Regulation 11 in Louth
Staffing Levels: 6 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.
21 April 2026
Pugwash Bay LTD, Drogheda · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) There were inadequate adults to meet the care needs of the eight children present during the Little Lions outdoor play time between 10:51 to 11:02. The inspector observed that three of the younger children were upset, two of whom were settling in. Three older children were observed engaging in rough play with the younger children. Both staff members were providing comfort to the children who were upset and the older children continued with rough play. At 11:02 the inspector asked a staff member if they needed help or could they move the children to another room. The staff member agreed and the inspector sought the assistance of the deputy manager. Following the inspector's intervention, two older children were then taken to join the Zebra room in the larger outdoor area, and the two staff then had 6 babies whom they were able to provide comfort to. At 11:07 the 6 children appeared content and settled, and they then transitioned back into the care room
Provider's corrective action:
- (1) The registered provider stated that the incident was reviewed immediately by management following the inspection. It was identified that, although the required adult-to-child ratio was maintained, the individual care needs of the children present at that time required additional staff support. Three new staff members, one specifically for the Little Lions room have been inducted. With the increased staffing levels, the service's floater is now more consistently available on the floor to provide additional support during busy periods, outdoor play, transitions, and settling-in times. As a preventive action staff have been reminded to continuously assess children's care and supervision needs and to seek additional support immediately when required. Procedures for outdoor play supervision and the grouping of children of different developmental stages have been reviewed. To further strengthen practice, staff have attended "Interactions with Under Twos" training course to enhance their skills in supporting the emotional wellbeing, development, and supervision needs of young children. Management will continue to monitor practice through regular supervision and room observations
26 February 2026
Ladybird Lane Day Nursery & Montessori, Clogherhead · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) At 3.35pm it was observed that there were an inadequate number of adults working directly with the children attending the Hedgehogs Room. The following adult: child ratios were observed in the Hedgehogs Room: There were 9 preschool children (aged 3-5 years) attending this room with 1 staff member. Two staff were required
Provider's corrective action:
- s Management and relevant staff will regularly check the number of children in the rooms in order that the correct adult:child ratio is in place. Management and the Designated Person in Charge will maintain the minimum adult:child ratios at all times. Staff planning and the Staff Roster will be regularly reviewed by management to ensure an adequate number of staff are available at all times. Summary Comment The registered provider submitted details of the corrective and preventative actions taken in the service to address the non-compliance. Based on the information submitted, the non-compliance identified under Regulation 11 has been adequately addressed. Implementation and sustainment of the corrective and preventative actions will be assessed at the next inspection
27 January 2026
Little & Big Rascals, Dunleer · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) On the day of inspection there was an inadequate number of adults available in the Toddler Room to facilitate the needs of the children in the same room. Whilst the ratio of adults to children was correct, the staff member was unable to provide appropriate care to children who were trying to sleep, who wanted to play or who was waiting to go home. The following was observed which demonstrated this. One staff member was providing care to four children - two children were being settled to sleep, one child was asleep and one child was due to go home. The two children could not settle to sleep and two of the three children chose to play with noisy toys. Although the staff member tried to distract them and play with them, they were also trying to complete the sleep checks on the sleeping child. One of the children returned to the staff member who tried again tried to settle them for sleep. The child who was due to go home was taken by another staff member to have their nappy changed and on return to the room this child became upset. The child who was sleeping awoke at 1.20pm. A review of a sample of sleep records for this child demonstrated the child would normally sleep till 2.00 to 2.10pm
Provider's corrective action:
- (1) The registered provider has stated that whilst the minimum ratio was adhered to the safe sleep guidelines have been updated and children who don’t require sleep will be moved into a different room to prevent disruption. The guidelines are on display in the room
9 January 2026
Scallywags Crèche, Drogheda · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (1) Following a discussion with the staff present and a review of the staff roster, staff attendance records and children’s attendance records, there were an inadequate number of staff present in the service from 08.00am – 09.00am on Monday 5th January and Wednesday 7th January 2026. (2) Following a review of the children’s attendance records, staff rosters and the staff sign in/out sheets, the minimum required adult: child ratios were not maintained in the following instances; For example: On Monday 5th January 2026, 10 preschool children were documented as being present in the service before 09.00am with one suitably qualified staff member, 2 qualified staff were required. On Wednesday 7th January 2026, 15 preschool children were documented as being present in the service before 09.00am with one suitably qualified staff member and one unqualified staff member from the administration building next door, 3 qualified staff members were required
- Day 1 of inspection When the inspectors arrived at the Wobbler care room at 08.17am there was 1 member of staff present with the 3 preschool children present. The requirement is to have 2 members of staff on the premises at all times. This was also confirmed by the registered provider and the staff present. When questioned the staff also confirmed that there was only 1 staff member present when the service reopened after holidays on Monday 5th January 2026 3 days prior to the inspection
Provider's corrective action:
- The response from the registered provider stated that a staff member from the creche management and admin office was asked to assist the creche supervisor as a competent adult to ensure 2 staff were present, for safety reasons. For future reference staff have been instructed that in the unlikely event of a re occurrence, not to admit any children until a suitable number of qualified staff are on the premises to adhere to child staff ratios. Management and staff have had a meeting about this instance, staff are all aware of the procedures. Each member of staff has read the up dated safety policy. At the regulatory compliance meeting this was further discussed and the registered provider stated that the assistant manager would ensure adequate staffing was in place and would consult with him if difficulties arise
3 November 2025
Kidz Akademy Ltd, Dundalk · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (8)(a) The requirement to have 2 adults on the premises at all times could not be determined as there was no staff roster available. While a staff sign in sheet was available for the week of the inspection, only 1 staff member had signed their arrival time to the service for the day of the inspection and the previous day
Provider's corrective action:
- (8)(a) Staff have been reminded of the importance of signing in and that they must do so upon arrival and when leaving the premises. A new sign in document has been drawn up and is now in use. Manager will do spot checks to ensure that staff are signing in daily and make note of any changes and cover when needed
7 August 2025
Clever Clogs, Drogheda · Regulation 11 — Staffing levels
- (8) The registered provider did not ensure that two adults were on the premises from 08.00am to 08.30am when the service was in operation, as evidenced in the staff roster maintained in the service and confirmed by the supervisor. Only one staff member was rostered in on the day of inspection and five children were present between 08.00am and 08.30am before the second staff member arrived
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action Rosters have now all been changed for two members of staff to commence at 8am. Two members of staff will always be rostered on for the 8am opening time. Please see new and up to date rosters attached. Preventive Action The Supervisor and Manager are now both responsible to check and approve roster making sure that two members are in at 8am and two till 6pm