Creche Inspection Reports

The Village Creche

Sessional · 0 - 6 Years · Ballyroan, Laois · Tusla ID TU2015LS011 · Registered since 1 January 2026

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

3published inspections
6non-compliances at latest report read
1immediate action notices
0registration conditions

Inspection of 25 February 2026 — Inspection Report

Full report (PDF, Tusla)

Immediate action notice. An immediate action notice in respect of

Regulation 11 — Staffing levels

  • 1. It was observed by the inspectors at 10:30 during the initial walk about of the service that the minimum ratio of adults to children was not maintained in the wobbler room (Busy Bee). One adult was present with six children aged 1-2 years attending on a part time or full day care basis. Two adults were required. 2. It was observed by the inspectors at 10:35 during the initial walk about of the service that the minimum ratio of adults to children was not maintained in the toddler room (Caterpillar). One adult was present with seven children aged 2-3 years attending on a part time or full day care basis. Two adults were required. It is acknowledged that once identified by the inspectors the deputy person in charge took an immediate corrective action and reallocated staff to meet the minimum adult to child ratio requirements in the Busy bee and Caterpillar rooms
Provider's corrective action:
  • (1)(2) The person in charge stated in the response that the movement of children between rooms has rectified the adult: child ratio. (Room allocation and ratios included). Summary Comment In respect of the corrective actions taken documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement. The practices as stated will be reviewed on the next inspection

Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play

  • 1. A fifty-centimetre space was not in place between the cots in the sleep room. It is acknowledged that the deputy person in charge took a corrective action and removed two cots that were not in use to allow for a fifty-centimetre space between the remaining five cots in the sleep room. This non-compliance was noted on the last inspection on the 7 July 2025
Provider's corrective action:
  • The person in charge stated in the response that two cots that were not in use have been removed, leaving 50cm space between each cot. There are now 6 cots in the sleep room. (Photographs included). Summary Comment In respect of the corrective actions taken documentary 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 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

  • General Safety: 1. All access gates were unsecured creating the possibility of unauthorised entry and access to the outdoor play areas, the main premises building and to the three standalone buildings on the grounds of the service. An immediate action notice in respect of Regulation 23 Safety was issued to the registered provider on 26 February 2026. 2. One of the fire evacuation doors in the Purple Ants room equipped with panic hardware and openable by means of a simple push of a horizontal bar and opened directly onto the rear driveway of the home of the registered provider. The door was not alarmed therefore no notice could be given in the event of a child opening the door, exiting the Purple Ants room and gaining access to the rear driveway of the home of the registered provider. 3. There was no physical barrier in place to prevent children from accessing the car park area located to the front of the premises at collection time. This presented a potential risk to children’s safety due to the presence of moving vehicles in the car park. 4. In the sanitary accommodation adjacent to the Purple Ants room the sliding doors of the cubicles were not secure and could move forward and backward which posed a potential injury risk to children who used the toilet independent of an adult. 5. A long hanging cable from the listening monitor in the sleep room adjacent to the Busy Bee room was noted trailing over two electrical sockets and within reach of a child in a cot which posed a potential risk of harm. 6. The kitchen and the contents within were accessible to children at times during the inspection as the stairgate was not closed when the staff member left the kitchen which posed a potential risk of harm. This non-compliance was noted on the last inspection on the 7 July 2025. 7. The office and the contents within were accessible to children at times during the inspection as the door was not closed which posed a potential risk of harm. This non-compliance was noted on the last inspection on the 7 July 2025. 8. The newly developed manager safety checklists did not include sufficient detail to ensure that potential hazards were recognised and eliminated including but not limited to water temperature, radiator temperature, child safety cupboard locks, waste bins, operational ventilation in the sanitary accommodation, broken toys, exit doors and routes and building access. Infection Control: 1. No handwashing was observed by both staff members prior to changing the children’s nappies which posed a potential infection control risk. This non-compliance was noted on the last inspection on the 7 July 2025. 2. The doors of the sanitary accommodation incorporating nappy changing remained open during the inspection which posed a potential infection control risk. This non-compliance was noted on the last inspection on the 7 July 2025. 3. In the sanitary accommodation incorporating the nappy changing area cleaning solutions were decanted into a bottle without content label or instructions for use attached. This non-compliance was noted on the last inspection on the 7 July 2025. 4. Waste was accessible to children in the sanitary accommodation adjacent to the Butterfly, Purple Ants and the Beetle rooms which posed a potential infection control risk. This non-compliance was noted on the last inspection on the 7 July 2025. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
  • General Safety: The person in charge stated in the response that: 1. On Thursday 26th February an immediate action was taken, the side gates were secured and all entry was through the front door only for all classes. The electrician has now fitted a permanent electromagnetic device with keypad to both gates, that will only be used by staff. Parents drop off and collection point is at front door. (Photographs included). 2. The fire door in Purple Ants room has been fitted with an alarm. (Photographs included). 3. The service had a health and safety assessment conducted to be sure any changes are in line with fire safety, ambulance and wheelchair access. A barrier was ordered to be made that meet this requirement and is due to be fitted which will be a permanent structure. (Sample type photograph included). 4. The sliding door has been secured and a stopper to prevent door from being derailed has been installed. (Photographs included). 5. A shelf has been fitted in the sleep room and the monitor and cable are safely secured. (Photograph included). 6. In respect of the kitchen, signs have been placed on the gate and all staff have been made aware that the gate must be always closed. (Photograph included). 7. In respect of the office administrative and management staff have been made aware that the door must be always closed. (Photograph included). 8. Indoor and outdoor monthly checklists were completed following the July 2025 inspection by management and we have now introduced individual classroom checklists also. (Photograph included). Infection Control: The person in charge stated in the response that: 1. Visual reminders for handwashing have been placed in the nappy changing areas and all staff have been re-trained in procedures. We are happy to observe staff using correct steps. (Photograph included). 2. Staff have been made aware and signs have been placed on doors. (Photograph included). 3. Our industry supplier was contacted and we have appropriate labelled bottles and instructions for staff. (Photograph included). 4. All bins in sanitary accommodation are no longer accessible to children. (Photograph included). Summary Comment In respect of the corrective actions taken documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement with the exception of General Safety – number 3 which remains outstanding until the building works are completed. The practices as stated will be reviewed on the next inspection

Regulation 25 — First aid

  • An adult qualified in First Aid response (FAR) was not rostered to be available on the premises between 08:00 - 08:30 on 25 February 2026
Provider's corrective action:
  • The person in charge stated in the response that on site FAR training has been arranged for 10 staff. This will provide the service with FAR cover in all eventualities. (Additional FAR certificate and group training confirmation included). Summary Comment In respect of the corrective actions taken documentary 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 27 — Supervision

  • (1) The registered provider did not submit the required notification of proposed change in circumstances to notify Tusla in advance of changes being made to the person in charge and the email address for the service
Provider's corrective action:
  • The person in charge stated in the response that a change in circumstance was submitted to Tusla in respect of a change to the person in charge. (Acknowledgment included). The registered provider has decided to keep the original service email address. Summary Comment In respect of the corrective actions taken documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement. The inspectorate reserves the right to edit responses received for reasons including clarity, completeness and compliance with administrative and legal processes. The contents of the report are compiled by the inspectorate body. Acknowledgments The inspectors wish to acknowledge the cooperation of the deputy person in charge, staff and children who were present on the day of the inspection

Regulation 29 — Premises

  • (e) 1. In the sanitary accommodation adjacent to the Purple Ants and Beetle rooms the taps at the wash hand basins were not suitable. The “push tap” mechanism in place was difficult for the children to manage independently and the water pressure was insufficient to support good handwashing technique
Provider's corrective action:
  • (e) 1. The person in charge stated in the response that the taps were replaced with lever taps which improved the accessibility and water pressure. (Photograph included). Summary Comment In respect of the corrective actions taken documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement. The practices as stated will be reviewed on the next inspection

Found compliant: Regulation 9, 16, 19, 26, 27, 28.

Inspection of 7 July 2025 — Inspection Report

Full report (PDF, Tusla)

Regulation 16 — Record in relation to pre-school service

  • Four accident and incident records reviewed were not signed by the children’s parents or guardians
Provider's corrective action:
  • The person in charge stated in the response that this non-compliance has been rectified by the parents signing the four accident and incident records. Staff have been retrained in the policy and procedures to ensure this doesn’t occur again in the future. (Completed accident and incidents records submitted) Summary Comment In respect of the corrective actions taken documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement. The practices as stated will be reviewed on the next inspection

Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play

  • 1. There were no waterproof covers on the seven mattresses in the wobbler sleep room. 2. A fifty-centimetre space was not in place between the cots in the sleep room. 3. A mattress cover was frayed and required replacing. 4. A foothold was noted in two cots as the mattress sheets were too tight causing the mattress to retract. 5. The surface of the adult chair in the sleep room was frayed and required replacing. 6. The surface of the children’s sitting bench in the Butterflies room was frayed and required replacing
  • 1. Gaps were noted in a small part of the wet pore surface in the outdoor play area. 2. The small bench in the Caterpillar play area was worn and weather beaten
Provider's corrective action:
  • The person in charge stated in the response that all staff have been retrained in the safe sleep policy and procedure and that the service is providing non-contact time where possible for each staff member to complete the QRF eLearning programme, specifically module 3. (QRF certificates submitted)
  • 1. Eight waterproof mattresses have been purchased and put in place. One additional mattress has been purchased in case of damage to any of the seven mattresses currently needed to ensure we always have the adequate number of mattresses (Receipt submitted). 2. Cots have been readjusted to the correct positions with a fifty-centimetre space in place between the cots in the sleep room. (Photograph submitted). 3. All bedding has been thoroughly inspected and any inadequate bedding has been disposed of. 4. All bedding has been thoroughly inspected and any inadequate bedding has been disposed of. 5. The adult chair has been removed until it can be it re-upholstered. 6. The Bench cushion has been re-upholstered. (Photograph submitted)
  • 1. The service is currently co-ordinating a suitable time for groundworks to proceed at a time that does not limit the children’s outdoor opportunities for learning and development. (Outline of works to be completed and quotation from the industry contractor submitted). 2. The small bench in the Caterpillar play area has been removed. Summary Comment In respect of (1)(b) and (3)(a) number two, the corrective actions taken and documentary evidence submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate was reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement. The practices as stated will be reviewed on the next inspection. In respect of (3)(a) number one, the corrective action as stated should meet the regulatory requirement. The registered provider will submit the evidence to the Early Years Inspector when the works to the outdoor play area are completed by November 3rd, 2025.The regulatory requirement will be met when the registered provider submits the evidence

Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

  • General Safety: 1. Staff were observed to bring three children to the nappy changing area to change their nappies. It was observed when the staff member changed one child’s nappy, the remaining two children were left on the floor with free access to the contents of the sanitary accommodation. The staff member was unable to act in the event of any incident or injury occurring as the staff member was fully occupied with the nappy change. 2. Fire safe restrictive opening devices were not in place on the windows of the rooms located to the front of the premises including the two sleep rooms. These windows opened onto the car park which posed a potential risk of unauthorised access into the service or exit from the service. 3. Visibility strips were not in place on the patio doors in the pre-school rooms which posed a potential injury risk in the event of children not recognising the glass. 4. A bottle of disinfectant stored in the cupboard under the sink in the butterfly room was accessible to children and posed a potential risk of harm to a child. 5. The kitchen and the contents within were accessible to children at times during the inspection as the stairgate was not closed when the staff member left the kitchen which posed a potential risk of harm. 6. The chairs for children attending the wobbler room did not provide an appropriate fit for the children. The children were not able to place their feet on the floor which was necessary to provide a suitable base of support to the child which posed a potential injury risk in the event of a fall. 7. A walk in storage area on the main corridor was open with empty bottles of cleaning agents accessible to children who were unsupervised on the corridor which posed a potential risk of harm. 8. The floor mats in the baby room were not non-slip and posed a potential slip or trip hazard. 9. Safety checklists for the indoor and outdoor environments were not in place in the service. 10. The most recent Garda vetting disclosure presented in respect of one of the staff members was not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI- RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. Infection Control: 1. The nappy changing practice observed was inadequate for infection control purposes due to the following: • Staff did not wash their hands before nappy changing. • Aprons were not worn consistently or appropriately by staff when carrying out nappy changing. • Staff members were observed to redress the child wearing the same gloves used for nappy changing. • Staff did not wash their hands after nappy changing. • Children’s hands were not washed after nappy changing. • The staff members were observed to clean down the nappy changing mat and wear the same gloves used for nappy changing. It was observed that the nappy changing mat was not cleaned down between the nappy changes of two children. • Soiled nappies placed in disposable nappy bags were placed on the shelves of other children’s storage areas, these areas were not cleaned after use 2. Staff were observed to bring three children to the nappy changing area to change their nappies. The staff member changed one child’s nappy while the remaining two children were left on the floor. One child was observed to let their soother fall from their mouth onto the floor of the sanitary accommodation and then proceeded to pick it up and place it back in its mouth again which posed a potential infection control risk. 3. The doors of the sanitary accommodation incorporating nappy changing remained open during the inspection which posed a potential infection control risk. 4. In the sanitary accommodation incorporating the nappy changing area cleaning solutions were decanted into a bottle without content label or instructions for use attached. 5. Waste was accessible to children in the sanitary accommodation which posed a potential infection control risk. There were no foot operated bins available. 6. Children’s clothes, wellington boots and other items were observed to be stored in the sanitary accommodation which posed a potential risk of cross contamination. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
  • General Safety: The person in charge stated the following in the response: 1. The daily plan now includes provision for two additional out of ratio staff each day to ensure full cover, so this doesn’t happen again. Staff have been retrained in the nappy changing and infection control policies and procedures, focusing on the sanitary areas. (Training record submitted). The service is also providing non-contact time where possible for each staff member to complete the QRF eLearning programme for each staff member, specifically module 4. (QRF certificates submitted). 2. Fire safe restrictive opening devices have been purchased and installed (Photograph submitted). 3. Visibility stickers have been added to the doors. Additional stickers have been purchased and stored in the child safety supplies, so they can be replaced as needed. (Photograph submitted). 4. The child safety lock on the cabinet has been replaced (Photograph submitted). 5. The kitchen door and stair gate are closed and kitchen staff members retrained in the importance of always keeping the kitchen area out of bounds. All staff have been reminded of the importance of risk assessing as they go and correcting anything out of this immediately. (Photograph submitted). 6. New age and stage appropriate chairs and tables have been purchased for the wobbler room. (Photograph submitted). 7. The walk in storage area on the main corridor is now secured. (Photograph submitted). 8. The floor mats have been removed. 9. New start of day/end of day safety checklists to be developed for use. Checklist implemented and each staff member individually trained in the procedure. (Checklists submitted). Staff are in the process of completing and repeating several online trainings including but not limited to: • Health and Safety • Critical Thinking • TUSLA QRF eLearning • Health and Safety Awareness • Health and Safety responsibilities and Risk assessments (Certificates submitted). 10. Garda vetting was applied for and received. The service will set up a more comprehensive warning system to flag renewal dates of Garda vetting. (Garda vetting disclosure submitted). Infection Control: The person in charge stated the following in the response: 1. Staff have retrained in nappy changing. (Training log submitted). Staff have completed health and safety training as previously outlined above to ensure that all staff members know their responsibilities and always ensure best practice. (Certificates submitted). 2. Staff have been retrained in the nappy changing and infection control policies and procedures, focusing on sanitary areas. The service is also providing non-contact time where possible for each staff member to complete the QRF e-learning programme for each staff member, specifically modules 3 and 4. (Certificates submitted). 3. As listed above staff have been clearly informed of keeping all doors and non-play-based areas, such as the sanitary accommodation closed when not in use. 4. The bottles were removed and staff reminded only to use the bottles that are labelled for each chemical in use. 5. Foot operated bins are available in the sanitary areas. (Photograph submitted). 6. The items were removed from the sanitary accommodation. The changing areas were renovated to include locked storage with sealed storage containers for spare clothes. (Photographs submitted). Summary Comment In respect of the corrective actions taken documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement. The practices as stated will be reviewed on the next inspection

Regulation 27 — Supervision

  • 1. It was observed during the inspection that children from the Ladybird room and the Butterflies room came into the sanitary accommodation from the outdoor play area unaccompanied by staff members. • At 11:00 four children were not supervised when using the toilet. • At 11:35 two children were not supervised when using the toilet. • At 14:40 one child was not supervised when using the toilet. 2. It was observed at sleep and rest time for the children, aged 2 to 3 years in the butterflies’ room, that a staff member did not stay in the room and supervise six children who were lying on low beds, some children were awake at this time. It is acknowledged that sleep checks were carried out every ten minutes by a staff member
Provider's corrective action:
  • The person in charge stated the following in the response: 1. Children are usually supervised by the person in charge when toileting by sound with the educators completing visual checks at regular intervals as few of our current children require active assistance with toileting at present. Due to the absent staff members, this practice could not be seen on the day as the person in charge was within ratio in the Ladybird room. Additional staff members have been employed to have extra relief staff options therefore there would be a staff member present with all children who require active assistance and support from a distance where a staff member from the learning room will stand at the door visually supervising the children in the learning room and listening for the child in the toilet. If there is a child who is confident in their toileting abilities, but staff members have experiences that support is still required there is a direct line of sight from both the Butterfly and Caterpillar room doors to be able to visually assess for assistance without imposing on the child’s right to autonomy. This practice is in line with the practice stated in the QRF. 2. The additional floater was not available on the day to facilitate a staff member in the sleep room. A decision was made as to which children required the visual supervision most, the children sleeping and resting or the children actively playing. The educators felt that the higher risk in the moment was with the active children engaged in play rather than the children in a safe and secure sleep room. In future, should this occur, children requiring sleep or rest will be staggered to ensure that there are only 5 or less children in the sleep room with physical 10-minute checks or remaining in the adjoining room with the remainder of that educators’ children in ratio, leaving the other educator with their children in ratio. Staff are undergoing training with the QRF to better support their understanding of safe sleep regulations. Summary Comment The corrective action stated by the person in charge should meet the regulatory requirement if implemented. The practices as stated will be reviewed on the next inspection. Additional risk identified

Regulation 29 — Premises

  • 1. In the sanitary accommodation adjacent to the baby room the wash hand basins were not suitable. At wash hand basin one, the water flow from the hot water tap could not be controlled and there is no auto stop once the tap was depressed. At wash hand basin three, the hot water tap was not working rendering the wash hand basin ineffective. 2. In the sanitary accommodation adjacent to the Butterflies room the wash hand basins were not suitable. The water flow from the hot water tap could not be controlled and there is no auto stop once the tap was depressed. 3. The toiler roll holder was broken in the second toilet cubicle in the sanitary accommodation next to the Butterflies room
Provider's corrective action:
  • The person in charge stated the following in the response: 1. The nappy changing areas and toilets were updated during the summer closure week which included updating all sinks and taps. (Photograph submitted). 2. The nappy changing areas and toilets were updated during the summer closure week which included updating all sinks and taps. (Photograph submitted). 3. The toiler roll holder was replaced. (Photograph submitted). Summary Comment In respect of the corrective actions 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. The practices as stated will be reviewed on the next inspection

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

Inspection of 13 February 2024 — Inspection Report

Full report (PDF, Tusla)

No non-compliance recorded in this report.

Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 18, 19, 23, 25, 26, 28, 33.

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