Sessional · 2 - 6 Years · Ballinrobe, Mayo · Tusla ID TU2015MO040 · 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
0non-compliances at latest report read
0immediate action notices
0registration conditions
Inspection of 6 May 2026 — Inspection Report
Full report: search this service ID on the Tusla inspection reports search. The direct file name contains the provider's personal name, which this site does not publish.
No non-compliance recorded in this report.
Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 19, 23.
Inspection of 1 April 2025 — Inspection Report
Full report: search this service ID on the Tusla inspection reports search. The direct file name contains the provider's personal name, which this site does not publish.
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
(d) 1. Three of 8 adults had worked outside the jurisdiction, for longer than 6 consecutive months or more, while over the age of 18 years but did not have the required Police vetting . It was acknowledged that the registered provider had made efforts to assist in obtaining one Police vetting for one adult working in the service but there was no Police vetting disclosure
Provider's corrective action:
In relation to one staff member their curriculum vitae did not accurately reflect their time spent outside of the jurisdiction. When amended the y no longer required the Police vetting. Applications have been made for the required police vetting for the remaining two staff members
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: • Garda vetting was available for fifteen staff members. However, one vetting disclosure was not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI- RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’
Provider's corrective action:
A Garda vetting application was submitted and received. The registered provider will ensure all Garda vetting’s are renewed and staff files are checked regularly
Found compliant: Regulation 11, 19, 25, 26, 28.
Inspection of 2 February 2024 — Inspection Report
Full report: search this service ID on the Tusla inspection reports search. The direct file name contains the provider's personal name, which this site does not publish.
Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
(7) It is acknowledged that staff had attended external training however there was no evidence of internal training of policies or induction. The staff handbook stated that in relation to support and supervision, regular meetings would be held between employee and managers including training needs identification with written records kept. It is acknowledged that there were supervision records available for some staff but not all staff members
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider advised in a written response that: Corrective and Preventive Action First Steps are scheduling staff support meetings in the timeframes outlined in our staff support and supervision policy. Follow up will take place after these meetings. Annual appraisal meetings are be scheduled for June every year and will be documented and filed. Times scheduled in on calendar for staff support meetings and dates scheduled in for appraisals in the calendar for June 2024
Regulation 10 — Policies, procedures etc. of pre-school service
The following policies were unavailable for review in the service. (t) Staff training policy. (u) Supervision policy. The following polices reviewed by the inspectors on inspection did not contain adequate detail to meet the requirements of the regulation: (e) policy on managing behaviour, (f) policy on safe sleep, (j) policy on accidents and incidents
Provider's corrective action:
(e), (f), (j), (t) and (u) The registered provider advised in a written response that: Corrective and Preventive Action Management will ensure that correct procedures and checklists are completed for all new staff and students commencing employment or placement at First Steps Creche and afterschool. Reviewed policies and procedures will be discussed with all team members and amended if required following staff discussion. All policies and procedures will be reviewed every two years or sooner if management and staff feel a need to review or update changes to the service. All policies and procedures are currently under review in the creche
Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
A large thin fabric mat was provided for all the children to rest/sleep on in the Preschool 2 playroom and a thick blanket was provided for the children to lie on during rest time in the Preschool 1 playroom instead of an individual sleep mat or child bed as described in the service’s safe sleep policy
Provider's corrective action:
The registered provider advised in a written response that: Corrective and Preventive Action The registered provider spoke to all parents in Preschool 1 and Preschool 2 playrooms on the 6 February 2024 regarding their children’s sleep needs. Two parents in Preschool 2 playroom requested that their child will be given the opportunity to sleep for 30/40 minutes each day. A set of six sleep mats were ordered and are now in place in the room. The service’s sleep policy has been reviewed and amended to reflect this. All changes have been discussed with each staff member regarding the updated safe sleep policy and a new sleep checklist in place with 10-minute checks on each child. This will be monitored by management to ensure correct procedures are taking place
Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. There were two metal hooks protruding from a section of wooden fencing in the outdoor area with the potential to cause an injury to a child. 2. The second securing mechanism located on the inside of the wooden gate used by the children attending the Preschool 1 playroom was broken and required repair. 3. A section of the plastic mesh fencing surrounding the enclosed sand pit was damaged with sharp edges of plastic exposed and posed a risk of injury to children. Infection Control: 4. An open bin was provided in the Toddler playroom and a push top bin in one of the sanitary units used by the Preschool 1 playroom children instead of the required foot pedal operated bins. Action submitted by the Registered Provider The registered provider advised in a written response that:
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: 1. The hooks were removed. 2. A new securing mechanism was put in place. 3. The whole fencing area was replaced. A designated outdoor health and safety officer has been assigned to check and risk assess that areas are safe and will liaise with managers regarding any areas that require maintenance or pose risk to children. Infection Control: 4. Both bins were changed immediately
Regulation not named in the report text
(1) & (3) The service had changed their opening hours from 07:30 - 18:00 hours to 8:00 - 17:00 hours without notifying the Early Years Inspectorate
Provider's corrective action:
(1) & (3) The registered provider advised in a written response that: Corrective and Preventive Action A change of circumstance form was submitted to TUSLA on the 8 February 2024 updating hours the service operates from 7.30am-18.00 hours to 08.00am-17.30 hours. Management will ensure that change of circumstance forms are submitted prior to any change in the service in the future