitor is now in place. (photograph included). 4. The wall mounted temperature monitor in the sleep room was replaced on the day of the inspection. (photograph included). Staff have been re-trained on the Safe Sleep Policy for the service. Staff have been reminded of the services health and safety obligations and flagging risks to the registered provider. Summary Comment In respect of the corrective action taken photographic evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement

##### Regulation 25 — First aid

- The first aid boxes were not stocked in line with TUSLA requirements as outlined in the Quality Regulatory Framework document. The first aid boxes did not contain the following required items: • Individually wrapped sterile unmedicated wound dressings of assorted sizes. • Sterile eye pads • Water based burns dressings • Crepe bandage • Paramedic Shears

- The registered provider stated the following in the response: The First Aid boxes were restocked and a monthly first aid box check system is now in place. (photograph included). Summary Comment In respect of the corrective action taken photographic evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement

Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 16, 19, 20, 26, 28.

#### Inspection of 2 April 2024 — Inspection Report

Full report (PDF, Tusla)

##### Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play

- 1. Although rest areas were in place it was noted that décor was minimal, cushions were worn, and the rest areas needed to be made more comfortable, cosy, and attractive and further developed so as to be attractive for the children to use these spaces to take a rest from their activities

- Ms. Delaney stated in written submission that rest areas have been further developed so as to be more attractive and more comfortable. The seating that was not in good repair had been removed and replaced with soft seating and good quality new seating has been purchased

Found compliant: Regulation 9, 10, 11, 18, 19, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33.

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[Alert me when a new report is published](/help.md) · [Dated report on this service — €19](/report.md)

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Página: https://creche-inspection-reports.pages.dev/creche/the-maples-creche-portlaoise/
Fonte: Tusla Early Years Inspectorate
Recolha: 2026-09-11