(a)(b) Six references were not available in respect of three adults working in the service. This practice was found to be non-compliant on previous inspections on 16 April 2024 and 13 October 2025. The corrective actions submitted following those inspections failed to prevent recurrence of this non-compliance. (2) (c) See statutory notice section in relation to Improvement Notice IN1905 served. This practice was found to be non-compliant on previous inspections on 13 October 2025. The corrective action submitted following this inspection failed to prevent recurrence of this non-compliance. (3) The registered provider did not carry out the procedures specified above prior to three adults being appointed, assigned or allowed access to or contact with the children in the service. This posed a possible risk to the children’s wellbeing. This practice was found to be non-compliant on previous inspection on 13 October 2025. The corrective actions submitted following those inspections failed to prevent recurrence of this non-compliance. (4) There was no evidence available to demonstrate that one of the adults held a qualification that met the minimum requirement of a level 5 award in Early Childhood Care and Education as listed on the National Framework of Qualifications
Provider's corrective action:
(2) (a) (b) Copies of the validated references were put on file for the adults. References will be put on file prior to all adults beginning in the service. (2) (c) See statutory notice section in relation to Improvement Notice IN1905 served. (3) A procedure has been put in place where all checks are carried out prior to adults beginning in the service. (4) The staff member’s qualification was placed on file
Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service
(a) No written record of the experience of one staff member was available for review. Not ensuring a written record of a staff member’s work experience posed an impact to the care of the children
Provider's corrective action:
The staff member’s written record of their experience has been placed on file. All information will be placed on file going forward
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General safety: 1. See statutory notice section in relation to Improvement Notice IN1906 served. This practice was found to be non-compliant on the previous inspection on 13 October 2025. The corrective actions submitted following this inspection failed to prevent recurrence of this non-compliance. 2. The air temperature of the Senior Preschool room was recorded at 27.7°C and the Junior Preschool room was 30.5°C while the children aged between 3 and 5 years were present in the rooms. This exceeds the recommended temperature range of 18°C to 22°C for children of this age. It is acknowledged that staff had opened windows, pulled down blinds where available and obtained a cooling device and fans but temperatures were unable to be reduced and increased throughout the morning. It is also acknowledged that the children from both Senior Preschool and Junior Preschool were moved to a cooler room in the service, recording a temperature of 21.9°C at the request of the inspector. 3. A ride on car in the outdoor area was cracked and had sharp edges. This posed a risk of injury to children. Safe sleep: 4. One child under the age of 2 years was observed to be sleeping on stackable beds in the Toddler sleep area. This is not in line with Tusla safe sleep guidance document. Children under the age of 2 years are not permitted to sleep on stackable beds. The person in charge was made aware of this and redirected to the safe sleep guidance. This was identified as a non-compliance on previous inspection on 13 October 2025. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General safety: 1. See statutory notice section in relation to Improvement Notice IN1906 served. 2. The service purchased fans to reduce the air temperature in the room and keep it cool. Black out blinds are closed each evening to keep the warm air temperature out and the cool temperature indoors. 3. Broken toys in the outdoor area were removed following the inspection. Equipment will be monitored going forward. Safe sleep: 4. Children under 2 years are not permitted to sleep on stackable beds. The service has reviewed the safe sleep guidance and will ensure to follow procedures. Sleep plans have been updated to the safe sleep guidance practice also
Regulation 25 — First aid
(1) See statutory notice section in relation to Improvement Notice IN1904 served. This practice was found to be non-compliant on previous inspections on 16 April 2024 and 13 October 2025. The corrective actions submitted following these inspections failed to prevent recurrence of this non-compliance
Regulation 29 — Premises
On the day of inspection, the inspector observed the following which posed a risk of safety and infection to the children: 1. One window in the sanitary area for the Junior Preschool room was observed to have cobwebs attached. It is acknowledged that cleaning records were available however evidence that effective cleaning had taken place was not available. 2. A plug in the hallway downstairs was broken, and electrical cables were accessible behind the plug. This was identified on last inspection on 13 October 2025. The corrective actions submitted following those inspections failed to prevent recurrence of this non-compliance. 3. A radiator in the hallway in the Junior Preschool room was not fixed to the wall; it was observed to be hanging off the wall and loose. This practice was found to be non-compliant on the previous inspection on 13 October 2025. The corrective actions submitted following those inspections failed to prevent recurrence of this non-compliance. 4. The skirting boarding in the Toddler dining room was broken and visible debris and dust was gathering on the floor
Provider's corrective action:
1. All windows were cleaned to ensure cobwebs were removed. This will be monitored going forward. 2. The plug downstairs was repaired following the inspection. The manager will ensure to conduct regular checks of the premises going forward. 3. The radiator was fixed to the wall. The manager will ensure to conduct regular checks of the premises going forward. 4. A new skirting board was purchased and replaced in the Toddler dining room
Regulation not named in the report text
It was identified on inspection, that the service was operating outside of their registration status. The person in charge on day of inspection was different to the person in charge identified on the register. The registered provider was required to notify the Early Years Inspectorate of any proposed change in details prior to the change occurring
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider submitted a change in circumstance form and notified the Early Years Inspectorate of the change of person in charge. The registered provider will notify the inspectorate of any proposed changes in future
Immediate action notice. On 13 October 2025, an Immediate Action Notice was issued to the registered provider under Regulation 9: Management and recruitment. An adult who had access to the children did not have a Garda vetting disclosure available to review posing a safety risk to the children. On 14 October 2025, the registered provider submitted a Garda vetting disclosure in respect of the adult. On 22 October 2025, an Immediate Action Notice was issued to the registered provider under Regulation 23: Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of the children. A surface temperature on a radiator in the care room was recorded at 54.6°C posing a burn risk to the children. On 23 October 2025, the registered provider outlined the steps taken to mitigate the risk.
Immediate action notice. On 15 December 2025, a regulatory compliance meeting was held with the registered provider in order to clarify the non-compliances found on inspection that were not addressed via the corrective action and preventive action process. Further information can be found under the relevant regulations.
Immediate action notice. The inspection focused on an examination of compliance under regulations 9, 10, 11, 19, 20, 22, 23, and 25 however, on inspection additional non-compliance which posed a risk was identified under
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
(a)(b) Five references were not available in respect of three adults working in the service. This was a previous non- compliance found during inspection on 16 April 2024. (c) On 13 October 2025, an Immediate Action Notice was issued to the registered provider in respect of one adult as no Garda vetting disclosure was available to review. This posed a safety risk to the children in the service. This was at variance with the service recruitment policy. On 14 October 2024, an adequate response was received from the registered provider. A Garda vetting disclosure was submitted to the inspectorate. (d) It could not be determined if police vetting was required for four adults working in the service. A curriculum vitae was not available in respect of two adults and gaps were identified in respect of two adults curriculum vitae
The registered provider did not carry out the procedures specified above prior to the adults being appointed, assigned or allowed access to or contact with the children in the service in respect of six adults. This posed a possible risk to the children’s wellbeing
Provider's corrective action:
(2) (a)(b) The registered provider outlined that the references and validations had been forwarded to the Early Years Inspectorate. All staff including work experience staff will have references on file as well as validations prior to commencing work at the service. (2) (c) A Garda vetting disclosure was submitted to the inspectorate on 14 October 2025, in respect of the staff member. The registered provider will ensure garda vetting is on file before staff commence working in the service. (2) (d) It was outlined that police vetting was not required for any staff member and any curriculum vitae with gaps have since been filled in and kept on file. The registered provider will ensure that no gaps will be left in staff files for future reference. (3) The registered provider outlined that not having these checks carried out was an oversight. This response was not accepted. This was outlined to the registered provider at the regulatory compliance meeting. It was also outlined that the registered provider was required to complete Garda vetting applications in respect of two staff, as the Garda vetting disclosures that were available had not been carried out by the service. The registered provider has submitted the Garda vetting disclosures in respect of the two staff members
Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
(2) The adult child ratio was not adhered to during the morning on day 2 of inspection in the Wobbler room on 22 October 2025. The adult to child ratios were identified as follows: • In the Wobbler room in the morning on 22 October 2025, 2 staff members were working directly with 11 children aged 1 year to 2 years. These ratios were observed in the Wobbler room from 09.15am to 09.59am. Three staff members were required to meet the minimum adult child ratio. (8) The inspectors were unable to determine if two adults were present on the premises at all times on 13 October 2025. Staff sign in records and the staff rota given to the inspectors did not document start times or finish times for the staff present on the day
Provider's corrective action:
(2) The registered provider stated that staff were informed of the staff ratios and requirements following the inspection. (8) The registered provider updated the staff rota with start times and finish times. The staff rota will clearly show start and finish times for each staff member
Regulation 22 — Food and drink
It was identified on day 1 of inspection that one child was served reheated spaghetti hoops as their main meal. This was not a suitable or substantial meal for a child attending full day care. A child attending full day care requires a well-balanced and nutritious meal. This was identified on previous inspection on 16 April 2024
Provider's corrective action:
All parents were made aware of the healthy eating policy in the service on the service mobile application
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General safety: 1. On 22 October 2025, an Immediate Action Notice was issued to the registered provider. A surface temperature on a radiator in the dining room of the Toddler room was recorded at 54.6°C. This posed a burn risk to the children. It is acknowledged that when the inspector brought this to the attention of the adults in the care room, the radiator was turned off. On 23 October 2025, an adequate response was received from the registered provider. The registered provider outlined in their response that the radiator was electric and has been readjusted to 17°C. 2. Garda vetting was available for five adults. However, these vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. This was also at variance with the services recruitment policy. This was found as a previous non-compliance found on last inspection on 16 April 2024. 3. Water temperatures recorded on both days of inspections in the children’s nappy changing facility exceeded 43°C. The sink was measured at 44.8°C on day 1 and 46.4°C on day 2. Temperatures exceeding 43°C posed a risk of scalding to children using the sink. 4. A sharp knife was found in a cabinet that children had access to in the Toddler Room. This posed a safety risk to the children. It is acknowledged that when the inspector brought this to the attention of an adult the cabinet was secured with a lock. 5. There were chairs stacked high in the Toddler room on day 1. Children were observed playing around the stacked chairs. This posed a risk of injury to children around the room. 6. In the Toddler room, an extension lead was observed to be freely hanging from the wall. This was not securely fastened out of reach of children. This posed a safety risk to children in the Toddler room. 7. In the Toddler room, the side of the counter was observed loose and sticking out. This was observed to be a pinch point and posed a risk of injury to children in the room. 8. On Day 1 of inspection, children in the Wobbler dining room were observed by the inspector not to be safely strapped into their highchairs for a period of 27 minutes. Children not being strapped into highchairs posed a safety risk to children. 9. The small slide in the outdoor area was broken and had a large crack. Children were observed playing on this slide on both days of inspections. This was a pinch point and posed a risk of injury to children using the slide. 10. The seesaw and a ride on car in the outdoor area were cracked and had sharp edges. This posed a risk of injury to children. 11. A roof window in the sensory room upstairs in the service was easily accessible to children by a bench and a chair. This posed a risk of children climbing up and exiting or falling. 12. An electric heater was stored in a cabinet unit in the Junior Preschool room, which was easily accessible to the children. This posed a risk of strangulation to the children. 13. Medication that had expired was found in the fridge in the Junior Preschool room. This posed a risk to the children. This was at variance with the services administration of medication policy. 14. On day 1 of inspection in the Junior Preschool room, it was observed that adult's personal belongings were stored on a child height shelf in the care room. This posed a safety risk to the children. 15. The astro grass observed in the outdoor area was lifting and children were seen tripping over. This posed a risk of injury to children in the outdoor area. 16. The heavy press in the Wobbler room was not securely anchored. Children were observed playing around this press and posed a risk of injury to the child. 17. Children in the Toddler room were observed mouthing toys that were not age appropriate. The inspector informed the staff on two occasions of a child with materials in their mouth. This posed a risk of choking to the child. Infection control: 18. The couch in the hallway upstairs was observed to be torn and would be difficult to clean effectively. This posed a risk of cross contamination to children. 19. Staff were observed in the Wobbler dining room on day 1 of inspection, not wiping down highchairs after the tabletop fell on the floor. This posed a risk of infection to the children. On the morning of day 2 of inspection, the highchairs in the Wobbler dining room were not cleaned. Old residue had remained on the tables of the highchairs. This posed a risk of infection to the children. 20. While the inspector was observing nappy changing in the Toddler Room on day 1 of inspection, it was observed that a child did not wash their hands after the nappy change. It was observed that the staff member did not wash their hands between changing gloves. The staff member did not change their apron between individual nappy changes. This posed a risk of cross infection to the children. This practice was at variance with the services infection control policy. 21. The sponge matting in the Wobbler room was observed to be torn and peeling. This did not allow for effective cleaning and posed a risk of cross infection. Safe sleep: 22. Two children under the age of 2 years were observed to be sleeping on stackable beds in the Toddler sleep area. This is not in line with Tusla safe sleep guidance document. Children under the age of 2 years are not permitted to sleep on stackable beds. The registered provider was made aware of this and redirected to the safe sleep guidance. The registered provider stated they usually have floor beds available for children under 2 years of age. Staff were asked if sleep plans or risk assessments were conducted and available for these children and none were available to the inspectors. This poses a safety risk to children using these beds without a risk assessment being completed. 23. On day 1 of inspection, 7 children from the Toddler room observed to be sleeping on stackable beds in the Wobbler room and were left unsupervised. It is acknowledged that an adult checked these sleeping children every 10 minutes, however, adult supervision was not constant as required. Not supervising children on stackable beds at all times posed a safety risk to children in the room. This was identified on previous inspection on 16 April 2024. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General safety: 1. The registered provider promptly addressed the temperature of the radiator. The registered provider has stated that the electric radiator is to remain at 17°C. 2. Garda Vetting disclosures were received for five staff. The registered provider will ensure that all garda vetting will remain up to date. 3. The registered provider corrected the water temperatures in the children’s nappy changing facility to not exceed 43°C. Water temperatures to remain below 43°C throughout the service. 4. The adult member securely locked the cabinet to prevent children accessing sharp utensils. The registered provider stated that no sharp objects will be left at children’s level. 5. The stacked chairs were removed from the Toddler room. This will be monitored going forward. 6. The extension lead was securely fastened to the wall out of reach of children. 7. The side of the counter was fixed to remove pinch point. The registered provider stated the work top will not have an edge to prevent this reoccurring in the future. 8. The registered provider advised that all children are to be strapped in immediately and children are to be supervised at all times. 9. The slide was removed from the outdoor area, and the registered provider will ensure regular checks will be conducted throughout the service to prevent risk of injury. 10. Broken toys were removed from the outdoor area, and the registered provider will ensure regular checks will be conducted throughout the service. 11. The roof window was closed, and the staff will ensure this will remain closed. 12. The electric heater was removed from the room. Staff were made aware that the heater is not to remain in the room. 13. The out-of-date medication was removed from the service. 14. Staff were remined by the registered provider that staff belongings are to be stored in the staff room on the premises. 15. The astro grass in the outdoor area was fixed and regular checks will be conducted to ensure the area is safe. 16. The heavy press was securely fastened to the wall. The registered provider stated that all storage units will be fixed to the wall securely. 17. The toys that were not age appropriate were removed from the room. Infection control: 18. The registered provider stated that the couch would be reupholstered over the Christmas period. This will be reviewed on next inspection. 19. The registered provider stated that all highchairs have been thoroughly cleaned and all staff were remined on the importance of hygiene throughout the service. 20. Staff have been reminded of the importance of hygiene and reminded of importance of handwashing and correct nappy changing procedures. 21. The registered provider stated the torn sponge matting was removed from the Wobbler room. No torn matting will remain on the premises. Safe sleep: 22. The registered provider stated that floor beds were readily available for children under 2 years of age. It was an oversight by staff not to use the floor beds on day of inspection. Floor beds will be made available to children under 2 years of age going forward. 23. The registered provider made staff aware that children sleeping on stackable beds are to be supervised at all times
Regulation 25 — First aid
(1) On review of the staff roster available for day 1 of inspection, it could not be determined if a staff member that was trained in First Aid Response was present while the service was in operation. It is acknowledged that three staff members held a current certification in paediatric first aid training and were present in the service during day 1 of inspection. This posed a risk to the children in the event of a medical emergency occurring
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider stated that two staff with First Aid Response training are available. One of these staff members will be available at all times on the premises going forward
Regulation 27 — Supervision
It was observed on both days of inspection that supervision of children at all times by staff was not adequate. • Children were observed to enter the toddler dining room unsupervised by adults. • During handwashing in the Toddler room on day 2 of inspection, it was observed that all the children were in the sanitary area with one adult supporting the children. Two children were observed washing their hands and then touching unclean surfaces such as the toilet seat. The children were then asked to go to the dining room. The inspector informed the room leader, that these children required their hands to be washed before their meal. • It was observed by the inspector that a child fell in the outdoor area, staff were not adequately supervising and were unaware that the child was upset. • One child was observed to be putting dirt in their mouths in the outdoor area. The inspector had to inform the staff member who then cleaned the child‘s mouth. Not ensuring adequate supervision by sight and sound put the children in risk of injury or harm
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider reviewed the non-compliances under supervision and has reminded the staff the importance of supervision of children. Full supervision by staff at all times will be adhered to both indoors and outdoors going forward
Regulation 29 — Premises
(d) It was observed through both days of inspection that premises needed repairs. The following were identified: • A plug in the hallway downstairs was broken, and electrical cables were accessible behind the plug. • A radiator was not fixed to the wall; it was observed to be hanging off the wall and loose. • One light fixture in the Junior Preschool room was broken and hanging from the ceiling. The light was in use however not secured to the ceiling. • A mirror was not secured to the wall correctly in the Junior Preschool room
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider corrected the following issues identified on inspection. • The plug in the hallway was fixed. • The radiator was fixed to the wall. • The light fixture in the Junior Preschool room was fixed. • The mirror in the Junior Preschool room was fixed to the wall. The registered provider stated that all fixtures and fittings are to be securely fixed to the walls at all times
Records of reference validations were unavailable for two references in respect of one adult. Four reference validations were held in respect of two other adults, however, no corresponding written references had been obtained, as required
Provider's corrective action:
According to the registered provider CAPA response, references and validations are now in place. All new staff members will be asked for written references before they start and will be verified signed and dated
Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
(2) The minimum ratio of adults to children were not met where there were an insufficient number of adults working directly with children in the wobbler and toddler rooms from 1 to 2pm during staff breaks. During this period there were 35 wobblers and toddlers cared for by 4 staff, whereas 7 staff were required. The ratios of 1:5 and 1:6 were not maintained while 3 adults from the wobbler room and 1 adult from the toddler room went on their lunch break and were replaced by 1 adult
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider advised in their CAPA response that staff breaks have been altered and only two staff members from downstairs will be on break at any one time. Breaks will start at 12:45pm so that 6 members of staff can get breaks before quarter past two. A seventh member of staff is available from 1pm to assist as required, according to the registered providers response of 10 May 2024
Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play
(1b) The sleep facilities in the main wobbler sleep room were unsuitable as follows. (1) Two of the cot mattresses in the main wobbler sleep room were not adequate, one was too short for the cot, and the other mattress did not have a protective cover and was disintegrating. (2) One of the fitted sheets had a large hole in it and was unsuitable for use
Provider's corrective action:
1. The registered provider advised in their CAPA reply that the cots have been measured and two new mattresses were purchased. 2. New sheets have been purchased and the sheet with whole has been thrown out
Regulation 22 — Food and drink
• One child in the toddler room was observed to have a bowl of reheated spaghetti hoops as their main meal of the day. As this child was attending on a full day care basis, this was not a suitable main meal as it was not sufficiently balanced, varied, and nutritious to meet the needs of the child. Staff acknowledged that they have address this ongoing issue with the parent/guardian with both meals/snacks not being suitable and balanced. The designated person in charge stated that they were aware of this and that the service was trying to address it with the parent, however, there was no contingency plan in place in the service to offer an alternative or supplement the meals/snacks as necessary
Provider's corrective action:
The service has addressed the issue of balanced meals with the parent and the issue has been resolved according to the registered provider
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
Safe Sleep: 1. On the day of the inspection, 6 children from the toddler room were observed to be in the wobbler room on stackable beds without direct supervision in the room by an adult. It is acknowledged that an adult checked these sleeping children every 10 minutes, however, adult supervision was not constant as required. General Safety: 2. Garda vetting was available for one staff member; however, this vetting disclosure was not dated within the previous three years, in adherence to the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
Safe Sleep: 1. The registered provider responded to state that a staff member will now stay in the sleep room with the toddlers on the cot beds. General Safety 2 The registered provider committed to checking the Garda vetting disclosures annually to ensure that all are dated within the past three years as required
Regulation 25 — First aid
(1) An adult with current First Aid Response (FAR) certification was not consistently available to the children, as none of the adults had undertaken said training. It was noted that 16 staff members had recently completed paediatric first aid, however, an adult with up to date FAR training is required to be available to the children at all times. (2) (a/b) While first aid boxes were readily available, the overall supplies were not adequate to meet the number of children in attendance
Provider's corrective action:
(1) Two staff were booked into FAR training according to the registered providers response of 10 May 2024. (2) First Aid supplies were updated according to the registered provider