Regulation 11 in Donegal
Staffing Levels: 2 non-compliance(s) in the latest reports we read.
An inspection records what inspectors saw on one day; services respond with corrective actions — how to read this.
29 November 2025
Fairytales Day Care, Letterkenny · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) The registered provider did not ensure that there was at all times an adequate number of adults working directly with the children attending the pre-school service. During the hours of 9am to 10:23am one staff member was working with the children. It is acknowledged that a second staff member arrived at 10:23am. (8) The registered provider did not ensure that two adults were on the premises at all times in line with part time regulatory requirements
Provider's corrective action:
- Registered provider took immediate action on the morning to safeguard a member of staff, due to an outbreak of an infectious condition within the setting. The room leader asked the staff member not to attend in case of risk. The outbreak was only informed at drop off in the morning, and the registered provider, working in the sister service, found cover immediately and travelled over to the setting. This left a gap in time, but we acted with the duty of care and responsibility for the staff member. Upon reflection, I could have asked the staff member to attend and wait in the hallway until the cover arrived, but it was at that point where I made the decision to call her and ask to not to attend. I felt I was safeguarding them and not puting them at any risk whatsoever
12 March 2025
Shelly's Childcare Service, Buncrana · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (2) Minimum ratios of adults to children were not adhered to in the following rooms. Required ratio of adults per children’s age group are listed below. These instances occurred when staff were required to leave the care rooms for nappy changes. Age Range Required Ratio 0-1 years 1:3 1-2 years 1:5 2-3 years 1:6 3-6 years 1:8 • Baby room at 11:10am One adult cared for eight children. Four aged 0-1 years and four aged 1-2 years. • Wobbler Room from 11:12am Two adults cared for 12 children. Ten aged 1-2 years, and two aged 2-3 years. • Toddler room at 10:17am Two adults cared for 14 children. All aged 2-3 years
Provider's corrective action:
- Management has reminded staff that during nappy changes, or whenever a staff member needs to leave the room, they must request a manager to step in and provide cover. This is standard practice at Shelly’s Childcare; however, due to nerves on the day of inspection, it was not consistently followed. Management has addressed the issue directly with staff in both rooms and emphasized that it must be always adhered to. Management will also be more vigilant during these periods to ensure appropriate cover is in place. A reminder has been issued to all staff