Inspection of 25 September 2025 — Inspection Report
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (a) (b) 1. One written reference from a past employer in respect of one staff member was not validated. Four written references in respect of three staff members from a reputable source were not validated. (d) 2. Police vetting was not available in respect of two staff members who had lived outside the state for a period of longer than six consecutive months
- 3. The procedures in respect (2)(d) were not carried out by the registered provider/person in charge prior to the employment of staff in the service
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. Five written validated references were updated and placed on staff files. 2. Police vetting for the two staff members was applied for and returned. 3. The registered provider will ensure required validated references and police vetting are on file prior to staff commencing in the service
Regulation 10 — Policies, procedures etc. of pre-school service
- The Healthy Eating Policy did not provide information on bottle feeding with regard to the storage and administration of powdered infant formula. This posed a risk to the health and welfare of infants who are bottle fed, as staff lacked clear guidance on: • Food Safety Authority guidance on the preparation of powdered infant formula. • Hygienic storage of bottles. • Appropriate heating methods. • Supervision during feeding
Provider's corrective action:
- The Policy on feeding was updated on 29/10/2025 to include the new procedures for bottle preparation/storage/warming and feeding. The Policy states that infant formula must be prepared at home
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. It was observed that two children’s lunchboxes contained whole grapes, which were not cut in half. This presents a potential choking hazard. 2. Powdered infant formula was observed being reconstituted by a staff member. This practice is not recommended by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland guidance note 22 which states that it is not recommended that child day-care facilities prepare prepared infant formula for the children in their care. 3. A scooter and bike in the outdoor play area were observed to have worn handles with visible rust. This posed a risk of cuts, infection, as well as compromised grip for children using the outdoor play equipment. Infection Control: 4. The nappy changing practices observed posed a risk of cross contamination as evidenced by the following observations: • Single use disposable gloves worn for nappy changes, were not removed at the point that the nappy and used cleaning material were bagged up prior to being disposed of. • The staff redressed the child with used gloves on. • Children’s hands were not washed following nappy changing. • The staff member opened up the bin lid with their hands. • Staff did wash their hands following the nappy change. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. The Healthy Eating Policy was updated on 29/10/2025 to include the cutting up of foods such as grapes. 2. The registered provider has informed parents that bottles of infant formula will no longer be prepared in the service and must be brought to preschool already prepared. 3. The scooter and bike have been disposed of, and staff have been advised to conduct risk assessments on equipment. Infection Control: 4. The service has reminded all staff of the procedure for nappy changing in line with the guidance from the Health Service Executive
Found compliant: Regulation 11, 15, 19, 25, 28.