Full Day · 0 - 6 Years · Ballybrittas, Laois · Tusla ID TU2020LS002 · Registered since 25 September 2023
An inspection records what inspectors saw on one day; services respond with corrective actions — how to read this.
2published inspections
2non-compliances at latest report read
0immediate action notices
0registration conditions
Inspection of 4 November 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 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for twelve 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’. 2. The protective bumper on a pole in the outdoor play area had worn away and was no longer providing adequate protection against injury should a child run into the pole during outdoor play. Infection Control: 3. Appropriate protocols were not in place to prevent the spread of infectious diseases within the premises. No procedure was in place regarding the hygienic management of mouthing toys and equipment in order to minimise the spread of infection. Staff were unable to describe how they manage the cleaning of communal toys in the preschool rooms. 4. Handwashing practices were inadequate to control the spread of infection. This was evidenced during nappy changes whereby the staff member did not wash their hands after nappy changes. The inspector observed that staff also did not routinely supervise handwashing after children used the toilets or wash children’s hands after they had their nappies changed. This was at variance to the services policy on infection control procedures for hand hygiene. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
General Safety: 1. The registered provider has submitted an application for the Garda Vetting disclosure that required renewal. 2. Protective bumper on pole has been replaced and training for staff will be arranged regarding reporting maintenance issues. Infection Control: 3. An infection control folder was created, providing clear guidelines on the policy and procedure for infection control. The folder is kept in the reception area of the service and includes "Notice of Infection" sheets at the entrance of the service, Deep Clean Schedule, Notifiable Diseases, Notifications of Incident, Notification of Incident forms, Infection Control Policy and the Illness Policy and Handbook. A checklist has been put in place outlining the procedure to be followed by the Person In Charge. 4. Staff were reminded of the nappy changing procedure and training was completed. Training to be redone with all staff
Regulation 25 — First aid
A review of the staff roster indicated that a First Aid Response (FAR) qualified staff member was not present in the service between 07.30am and 09:00am each day. This posed a potential risk to children in the event of a medical emergency requiring first aid occurring
Provider's corrective action:
Additional staff have been scheduled to attend FAR training to ensure there is always a FAR trained employee on the premises during the hours of operation. Training has also been scheduled for the management team on ensuring FAR trained employees exiting the company have a replacement trained as quickly as possible
Found compliant: Regulation 9, 11, 19, 20, 26, 29.
Inspection of 18 June 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 20 — Facilities for rest and play
The toddler room required review. Toys and equipment for imaginary and sensory play were required for children’s use
1. The rest areas in the pre-school rooms required review to provide a cosy rest area for children to rest and relax. 2. A cot mattress with stains required replacement in the main sleep room
Provider's corrective action:
The Operations and Area Manager stated the following in the response on behalf of the registered provider:
The toddler room has been rearranged to provide clearly defined areas and additional resources have been provided including a sensory and messy play tray which has been set up, to be regularly re-filled with a variety of resources – sand, water, pasta shapes, play dough etc. There are also sensory bags and bottles included in the area. The art and mark making area has been made more accessible to the children with free access to all mark making materials. A music area has been made more visible. A dress up rack has been placed in the dress up area and mirrors have been put up on the wall. A small world area has been opened making it more visible and enticing. Sofas have been added to the cosy corner and book corner. The construction area has been made more defined. Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include completing monthly room audit checklists to monitor resources and room set up, setting up clearly defined areas. New monthly room audit checklist has been created to support staff in monitoring their rooms. (1)(b) -1 New sofas have been introduced from an industry supplier. Resources in areas to be regularly monitored by staff using the “monthly room audit checklist” and passed to managers for follow up and re-stocking. (Photograph and checklist included) (1)(b) -2 The stained cot mattress cover was washed, and the stain came out. Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include, ensuring the job has been completed before ticking off checklists. Mattress covers are now included on the “items for washing machine cleaning schedule” The cleaning checklist for the sleep room is still in place. (Photograph, agenda and checklist included) Summary Comment In respect of the corrective actions taken photographic and 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 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
General Safety: The fridge in the junior pre-school room on the first floor was accessible to children with a homeopathic medicinal product stored within which posed a potential risk of harm if accessed or ingested by a child. Infection Control: 1. The nappy changing procedure observed was inadequate for infection control purposes: • The staff member did not wash their hands before nappy changing. • The child was re dressed by the staff member wearing the gloves used for nappy changing. • The staff member did not wash their hands or the child’s hands after nappy changing until prompted to do so by the inspector. 2. Bins used for waste disposal in pre-school rooms were left full and unemptied which was inadequate as a hygiene control practice. 3. A broken toilet seat and a paper hand towel dispenser were disposed of behind a toilet unit in the sanitary accommodation on the first floor instead of in a bin or by being removed from the service which was inadequate as a hygiene control practice. 4. Clothes for dress up in junior pre-school room on the first floor were stored together in a box which was inadequate for infection control. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
The Operations and Area Manager stated the following in the response on behalf of the registered provider: General Safety: In the Junior pre-school room, the homeopathic medicinal product stored in the fridge was removed. Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include child safety and no access to medication. (Photograph included) Infection Control: 1 Staff have been re-trained on the nappy changing procedure using the nappy changing room poster for guidance. One to one staff training provided and copy of procedure given to and signed for by all staff. Additional staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include the correct nappy changing procedure including demonstration. The nappy changing procedure will be given to new staff as part of induction process. (Photograph, agenda, staff sign off included) 2 The bins were emptied. Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include, calling for cover if staff need to bring out bins during the day. (Photograph included) 3 The broken toilet seat and paper towel dispenser at the back of the toilet unit were removed and disposed of. Pre-school toilet cleaning checklist has had “check area is free from debris” added and staff have been advised. (Photograph included) 4 A dress up rack has been placed in the dress up area. Resources in areas to be regularly monitored by staff using the “monthly room audit checklist” and passed to managers for follow up and re-stocking. (Photograph included) Summary Comment In respect of the corrective actions taken photographic and 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 25 — First aid
1. Based on the requirements for 11-25 people, in a separate building that accommodated two pre-school rooms. The following supplies were not in place in the first aid bags located in the pre-school rooms on the first floor. • Two water-based burns dressings. • One pocket face mask. • Twenty individual wrapped disinfectant wipes (alcohol free). • Six large wound dressings. • One extra-large wound dressing. • One triangular bandage. 2. The following supplies were not in place in the first aid bag in the reception area located on the ground floor. • One water-based burns dressings
Provider's corrective action:
The Operations and Area Manager stated the following in the response on behalf of the registered provider: (2)(a) -1 All first aid bags and boxes have been re-stocked. First aid staff have now been trained to overstock first aid boxes so that stock levels never fall below the minimum required. (Photograph included) (2)(a) - 2 All first aid bags and boxes have been re-stocked. First aid staff have now been trained to overstock first aid boxes so that stock levels never fall below the minimum required. (Photograph included) Summary Comment In respect of the corrective actions taken photographic and 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 29 — Premises
(c) 1. Windows were not open in the sanitary accommodation to allow for natural ventilation. (d) Cleaning schedules available and reviewed were at variance with the following findings on the inspection. 1. The gutters of the premises were overgrown with nesting birds flying and droppings noted above the main entrance door to the service. 2. On the lobby area adjacent to the pre-school rooms on the first floor the floor covering was stained with a sticky black residue. 3. In the junior pre-school room on the first-floor paint brushes for use by children were observed to have ingrained paint and dust. 4. In the outdoor play area, the four table and bench units were noted to be worn and in need of replacement. 5. In the sanitary accommodation adjacent to the pre-school rooms on the first floor a covering was missing from a light fitting. 6. In the sanitary accommodation adjacent to the pre-school rooms on the first floor a toilet seat cover was missing from a toilet. Baby Room Nappy Changing Area 7. The wash hand basin was heavily stained and required cleaning. 8. Paper hand towel was not placed in the dispenser secured to the wall. Toddler Nappy Changing Area 9. Paper hand towel was not placed in the dispenser secured to the wall. 10. The base of the nappy changing unit was heavily stained. 11. There was no pedal bin in place for the hygienic disposable of hand towels. Children were observed to open the lid of the nappy changing bin and place used hand towels inside the bin after handwashing. Toddler room 12. The sweeping brush was full of dust, physical debris and required replacement. 13. The mat in the rest area required cleaning. 14. The sink was heavily stained and required cleaning. 15. Patches of paint was missing at the splashback behind the sink and required painting. 16. Patches of paint was missing along the saddle board in the rest area and required painting. 17. The cushion in the adult chair was threadbare with visible foam and required replacing. 18. The children’s step up at the wash handbasin required cleaning. 19. The straps for the three highchairs were heavily stained and required cleaning or replacement. (e) First Floor Sanitary Accommodation 1. The water pressure at the two wash hand basins in the sanitary accommodation adjacent to the pre- school rooms on the first floor was insufficient to provide a flow suitable for adequate handwashing
Provider's corrective action:
The Operations and Area Manager stated the following in the response on behalf of the registered provider: (c) (1) The window is now opened every morning as part of the opening routine. (Photograph included) The task to “open pre-school WC window” has been added to the opening and closing routine checklist. Included on the agenda for staff training on 17th July 2024. (d)(1) The gutters and door have been cleaned and this task has been added to the monthly risk assessment for the entrance area. (Photograph included) (d)(2) The black residue on the floor has been removed. Training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include cleaning and checklists, ensuring jobs are completed before checking off. (Photograph included) (d)(3) The paint brushes have been replaced. Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include, completing monthly room audit checklists to monitor resources and cleaning equipment as part of daily checklists, making sure it is done before ticking off. (Photograph included) (d)(4) The outdoor tables have been replaced. Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include risk assessments – noting maintenance issues and advising management. (Photograph included) (d)(5) The cover for the light fitting in the pre-school toilet has been replaced. A new monthly room audit checklist has been created to support staff in monitoring their rooms and staff training is scheduled for 17th July 2024. (Photograph included) (d)(6) The toilet seat cover in the pre-school toilet has been replaced. A new monthly room audit checklist has been created to support staff in monitoring their rooms and staff training is scheduled for 17th July 2024. (Photograph included) (d)(7) The stained sink in the baby room has been cleaned. Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include, cleaning and checklists, ensuring jobs are completed before checking off. (Photograph included) (d)(8) The paper towel dispenser in the baby room was refilled with paper towel. Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include, cleaning and checklists, ensuring jobs are completed before checking off and the opening and closing checklist. (Photograph included) (d)(9) The paper towel dispenser in the toddler nappy changing area was refilled with paper towel. Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include, cleaning and checklists, ensuring jobs are completed before checking off and the opening and closing checklist. (Photograph included) (d)(10) The toddler nappy changing area has been cleaned and is scheduled for painting by 2nd August 2024.Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include risk assessments – noting maintenance issues and advising management. (Photograph included) (d)(11) A new pedal operated bin has been provided for the toddler nappy changing area. Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include risk assessments – noting maintenance issues and advising management. (Photograph included) (d)(12) The brush has been disposed of and a new brush purchased for the toddler room. Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include, cleaning and checklists, ensuring jobs are completed before checking off. (Photograph included) (d)(13) The rest area rug has been cleaned in the toddler room. Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include, ensuring a job has been completed before ticking off checklists. Rugs are now included on the “items for washing machine cleaning schedule” (Photograph included) (d)(14) The sink in the toddler room has been cleaned. Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include, ensuring a job has been completed before ticking off checklists. (Photograph included) (d)(15) In the toddler room, at the splashback of the sink mirrors have been provided and patches of paintwork have been touched up. Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include risk assessments – noting maintenance issues and advising management. (Photograph included) (d)(16) The skirting board in the toddler room has been cleaned and is scheduled for painting by 2nd August 2024. Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include risk assessments – noting maintenance issues and advising management. (Photograph included) (d)(17) In the toddler room the adult chair has been removed and replaced. Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include risk assessments – noting maintenance issues and advising management. (Photograph included) (d)(18) The children’s step has been cleaned. Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include, ensuring a job has been completed before ticking off checklists. (Photograph included) (d)(19) The highchair straps in the toddler room have been cleaned. Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include, ensuring a job has been completed before ticking off checklists. (Photograph included) (e)(1) The water pressure at the taps in the pre-school sanitary accommodation has been resolved. Staff training to be provided at a staff meeting on the 17th of July 2024 to include risk assessments – noting maintenance issues and advising management. (Photograph included) Summary Comment In respect of the corrective actions taken photographic and 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