The Rookery Creche and Montessori, Dublin 3 — inspection reports and findings

Sessional · 0 - 6 Years · Dublin 3, Dublin · Tusla ID TU2015DY219 · Registered since 1 January 2026

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

No non-compliance recorded in this report.

Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 19, 23, 25, 26, 28.

1. Two children in the baby room aged 11-13 months were not provided a developmentally appropriate opportunity to self-feed during dinner time. The children were observed sitting in highchairs adjacent to each other. The staff member stood in front of the children and fed each child one spoon of dinner at a time; alternating between the children. The bowls were kept on a low-level wall out of reach of the children; one child was observed gesturing and shouting toward the bowls in between spoon feeds. This is contrary to the service policy which states that “Children are encouraged to feed themselves as appropriate to their age and stage of development”. Self-feeding provides the children with an opportunity to explore different textures and develop independence. 2. Children were unable to access their family photo books due to a table which was pushed against the ledge where they were displayed. One child was observed trying to reach across the table toward the books. Family photos promote children sense of identity and belonging and can be a source of comfort for young children. These should be easily accessible to the children as needed

Provider's corrective action:

1. Children under 1 year are now being let to feed themselves. All staff have been informed to let children under 1 year feed themselves. 2. The unit containing the family photo books has been moved so children have clear access to it. Staff in the waddler room have been informed to make sure that the table is not put in front of the shelf for the photo books

1. The registered provider did not ensure that the children in the Waddler Room were provided with adequate nutritious and varied food. For example, a review of the daily records and conversation with staff showed that children in the baby and Waddler rooms are offered cereal for breakfast at 9am, raspberries or sliced banana at 11am, a hot meal at 2:20pm and a yoghurt in the afternoon at 4pm. Staff advised that if the children do not eat their fruit or yoghurt there is no additional food available. This is contrary to the service healthy eating policy which says alternative foods will be available. Young children should be offered two meals and two snacks per day spaced no more than three hours apart and which includes a variety of food. A healthy and suitable alternative should be available should children not eat the food provided. This was a non-compliance on the previous inspection in 2022. The preventive action submitted by the registered provider has not been maintained

Provider's corrective action:

1. A supply of additional food has been provided in each room for children for children to have at snack time. Children in our service are and have always been fed at regular intervals, less than the regulatory minimum 3-hour intervals. Stocks of alternative foods are checked and maintained by the manager of the service

General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for one staff member. However, this vetting disclosure was not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. 2. The water in the sink in the Waddler room was not thermostatically controlled and posed a risk of scalding to the children who were observed to use the sink for handwashing after snack. The water temperature was recorded to be 46.9℃ at 10:37am. Infection Control: 3. Handwashing was not completed in the Baby and Waddler rooms before morning snack as per the service policy. This posed an infection control risk. 4. Staff were observed to use their hand to open the pedal operated bin in the Waddler room. The bin was hung at adult head height on a hook which prevented it being used appropriately. The bin was used to dispose of contaminated items such as used tissues. Excessive handling of the bin lid posed an infection control risk. 5. A shelving unit and the wall behind the sinks in the nappy changing area on the ground floor did not provide an easy to clean surface which posed an infection control risk. Damage to both the paintwork and the shelving unit exposed a porous surface which could not be adequately cleaned. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: 1. Garda vetting for one staff which had expired was obtained. The dates of expiry of all staff garda vetting have been put on their files and diary reminder notes added to the manager’s phone to remind to apply for vetting renewal. 2. A thermostat has been attached to the sink in the waddler room to control the water temperature. Water temperature to be checked regularly. Infection Control: 3. Staff in the baby and waddler rooms have been reminded of the policy on hand washing, which is to be carried out before and after each meal, after nappy changes, after messy play, after garden play and as required. All staff have had refresher training on the hand washing policy and implementation of same will be monitored by the manager. 4. A replacement foot operated bin has been obtained for the waddler room. Bin provided. 5. Shelving unit in changing room has been replaced, and a protective surface has also been attached. The wall behind the sink has had a wooden frame attached and a tiler is due to attach tiles to this in the coming days

Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 24.

The Rookery Creche and Montessori