Regulation 11 in Dublin
Staffing Levels: 36 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.
15 June 2026
Ringsend Creche Ltd, Dublin 4 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (2) The registered provider did not ensure that the minimum ratio of adults to children was maintained in the service. Observation on the day, a review of the roster and a review of previous attendance showed there was an insufficient number of adults available to the children in the Toddler room. One adult was rostered and was present to care for the six children in the one to two years age range who attend the room. Two adults are required for this number of children in this age range
Provider's corrective action:
- (2) The service report that when the issue was identified, the ratio was adjusted to 1:5. This had been an oversight due to change over happening in this room. The roster for the remainder of the week was immediately reviewed and amended to make sure that a minimum of two staff members were assigned to the Toddler Room whenever it was needed. They have updated roster procedure to allow a signed off for management to check it weekly in accordance with child to adult ratios. Staff have also been reminded of required ratios
28 May 2026
Little Brightstars Montessori Ltd, Ballyboughal · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (8)(a) Based on a review of the staff attendance records the registered provider did not ensure that 2 adults were present on the premises at all times. This was apparent on the 26/05/2026 when there was no record available for staff members who were present in the service
Provider's corrective action:
- The Staff Absence Policy was reviewed and updated to reflect that unqualified staff members will not be left with the early years children in the morning even if there is qualified staff present. To prevent this from happening again we will close the creche if qualified staff are absent due to unforeseen circumstances
26 May 2026
Cocoon Childcare Citywest, Dublin 24 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) The inspector observed that an adequate number of adults were not available to meet the needs of the children in the Wobbler room between 11:54 and 12:17. The children were displaying signs of overtiredness and therefore required more attention to meet their emotional and sleep needs than the available adults could provide as outlined. From 11:54 to 11:58 The inspector observed one adult in the Wobbler room attempting to comfort three children simultaneously while the other adults were placing children to sleep in the cot room. The three children were crying loudly. Another child (Child 4) had been transferred into the Wobbler room from the Toddler room and was sitting on a matted area crying intermittently. At 12:08 a second adult arrived and the first adult took Child 2 to the cot room. At 12:12 another adult was observed sitting with Child 4 in her arms. The adult was unable to provide Child 1 with the comfort required. The child was placed to sleep by another adult at 12:17. The absence of available staff to comfort children when upset may negatively impact children’s emotional wellbeing, sense of security and ability to self-regulate
Provider's corrective action:
- The Branch Manager held a meeting with the Wobbler Room team to reinforce the service's needs-led sleep policy and practice. Staff were reminded that children must be offered opportunities to sleep or rest when they display signs of tiredness, in accordance with their individual needs. This remains the service's usual practice, and the meeting served to reinforce expectations and promote consistent implementation across the team. The Branch Manager will continue to monitor and support practice within the Wobbler Room to ensure that children’s individual sleep needs are consistently met, in line with a needs-led approach. Ongoing monitoring, guidance, and supervision will be provided to ensure that daily routines reflect each child's established sleep requirements. Continued monitoring will help to ensure this does not reoccur and that children's individual care needs remain the priority at all times
11 May 2026
Nzone, Kinsealy · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- The registered provider did not ensure that at least two adults were present on the premises at all times, as evidenced through the staffing roster
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider confirmed that two staff members will be on site at all times
28 April 2026
Cocobee Childcare, Dublin 18 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) An adequate number of adults were not working directly with the children attending the service at all times during the inspection as detailed below. (2) The registered providers did not ensure that the minimum ratio of adults to children was maintained in the service at all times. An insufficient number of adults were available to the children attending in the Junior and Senior Montessori rooms during the morning of inspection. Additionally, a review of documentation available and conversation with staff highlighted that the rooms were also out of ratio on the morning of 24 April 2026 as outlined below: 28 April 2026 • Staff stated that Junior Montessori and Senior Montessori join rooms until a third staff member arrives at 8.45 am. Documentation available for review evidenced that the ratios increased from 16 to 19 between 8.39 and 8.45am during which time there was 2 staff present. These children were in the 3 to 6-year age range attending on a full day care basis; the minimum ratio of adults to children for this age range is 1:8. • Between 10.08 and 10.28 am the inspectors observed that there were 17 children present with 2 adults in the senior Montessori room. 24 April 2026 • Documentation reviewed evidenced that 2 adults were rostered to care for the Junior Montessori children and Senior Montessori children until 9am. Between 8.23 and 9.00 am the ratio increased from 16 to 20 children. When the third staff member arrived at 9am and the rooms split there were 2 adults caring for 17 children all of whom were attending the Senior Montessori room on a full-time basis
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered providers submitted the following corrective and preventive actions: An immediate review of staffing arrangements was carried out following the inspection. Morning rosters have been adjusted to ensure sufficient staff are available during arrival times and rooms will not be combined where this would result in ratios being exceeded. Management will continue to monitor attendance and staffing levels throughout the day to ensure ratios are maintained at all times. Where a staff member is delayed or absent, relief staff will be contacted immediately and deployed without delay to maintain ratios
24 April 2026
Cocoon Childcare - Kimmage, Dublin 12 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) An adequate number of adults were not working directly with the children attending the service at all times during the inspection as detailed below under (2)
- The registered provider did not ensure that the minimum ratio of adults to children was maintained in the service at all times. An insufficient number of adults were available to the children intermittently during the morning of inspection attending on a p art time and full day care basis in the Senior Preschool, Senior Toddlers, Junior Toddlers, and Junior Wobblers: - From 8:35am until 9:22am across the aforementioned five care rooms, adults were observed caring for preschool children aged between 1 to 4 years for periods of 2 to 12 minutes not within the required minimum adult to child ratios for the ages of the children in attendance in these rooms. Staff members who were not rostered to work in the service on the day of inspection arrived resulting in the adult to child ratio being met as follows: - The area manager was present working directly in the care rooms with the children when the inspectors arrived at the service. At 8:58am, 9:04am, 9:18am, and 9:32am three adults employed in other centres operated by the registered provider, and one adult em ployed in the service’s head office, arrived to the service to work directly with the children across the care rooms
Provider's corrective action:
- (1) The service has since had three employees commence their employment and also still has additional support provided from an external agency, operations manager and other Cocoon services when required. The companies Emergency Relief Panel also remains in place as support to the service if required due to unexpected absences. The services operating hours were also temporarily reduced to 8:00am – 5:00pm in response to this. (2) Due to unexpected absences on the morning of the inspection and time required to arrange alternative cover and transport this resulted in momentary lapses in the adult to child ratios. Once notified of the unexpected absences, team members and the emergency relief panel was contacted to arrive to the centre. The service has since had three employees commence their employment and also the services emergency relief panel has been on site along with a member of the operations team where required to ensure adult to child ratios are being met each day and offer support in the event of unexpected absences. The centre also reduced their operating hours temporarily in response to this. Three additional team members have commenced their employment with an additional five staff due to commence as soon as garda vetting returns. The registered provider has recruited for additional team members to ensure if extra support is required for the service in the event of unexpected absences or further garda vetting delays. The centre will continue to be supported by the operations manager, other centres, an external employment agency and emergency relief panel if required. The service temporarily reduced the centre operating hours in response to this and has recruited additional team members for the service to ensure additional support is available when required. Members of the operations team, other services and emergency relief panel have been on site and will continue to do so where required. The centre manager will ensure to update the centre roster regularly throughout the day where required to reflect any changes in staffing scheduled for the service
23 April 2026
Fitzwilliam Nursery and Montessori School, Dublin 2 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) The registered provider did not ensure that there was an adequate number of staff working directly with the children. For example, six staff were present in the service when the inspector arrived at 9:45am all of whom were required to work directly with th e children to meet their needs. However , staff were required to attend to other tasks such as opening the service door to visitors and preparing snacks for the children which left insufficient staff in the care rooms to work directly with the children. It is acknowledged that an additional staff member who is not normally present in the service arrived at 10:03am to provide cover in the care rooms during the inspection. (2) While it is acknowledged that ratios were maintained within the service on the day of inspection, through discussion with staff, the person in charge, and observation of paperwork, the inspector retrospectively established the following: • Between the times of 12pm-1pm on the week days rostered of 21 and 22 of April, two staff members within the Montessori room were required to cover their own lunch breaks while 14 children aged 3-5 years of age were present. • Throughout discussion with staff and the person in charge, it was reiterated that staff members within the service individually leave the classrooms on a daily basis between 10-15 minutes to prepare the children’s morning snack, leaving the remaining staff member out of the required adult to child ratio inadequate
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. An advertisement has been placed, with onboarding ongoing at the service to ensure that there is additional staff to cover ratios within the service. 2. An extra staff member is being employed to ensure there is consistent cover at all times and to prepare the snacks and dinners within the kitchen. A daily risk assessment now includes visible cover to ensure ratios are always maintained
23 April 2026
The Village Day Care & Montessori School Ltd, Dublin 22 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) The minimum ratio of adults to children was not adhered to in Montessori 1, on 22 April 2026 between 12:15-12:27pm. One adult was working directly with nine children aged 3-5 years, during this time. The service was providing full day care to children. This care requires an adult child ratio of 1 adult to every 8 children. (2) The minimum ratio of adults to children was not adhered to in Montessori 1 room on 22 April 2026 between 12:15-12:27pm
Provider's corrective action:
- The manager did speak to the staff member reiterating the importance of notifying the manager by the internal phone if the ratios were incorrect. The service had a staff meeting regarding the safety of children in their care and to remind staff of the childcare regulations relating to this and also about the importance of using the internal phone system to notify or ask for assistance or anything related to the safety of the children in their care
13 April 2026
Carousel Day Nursery, Dublin 5 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (2) The registered provider did not ensure that the minimum ratio of adults to children was maintained at all times. An insufficient number of adults was available to the children in the Playgroup room during sleep time. Service Type Age Range Number of children present Number of adults present Minimum number of adults required Full Day Care 2- 3 years 10 1 2 The correct adult child ratio for this age group is one adult caring for six children attending on a full-time basis
Provider's corrective action:
- (2) Management have noted there needs to be two staff members with the children at sleep time. Management have adjusted the rosters to facilitate this and have also instructed the staff member who organises the staff shifts to keep this regulation in mind at all times
1 April 2026
Early Journeys, Dublin 9 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) The registered provider did not ensure there was an adequate number of adults working directly with the children based on the individual ages of the children present in the service at all times across the days of inspection. For example: o On day two at 12.40pm there was 8 adults caring for 62 children aged between 1-5 years 10 were required. o On day two at 2.45pm there was 10 adults caring for 59 children aged between 1-5 years 10 were required. o On day three at 12.57pm there was 8 adults caring for 58 children aged between 1-5 years 10 were require. (2) The registered provider did not ensure that the adult child ratios were maintained in the service at all times across the two days of inspection. The following was observed: Day 1 Time Room Age range No. of children present Staff present Staff required 10.46-11.20am Baby 1-2 years 17 3 4 Day 2 Time Room Age range No. of children present Staff present Staff required 12.41-12.51pm Preschool 3-4 years 9 1 2 12.30-12.51pm Ready for school 3-6 years 21 2 3 12.51-1.30pm Ready for school 3-6 23 2 3 2.45pm Outdoor area 3-6 years 31 2 4 • Discussion with staff confirmed they had been out of ratio since lunches began on day 2. • The group of 31 children returned indoors at 3:04pm and were separated into two care rooms; the preschool room and the ready for school room. The following was observed; o Twelve children were in the preschool room with one staff member; two staff were required. o Nineteen children were in the Ready for school room with two staff members; three were required. Day 3 Time Room Age range No. of children present Staff present Staff required 12.53pm Baby 1-3.5years 21 3 4 2.00pm Baby 1-3.5years 19 3 4 12.52pm Ready for school 3-6 years 20 2 3 2.05pm Ready for school 3-6 years 19 2 3
Provider's corrective action:
- (1) Staffing levels have been adjusted to ensure compliance with required ratios at all times. Additional relief staff have been secured to support ratio compliance. A designated person in charge is assigned daily to monitor ratios throughout the day. Ratio checks are now recorded at set intervals and reviewed by management. A staffing contingency plan has been developed, including access to a panel of trained relief staff to cover short-notice absences. Management has introduced a live ratio tracking system to monitor child attendance and staffing levels in real time with the use of a software application. (2) Following the inspection, staffing arrangements and room allocations were immediately reviewed to ensure the required adult-child ratios are maintained at all times. Additional oversight measures have been implemented by management to monitor ratios throughout the day, and staff have been reminded of their responsibility to ensure compliance with Regulation 11. Management has implemented enhanced ratio monitoring procedures, including regular daily checks of attendance and staffing levels to ensure compliance with adult-child ratio requirements at all times. Staff deployment will be reviewed throughout the day by management, and ongoing monitoring and spot checks will be carried out to prevent a recurrence of this non- compliance
31 March 2026
Ballinteer Montessori School, Dublin 16 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) The minimum ratio of adults to children was not adhered to in Montessori 2, on 30 March 2026. One adult was working directly with ten children aged 3-5 years, from 9.50am -1.30pm. The service was operating a camp on the day of inspection which only provided full day and part time care to children. This care requires an adult child ratio of 1 adult to every 8 children. This was only rectified when it was brought to the attention of the registered provider at 1.30pm
Provider's corrective action:
- The service forgot that sessional care does not apply outside of term time and thought we were in ratio 1:10. An additional teacher went into Montessori 2 at 1.30pm when this was brought to our attention by the inspector. The registered provider will ensure that all staff are aware of the ratio’s outside of term time and management guarantee that this error will not occur in the future
19 February 2026
Ready Steady Play, Dublin 16 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- On 10 December 2025 and 7 January 2026 (8)(a) Two adults were not on the premises on either day of inspection. The person in charge advised the inspector on 10 December 2026, that the service will close early as no additional staff were available to work in the service. On 7 January 2026, the person in charge stated the service was closed as a second person was not available to work in the service
Provider's corrective action:
- (8)(a) The service has revised their staff absences policy to ensure two staff are always on. The service has issued all staff with the newly revised updated “ staff absences policy” reminding them of the importance of this policy in relation to staff absences and emphasised that it must be adhered to going forward, if not, then disciplinary measures may be implemented against them. In the revised new policy there are actual times (am/pm) that staff must notify the service of any absence, to enable the service to better respond and get adequate cover in time
18 February 2026
Kids Inc., Swords · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (2) The registered provider did not ensure that the adult to child ratio was maintained in the baby room on both days of the inspection as evidenced by the following: 1. In the Baby room there were 4 children aged 9 months to 1 year 1 month (two children under 12 months with ratio 1:3 and two children over 12 months with ratio 1:5) being cared for by 1 staff member. Two staff members were required to maintain the correct adult to child ratio
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action The ratio has been corrected. As per ratio regulations a single ratio is not applied uniformly where mixed ages are accommodated in one room instead the requirement for each is calculated. The requirement for this number of children was 1.06 adults which was calculated on the day as 1. Preventive Action A new ratio calculator was introduced to help with ratio calculation. After consultation with Tusla inspectors, management has been retrained in minimum requirement for mix aged group. Summary Comment The inspector has reviewed the actions and evidence submitted. The non-compliances under Regulation 11 have been addressed
16 February 2026
Giraffe Childcare IFSC, Dublin 1 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) The registered provider did not ensure an adequate number of staff were available to meet the care needs of the children on day one of the inspection in a timely manner. The following was observed in the baby Acacia and toddler Serengeti rooms: o children who demonstrated a need for comfort could not be assisted as staff were attending to the needs of other children, o children were observed to engage in negative behaviours that required support which went unaddressed by staff as they attended to other children o transitions were prolonged which led to frustration for children. These are further detailed in the noncompliance section of Regulation 19
Provider's corrective action:
- An overall review of transitions, age and needs of the children took place, and a new routine was put place to ensure additional support from part time staff and management in particular rooms. Staff also took part in additional training where required. The Management team has increased in capacity adding additional support, close observation and supervision has helped the operations of the centre at specific times and staff are more aware what to do. Additional staff are also due to start in the coming weeks
12 February 2026
Minerva Montessori, Dublin 6 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- 1) An adequate number of adults were not working directly with the preschool children at all times in the M1 room on the day of inspection as detailed below in point (2). (2) In the M1 room from 12:30pm to 13:15 pm one adult was observed caring for nine children. One child was between 2-3 years and eight children were between 3-5 years. The minimum adult to child ratio for 2-3 years in full day care is one adult to six children and child ratio for 3-5 years in full day care is one adult to eight children
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider has stated that the service was short staffed on the day of inspection and relief staff were not available, in future staff members will move children to a different room to ensure no staff member is working over ratio
10 February 2026
Giraffe Childcare Cherrywood, Loughlinstown · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) The registered provider did not ensure that there was an adequate number of adults working directly with the children at all times, as outlined under regulation 11(2) below. (2) When carrying out observations in sampled rooms on Day 1 of the inspection the inspectors observed that the minimum ratio requirement was not always maintained when staff took their lunch breaks: At 12:57 in Safari room one adult was present with nine children. Eight of whom were two years old, and one of whom was one. In conversation with the staff member, he stated he had been caring for the children while his colleague was on her break since 12:15. At 13:09 The same adult was caring for eight children alone in the same care room. His colleague returned at 13:15 and he went on his break, and she remained alone with eight children. This staff member was still alone at 13:35 caring for the eight children, seven of whom are two years and one of whom was a year old. The same staff member was still alone with eight children aged one and two years at 14:08. Four of the children were awake and four were still asleep. The inspectors carried out an overview of the ratios across all rooms in the service during lunch breaks on Day 2 and observed four rooms to be non-compliant with the requirement. This information is outlined in the chart below. The inspectors asked the staff members who they could call for assistance and they reported they could call the managers. However, the inspectors observed that neither of the managers were available as one was in a meeting with a parent and one was directly caring for a child in the sensory room. Room Name Time Number of adults present Number and age of children (in years) present Minimum ratio requirement (adult:child) Serengeti 12:49 1 7 aged two 3 aged three 1:6 1:8 Safari 13:06 1 1 aged one 8 aged two 1:5 1:6 Zambezi 13:11 1 3 aged one 3 aged two 1:5 1:6 Kilimanjaro 13:16 1 10 aged two 2 aged three 1:6 1:8
Provider's corrective action:
- Following the inspection, the service has undertaken a review of staffing arrangements, rosters and break cover procedures. As a corrective action, the service provider has recruited additional staff members, including both full-time educators and part-time staff specifically scheduled to support the service during lunch break periods. This ensures that staff breaks can be covered without impacting the required adult-to-child ratios within the rooms. The updated staffing structure increases the number of educators available during peak break periods and ensures that rooms remain compliant while staff take their scheduled breaks. The registered provider has also reviewed rostering procedures to ensure lunch breaks are staggered and appropriate cover is allocated in advance. These measures will ensure that the required adult-to-child ratios are maintained at all times going forward. The service has committed to maintaining full compliance with Regulation 11 and ensuring that appropriate staffing levels are consistently in place to support the safety, supervision and wellbeing of all children in the service
29 January 2026
Safari Childcare (Rathmines), Dublin 6 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (2) The registered providers did not ensure that the minimum ratio of adults to children was maintained. An insufficient number of adults were available to the children in the Preschool 2 room during the afternoon of the inspection. Service Type: Age Range: Number of children present: Number of adults proving direct care: Minimum number of adults required: Full Day Care 3-5 Years 17 Children 2 adults 3 adults It is acknowledged that there was an extra staff member available on the first floor. However, from 2pm to 3pm this care room was out of ratio. The correct adult child ratio for this age group is one adult caring for 8 children attending on a full-time basis
Provider's corrective action:
- This was a managerial oversight that there was one child over ratio on the day of inspection. The service had extra staff on the middle floor so going forward management will check and make sure a third member of staff is available. Management have spoken to the float members of staff and made them aware that they may be needed in different rooms and to check every day
28 January 2026
Luttrell House Creche, Dublin 15 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (2) From a review of the following documentation, staff rosters, staff sign in records and the children’s attendance records the correct adult to child ratios were not maintained in the service on the following dates: Toddler room: On the 06/01/2026 there were 12 children aged 1 year 10 months to 2 years 9 months being cared for by 2 staff members. On the 09/01/2026 there were 12 children aged 1 year 10 months to 2 years 9 months being cared for by 2 staff members. On the 12/01/2026 there were 12 children aged 1 year 10 months to 2 years 9 months being cared for by 2 staff members. On the 15/01/2026 there were 12 children aged 1 year 10 months to 2 years 9 months being cared for by 2 staff members. On the 16/01/2026 there were 12 children aged 1 year 10 months to 2 years 9 months being cared for by 2 staff members. On the 20/01/2026 there were 12 children aged 1 year 10 months to 2 years 9 months being cared for by 2 staff members
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action (2) Retraining on the correct adult to child ratios has been delivered and staff have been instructed to alert management if the correct ratio is not being adhered to. Agency staff have been brought in to ensure ratios are covered at all times. Staff from other branches will be used where possible. Preventive Action (2) There have been changes made to the booking system and dates of new starters have been pushed back in order to maintain correct age and room ratios at all times
26 January 2026
Clever Cloggs, Dublin 3 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (2) The registered provider did not ensure that the minimum ratio of adults to children was maintained. Adults included in ratio must hold a relevant qualification. Service Type: Age Range: Number of children present: Number of qualified adults proving direct care: Minimum number of qualified adults required: Full day care 1-3 years old 14 (7 aged 1-2 years, 7 aged 2-3 years) 2 3 It is acknowledged that there was a third staff member in the care room providing support
Provider's corrective action:
- The service has requested documentary evidence to show the staff member holds a relevant qualification and commit to ensure that all rooms will meet the correct adult-child ratios
13 January 2026
Saol Beag Project Creche, Dublin 1 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) Only two qualified adults are employed to work directly with the children. This was insufficient to adequately meet the needs of all children attending the service. (2) The minimum adult to child ratio was not maintained at all times during the inspection. Between 12.10pm to 1.45pm only one quailed staff member was available to 8 children aged between 1 year to 2 years 10 months. Two qualified staff members were required at this time
Provider's corrective action:
- (1) Management will ensure that relief cover is available at all times. In the event that insufficient staff are available in the premises to adequately meet the needs of all children attending the service, the service will only operate for a half day and the parents will be notified of this change in advance. (2) At the time of inspection two new full-time educators had been employed and the service was awaiting the return of their Garda Vetting disclosures. Management will ensure that the minimum of adults to supervise, care for and work directly with the children in the service is maintained at all times
12 January 2026
The Embassy Montessori, Dublin 4 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (2) The minimum adult to child ratio was not maintained in the Senior room in the morning from 10.02-11.05am as there were 2 adults caring for 23 children aged from 4-5 years of age service attending the service on a sessional basis. Three adults were required for this number of children
Provider's corrective action:
- (2) In response the registered provider has stated that management reviewed the timeline of the incident with staff and reinforced the immediate escalation procedure to ensure ratio compliance is always maintained. Following the inspection the service completed a review and reinforced the service’s existing procedures with all staff to ensure that minimum adult to child ratios is always maintained. The ratio procedure and escalation steps are displayed in each classroom. Staff have been reminded that, where there is any risk of ratios not being maintained, the established procedure of temporarily accommodating a child in another classroom must be implemented immediately, including during unexpected events such as late arrivals or unplanned interruptions. This procedure is implemented in a calm and discreet manner, ensuring appropriate supervision, continuity of care, and the wellbeing of the child always. Management will continue to monitor staffing arrangements, room attendance, and ratio compliance throughout the session to ensure that regulatory requirements are consistently met. These measures will ensure that minimum adult to child ratios are maintained at all times and that the service remains fully compliant with the Preschool Regulations
6 January 2026
Giraffe Childcare Harcourt, Dublin 2 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) The registered provider did not ensure an adequate number of staff were available to meet the care needs of the children between 1.40pm - 1.49pm. One staff member was caring for a group of children transitioning from sleep. The staff member was unable to adequately meet the needs of children during this time as awake children caused disturbance to those who were still sleeping and engaged in risky behaviours. It is acknowledged that the staff member called for support at 1.40pm
Provider's corrective action:
- (1) An overall review of transitions, age and needs of the children took place, and a new routine was put place to ensure additional support from part time staff and management in particular rooms. The busier transitions times and particular rooms are closely monitored and supported by the part time staff and management team who are supernumerary in the centre. Additional staff have also been recruited and are due to start this month
19 December 2025
Ready Steady Play, Dublin 22 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (8)(a) On 8 December 2025, two adults were not on the premises between 12.05pm – 12.40pm. One adult was present in the service when the inspector arrived at 12.05pm, a second adult arrived at 12.40pm (8) (a) On 19 December 2025, two adults were not on the premises during the inspection. One adult was present in the service when the inspector arrived at 11.05 am. The person in charge confirmed they had contacted another staff member at 11am to come in to work in the service. At approximately 2pm the person in charge advised the service will be closing for the reminder of the day as no additional staff arrived in the service
Provider's corrective action:
- The service has revised their staff absences policy to always ensure two staff are always on and have stressed the importance that it is strictly adhered to, the service has also put in new guidelines and actual times (am/pm) that staff must notify the service of any absence, to enable to better respond and get adequate cover in time
9 December 2025
Little Blossoms Crèche, Dublin 5 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- 1) There was an insufficient number of adults available to meet the needs of the children in the Baby room between 1:00pm and 1:10pm as one adult cared for 5 children aged 11 months – 2 years. This had a negative impact on the individual care needs of the children in a timely manner. For example. • At 1:00pm, three children between the ages of 1-2 years were standing in their cots in the cot room. The children were crying and upset. Although the staff member was looking through the cot room window periodically, there was no available adult to settle them to sleep as the staff member was supervising the remaining 2 children in the care room and could not go to them. As a result, three children had intermittent episodes of crying and upset. The inspector had to intervene and inform the registered provider that a second staff member was needed. (2) The minimum adult to child ratio was not maintained in the service as the times below outlines. • In the Preschool room, from 1.10pm to 1.30pm, there was 2 adults caring for 17children aged 3 -5 years of age, 3 adults were required. • In the Preschool room, from 2.55pm to 3.11pm there was 1 adult caring for 15 children aged 3-5 years of age, 2 adults were required. Insufficient adult to child ratio’s poses a potential risk to the safety of children
Provider's corrective action:
- (1)(2) The staff roster has now been changed going forward so no staff member will leave a room under ratio to cover another room for any reason. The staff roster will be set out to ensure that the ratios of all rooms will be met, however the registered provider will assess each morning that staff to roster requirements are met allowing for unforeseen circumstances, a service closure will be implemented if required
3 December 2025
Leopardstown Montessori School, Leopardstown · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- An adequate number of adults were not working directly with the pre-school children attending the service during the inspection as the minimum ratio of adults to children was not maintained at all times, as outlined below under Regulation 11(2)
- The registered provider did not ensure that the minimum ratio of adults to children was maintained in the service throughout the morning of inspection as follows: - An insufficient number of adults were available to the children who were all attending on a part-time basis on the day of inspection. Three adults were caring for twenty-eight children, seven aged 2years and twelve and 3 to 5years, requiring a minimum of 4 adults. The required minimum adult to child ratio is 1:6 for children aged 2years, and 1:8 for children aged 3 to 6years
Provider's corrective action:
- On the day of inspection one staff member was unwell and a second staff member had a personal emergency and had to leave the service. This is unprecedented and five members of staff are available to work in the service
27 November 2025
Willow House Montessori, Dublin 6 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- The registered provider did not ensure that the minimum ratio of adults to children was maintained for part-time day care, on the day of inspection. At 9:38am the inspector observed the required ratio to be in place with 18 children being supervised by two adults, during the sessional period from 8:30 am to 12: 00pm. However, at 12:25 pm it was confirmed that 17 children were being supervised by two adults. From 12:00pm until the service closed at 1:00pm, the minimum required adult to child ratio for part time daycare was not maintained. Time Children present Required Ratio 09:38 18, aged 2.5-3 years 1:11 12:25 2, aged 2-3 years 15, aged 3-6 years 1:6 1:8
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated that. A staff member was absent due to illness on the day of inspection. No substitute staff were available from the local agency. Parents were informed of the situation and offered to collect their children early. Alternative collection arrangements were also made for the provid er’s own child. Staff absences are reported to be infrequent. A former staff member has since been recruited and vetted to provide emergency cover if a similar situation occurs again
10 November 2025
Learn 2 Grow, Lusk · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (2) The minimum adult to child ratio was not maintained in the Wobbler room as the times below outlines. • From 11:25-11:56am there was 1 adult caring for 10 children aged 1-2 years, a minimum of 2 adults were required. • From 11:56-12:06pm there was 1 adult caring for 8 children aged 1-2 years of age, 2 adults were required. • From 12:08-12:11pm there was 1 adult caring for 7 children aged 1-2 years of age, 2 adults were required. • From 12:17-12:56pm there was 1 adult caring for 8 children aged 1-2 years of age, 2 adults were required. Insufficient adult to child ratio’s poses a potential risk to the safety of children
Provider's corrective action:
- (2) In response to the non-compliance the registered provider has stated that the regulatory adult-to-child ratio must be maintained at all times regardless of sleep routines or room layout. Management have reviewed the lunch time roster to ensure that the ratio during sleep periods as it is for the rest of the day
28 October 2025
Kid's Biz, Dublin 18 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1)(2) Although it is acknowledged that there was a sufficient number of staff available in the service throughout the inspection, the appropriate ratios were not maintained at all times. Please refer to the information outlined under safe sleep in Regulation 23 of this report
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provided has stated that a new routine has been developed to allow a member of staff to remain in the sleep room with the children who sleep on floor beds
2 October 2025
Drumcondra Montessori School, Dublin 9 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (a) The registered provider did not ensure that two adults were present in the service on the day of the inspection. The registered provider worked single-handedly with the children
Provider's corrective action:
- (a) The registered provider has ensured that a second adult is on the premises at all times during the operational hours of the service
12 August 2025
Cocoon Childcare Longmile Road, Dublin 12 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) An adequate number of adults were not working with the children attending the baby room during the inspection as outlined below: At 1.35pm the inspectors entered the baby room and found a staff member alone caring for three babies under the age of 1 and a 1 year old. One of the babies had fallen asleep on their tummy on a rug in the care room, one was asleep on the staff members knee, another was sitting in a chair and the 1 year old child was asleep in a cot. On noticing the baby asleep on the floor, the staff member got up and placed the sleeping baby on her knee into a cot. The staff member then picked up the baby sleeping on the rug and placed the baby into a cot. Following this the three sleeping children woke up and required attention. The inspector asked the staff member if she needed some assistance to which the staff member responded yes. The inspector called another staff member to assist and the staff member alerted the person in charge who then arrived to the care room to provide support. (2) The registered provider did not ensure that the minimum ratio of adults to children was maintained in the service for a period during the inspection as detailed above. The required ratio for this age group is 1:3 for babies 0-1 year and 1:5 for children aged 1-2 years
Provider's corrective action:
- (1)(2) The service manager will ensure that there is adequate staff available during lunch hours and staff know to call for assistance if required
10 July 2025
Magic Little Kids Limited, Dublin 5 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) On the day of inspection an adequate number of adults was not working directly with the children attending the pre-school service. (2) The adult child ratio was observed to be incorrect in the Wobbler Room and ECCE 2 Room as shown in the table below; Room Number and age range of children Time Number of adults available Number of adults required Wobbler room 5 children aged 1-2 years old 1 child aged 2-3 years old 10.00 – 10.25 11.08 – 12.00 1 2 ECCE 2 Room 10 children aged 3-6 years old 12.15 – 13.43 1 2 During the inspection, a staff member scheduled to work, arrived to provide relief cover and support
Provider's corrective action:
- (1)(2) The registered provider stated that a staff member who was scheduled to work arrived later than planned. Two other staff members due to start could not as their Garda Vetting had not been received and another staff member had finished following the end of term
11 June 2025
Kids World, Dublin 5 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (2) Following the conclusion of the sessional hours at 12.00pm the registered provider did not maintain the appropriate adult: child ratio; • From 12.30pm to 1.15pm there were 2 adults working with 18 children aged 3 years 6 months to 4 years 7 months old on a part time or full day care basis. Three adults were required. This was identified as a non- compliance following the last inspection in March 2024
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. The registered providers stated that they have since addressed this issue and now have three staff members assigned to the preschool room during this period to ensure appropriate cover during lunch breaks. To prevent this from happening again, they will ensure that the required adult-to-child ratios are maintained at all times throughout the day
7 May 2025
Bunny Hops Creche and Montessori LTD, Dublin 5 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) The registered provider did not ensure that there was an adequate number of adults to meet the need of the children within the service. For example: • There was insufficient staff in the ECCE 2/Montessori room between the hours of 10:21 and 12:09, during the transition from play to mealtime children were observed to be instructed to sit for a period of time without activities or interaction or direction from an adult. The impact of this is outlined under the non-compliances in Regulation 19 (2) The registered provider did not ensure ratios were maintained in the ECCE/ Montessori room at all times during the day. The following was observed: Time: Ratio Age range Number of children present Number of adults present Number of adults required 10:21am- 12pm 1:11 (during ECCE scheme) 4-5 years 12 1 2 12pm- 12:09pm 1:8 4-5 years 12 1 2 Conversation with the adult present and review of rosters available showed that this room remained out of ratio for four days from the 4 May 2025, with records reflecting that one adult was caring for twelve children. This was a non-compliance noted in previous inspection in October 2024
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. The registered provider has stated that a new staff member has been secured, and they are awaiting the required Garda clearance. A new staff member will be secured when needed. 2. The registered provider has stated they have secured a new staff member and will continue to advertise for staff when needed
3 December 2024
Chestnut Daycare, Dublin 12 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- Although it is acknowledged that the required adult to child ratio was adhered to in the Toddler room on the day of inspection, there was an insufficient number of adults available to children in the Montessori and Wobbler Room as detailed below
- • A review of attendance records and the staffing roster in place evidenced that between 8:00am and 9:00am on the day of inspection, sixteen children were cared for by two adults. Four of the children were aged one year, seven aged two years, and eight aged three years. Three adults were required. • There was an inadequate number of staff available to care for the children in the Montessori room. One adult was caring for one child aged two years and nine children aged three years from 9:30am to 12:30pm. The staff member present stated that one staff member works alone with these ten preschool children from 9:30am to 12:30pm, and from 14:30pm until the service closes daily. • In the Wobbler room from 09:00am to 10:00am one adult was caring for one child aged two years and six children aged one year. While it is acknowledged that a staff member joined the room having arrived from another centre, there was an inadequate number of adults available to care for the children between 9:00am and 10:00am. The required minimum adult to child ratios are as follows: AGE RANGE ADULT:CHILD RATIO 1-2 years 1:5 2-3 years 1:6 3-6 years 1:8
Provider's corrective action:
- The service had three staff call in sick on the morning and were awaiting staff from another branch to arrive at the service. One of the staff members that called in sick was from this room, we were awaiting staff from our other branch. The service have added an agency alongside the other branches for emergency staff. It was unfortunate that all were sick on the same day
27 September 2024
Drumnigh Montessori Primary School, Dublin 5 · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) The registered provider did not ensure that adequate staff were available to meet the needs of the children at all times. Additional staff were required in the bottom room between 10:05am and 10:19am to support the transition to the outdoor area. During this time children were observed standing with their coats on in a confined area by the door while the staff supported other children to put on their coats and prepare for the transition. Children were observed climbing on shelves and pushing each other, other children continued to play in the room as no clear direction was given. Some children were observed to stand by the door for 15 minutes without any activity and appeared bored and restless. Children need clear direction during times of transition and transitions should be completed in a timely manner to ensure the children are engaged. Additional staff were required to meet the needs of the children during this time
Provider's corrective action:
- (1) The Manager and Board had addressed the need for extra staff in the room in question prior to the inspection. An additional staff member had been approved for appointment as an AIM assistant pending vetting but had not yet started. The additional staff member started their role in that room on the 7th of October 2024. A meeting was also held with all staff members to address and remind them of the procedures for transitioning children. A staff meeting has been held and regular staff meetings/discussions will occur in future also to identify if any actions are needed to ensure smoother transitions. The board of management are kept informed of this through monthly meetings with Principal
15 July 2024
Primary Shapes, Dublin 6W · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) The registered provider did not ensure that at all times there were an adequate number of adults working directly with the children. In the Pre-Montessori room between 10.49 am and 11.37 am one adult was responsible for the care of eight children. Seven of these children were aged under 3 years and one child was aged 3 years. The minimum ratio of adults to children for the 2–3-year age range is 1:6
Provider's corrective action:
- The non-compliance was discussed with staff at staff meeting on the 21 August 2024. As agreed at a staff meeting in the minutes - in future, staff members requiring time off (for short period) less than an hour will discuss class ratios with their supervisor or Manager to ensure ratio guidelines are adhered to at all times