Regulation 19 in Cork
Health, Welfare and Development of Child: 23 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.
8 April 2026
Hope Montessori Autism Care Centre, Ballyphehane · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- (b) 1. From 12.33pm to 12.45pm in Snowdrops room, staff were observed to not adequately meet the care needs of all the children in the room. Staff were observed not responding to the children’s needs when displaying cues of tiredness and not responding to the children’s non-verbal cues of communication. Examples observed included: • A child was observed to push their meal away and cry while rubbing their eyes. Rather than comfort the child, the staff members continued to feed other children. The child proceeded to lie on the floor and cry. During this 12-minute period, staff persisted in cleaning up after the meal and feeding other children. After 12 minutes a staff member was heard to state “I’m tired too” in response to the child. No further reassurances were offered to the child. The staff were observed to not listen to the voice of the child when the children were communicating their needs. This posed a risk to the children’s wellbeing. 2. Between 12:33pm and 12:50pm, staff in the Snowdrops room were observed to not work well together as a team. This posed a risk to the children’s wellbeing. Examples observed included: • A staff member ignoring a student on placement when they asked for guidance regarding the care of the children; and • A staff member ignoring a request from management to clean children’s faces following their hot meal. This posed a risk to the children’s wellbeing
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider has stated in her written response that staff have been reminded of the importance of responding to children’s needs promptly. Staff members have been afforded time for reflective practice during supervision and have revisited the services policy on responding to children’s cues. Each room has been given a radio to communicate to management when extra staff are needed to help with the direct care of children
- The importance of shared responsibility and clear communication within the room has been re-emphasised, particularly during busy routine periods. During supervision and team meetings staff have been reminded of the existing expectations around teamwork, communication, and professional practice
23 March 2026
Little Oaks Preschool, Kilworth · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- 1. There was no rest area available in Little Oaks 1 room and the rest area in Little Oaks 2 room required further development as limited equipment was in place for children. Not having an adequate designated rest area does not allow the children to relax and opt out of scheduled activities, as necessary. 2. In Little Oaks 1, a child required their face to be cleaned after outdoor play. A staff member was observed changing this child’s clothes but did not clean their face. This posed a risk to the child’s wellbeing
Provider's corrective action:
- The following response was received from the registered provider: Corrective and Preventive Action 1. Two appropriate rest areas are now in place. A rest area will be available daily for the children. 2. Staff have been informed of the need to keep children’s faces clean. Staff will be reminded to do this
25 February 2026
Wee Wisdom Pre-School, Fermoy · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- Basic need: There was no comfortable soft seating available for the children in Room A for rest or relaxation. It is acknowledged that the registered provider identified the soft seating that was intended for this purpose was stored in the unused care room as the previously purchased seating had not lasted. This was a non-compliance in the last two inspection reports from 5 October 2021 and the 26 April 2023 where the registered provider had stated that new seating would be in place for the new term in September 2023.This was not observed on inspection
Provider's corrective action:
- The following response was received from the registered provider: Corrective and Preventive Action The seating arrangements that had been previously used were back in place and the service plans to set up more permanent seating in the future
9 February 2026
Magnet Community Group, The Glen · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- Basic needs: The requirement for drinking water to be freely available to the children was not ensured. The inspector was advised that children’s drinks were stored in their bags, which were in the lobby and this would have required a child to ask an adult to open the care room door. It was acknowledged that, after this was brought to the attention of staff, a jug and cups were made available in the care room. However, this non-compliance was also found at the previous inspection on 15 January 2024
Provider's corrective action:
- The response stated that a new rota has been put in place
22 January 2026
Teach na nOige, Mallow · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- Basic Needs: 1. The child attending the Daisy room was placed in a seating bench for their meals. This unit was at a height similar to the height of a highchair and had the child secured with a harness. However, there was no table to the front of the child which would give the child a sense of security. This lack of a table also prevented the child from developing independence when eating and drinking as the food and drinks could not be placed in front of them
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. The bench has been removed and replaced with low chairs that have tables attached where the children’s food or activities can be placed
19 January 2026
Ringlee House Pre-School, Cobh · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- Basic needs: 1. While it was acknowledged that Rooms 1, 3 and 4 each had a clearly identifiable cosy area, the rest area in Room 2 required development, in order to adequately meet the children’s need for rest and relaxation. A sofa was provided in the corner of the room, with no additional furnishings or books available, to create an inviting rest area for the children. 2. Children in Room 1 did not have access to outdoor play on the day of inspection, despite weather conditions being appropriate to do so. Staff members advised that these children did not access the outdoor play area during the winter months and stated that the children last went outdoors before Christmas. Not taking the children outside daily does not allow access to fresh air and a change of environment
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. A book box has been added near the sofa, so that children can read a book while resting. A box of blankets has also been placed in this area, so that children can wrap up warmly, when sitting there. Staff have been working hard to develop the classrooms since the inspection. All rooms have been repainted and there are new shelves, equipment and toys in the rooms. The service will continue to ensure that the care rooms and cosy areas, cater for the needs of all the children. 2. The written reply outlined that there had been a lot of rainfall and low temperatures in the two weeks since reopening after Christmas. A lot of new children also began attending the Baby room in January and were settling. The children in question do go outside, but more so in the afternoon. These children have a change in environment at 12.00pm, when they are either going for a nap or moving over to Room 2. The service will put more emphasis on going outside during the morning
21 October 2025
The Shalom Montessori Pre-School, Cork · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- Physical Environment: Children were observed sitting down in the main Halla room from 9.31am to 9.53am with insufficient materials available to engage them. Staff described this period as table top activity time. The children were sat at tables; some had materials available such as toy catalogues, vehicles, and magnet toys. Some tables had no materials available to the children sitting. Some children were observed running around the room as they were not engaged to stay sitting. Staff stated to the inspectors that children needed to ask them to bring toys and materials from the second care room if they want them. The manager of the service explained that usually, trolleys with toys were brought out to the children during the day from the second care room where a wide range of play equipment and materials were available. However, this was not observed in practice on inspection during this period. It is acknowledged that this hall is used by many community groups, however it is a requirement that children have free access to play equipment throughout the day, and not on request
Provider's corrective action:
- The service will ensure that prior to children attending the service, trolleys with toys will be placed around the room. Children will have access to these trolleys which will contain toys and equipment. Each morning the manager will ensure these are accessible by children and will remain in the room until the session is finished
9 June 2025
Ilen River Playschool, Skibbereen · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- • The storage of unused play equipment on the floor of the main playroom impeded the children’s free floor space area to play. Many containers of unused play equipment were noted throughout the room, especially around the perimeter. This did not allow the children to freely access the space or fully engage in child directed play
Provider's corrective action:
- In the corrective and preventative response received from the registered provider the following was stated: Corrective & Preventive Action • The registered provider spoke with the hall committee; they agreed to provide a storage unit on the premises for the storage of play equipment, (seasonal) not been used. The registered provider has been assured by the committee this will be in place by the start of the preschool year 27 August 2025
23 May 2025
ABC Academy, Fermoy · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- BASIC NEEDS: 1. The rest area in Montessori 2 was insufficient, with a mat and two cushions. This was located inside the door from the hall and was not sufficient for the number of children attending in this room to allow them to opt out of activities and rest when needed
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. Two child sized couches have been added to the room to allow children to rest and relax when they require same. The couches will be a permanent fixture in Montessori room 2
21 May 2025
Walterstown Community Playschool, Cobh · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- Basic needs: 1. Drinking water was not freely available to the children in the Corbally room, outside of the allocated snack time. The inspector was advised that the children’s water bottles were stored in the fridge, which was located in the kitchen. 2. While it was acknowledged that the East Ferry room had a clearly identifiable cosy area, furnished with a soft mat, cushions and a bookshelf, the rest area in the Corbally room required development, in order to adequately meet the children’s need for rest and relaxation. The inspector was advised that children in this room could use a large teddy bear as a seat, if they wished to rest. However, no additional furnishings or books were available, to create an inviting rest area for the children
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. Drinking water is readily available. 2. Books are always available to the children and suitable seating is now also provided
15 April 2025
Gate Childcare Ltd, Cork · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- Basic needs: In the Wobbler room, it was observed that six of the children were required to wait to have their lunch meal, until one of the high chairs, or a seat at the table, became available. This was confirmed during discussion with staff. It was noted that while waiting, two of these children approached the table where some of the other children were eating and one child attempted to eat another child’s food. It was acknowledged that this was sensitively managed by a staff member, who gently led the children away from the table and redirected them towards free play. However, having to wait for others to finish eating before being accommodated, did not meet the needs of these children
Provider's corrective action:
- The written reply outlined that as part of the quality development programme, it was recommended to the service that free play, or an organised activity, could be encouraged for a small group of children during mealtime. This is to promote a slow paced, relaxed mealtime, while also encouraging self-feeding and independence. Each child in the Wobbler room has a dedicated key worker, to ensure that the needs of all the children are always met. In the event of any child displaying signs of hunger, additional tables and seating are readily available to accommodate feeding all of the children simultaneously
24 March 2025
Vicarstown Playschool, Vicarstown · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- The children were not provided with adequate rest facilities. There were no cushions or soft seating available within the care room where children could relax. It is acknowledged that a child sized couch was available within the service but had been removed from the care rooms
Provider's corrective action:
- The service placed a child sized couch in the main classroom area to provide an area of rest and relaxation for the children
26 February 2025
Newbury House Family Centre CLG, Cork · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- (1) (a) Physical and material environment: The community hall required further resources to better meet the needs of the children who use it. The staff stated they regularly use the community hall, down the corridor from the care room, when they were prevented from using the outdoor area because of poor weather. The children and staff were observed to go to the hall for a period of 46 minutes on the day of inspection, while nappy changing was carried out. Staff played music and led singing and movement activities, which some children participated in. There were books and a set of 4 blocks available as alternative activities. It was observed that many children began to lie on the floor, or sit silently, as they were not sufficiently engaged by the resources and activities on offer. It is acknowledged that this hall is used by many community groups, which adds a level of challenge in maintaining it appropriately. The staff were in agreement with a referral to the Better Start Quality Development Service for support with further developing this space. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- The service stated that they are no longer using the community hall
18 February 2025
Early Years Educational Centre, Cobh · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- The rest areas in Rooms 4 and 5 were under furnished and required further development in order to adequately meet the children’s need for rest and relaxation: • In Room 4, a staff member advised that the large floor mat in the centre of the room was available if a child needed to rest. However, this was insufficient and while a supply of round vinyl cushions was also available, these cushions were stored on a high-level shelf and were inaccessible to the children. • Four cushions were provided on the floor of Room 5. However, no additional furnishings or books were available to create an inviting rest area for the children
Provider's corrective action:
- In their written response, the registered providers stated that new soft furnishings have been purchased to create a space for rest. A library has been created in Room 5. When preparing preschool classrooms for the new school year, staff will ensure that each classroom has an appropriate rest area
18 November 2024
Fermoy Community Preschool Playgroup, Fermoy · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- BASIC NEEDS: (1) The food requirements for full day care, that of a hot meal at lunch time, were not being adhered to in the service. The inspector observed two full day care children staying on for lunch, one received a hot lunch, and a second child did not. In conversation, staff were unaware of the requirement for a hot lunch to be served to all children staying on for lunch on a full day care basis
Provider's corrective action:
- The following statement was received from the manager; (1) Children staying on for five hours of longer have a hot meal served at lunch time. All staff have been informed
6 November 2024
Beginners Corner Montessori, Newmarket · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- 1. There were no adult chairs available to the staff in the care rooms to sit with the children, the staff were observed to be kneeling beside the children. The registered provider stated chairs were available in the staff room but had not been brought into the rooms
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. The registered provider has stated chairs are available to the staff should they require same from the staff room
1 November 2024
Head Start Creche & Montessori Ltd., Cork · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- Basic Needs: 1. The children in The Sun Room had their clothes removed as far as their vest and nappy or to just a nappy before dinner. The staff explained that this was in preparation for sleeping after dinner, this practice was not detailed in any policy. The children then washed hands and sat undressed in highchairs for dinner. The dignity and comfort of the children was compromised by having them in a state of undress for a period of time and when eating
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. The staff in the Sun Room and in the service as a whole have been informed not to undress children prior to their dinner in preparation for bed, this must be done immediately before putting the children to bed. The registered provider has committed to having monthly meetings and will discuss this at each meeting and will also review the practice in the service
11 October 2024
Anchor Playschool Meelin, Meelin · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- BASIC NEEDS: (1) The inspector observed that the rest/quiet area of the service required further development; equipment was sparse and there was no seating available where the children could sit and relax/rest
Provider's corrective action:
- The following statement was received from the registered provider: (1) Two child sized couches have been added to the rest/quiet area. Further development is planned with new seating planned. Staff have been asked to inform management weekly of the need for new equipment
24 September 2024
Classes Childcare, Cork · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- BASIC NEEDS: (1) At variance to the service’s sleep policy which stated “that the service does not place any time restrictions on children’s sleep” a staff member was observed at 2.00 pm switching on the lights in the pre-school care room, and pulling up the blinds, while the other two staff members walked around waking the sleeping children. (2) In contrast to the service’s sleep policy which stated that “waking children resting on mats, awake after 30 minutes, would be welcomed to the table for quiet table top time”, this was not observed in practice. The inspector reviewed the sleep records for the resting/sleeping children which indicated that two children were recorded as being awake from 12.30 pm until 1.40 pm. In discussion, a staff member stated that the children were not offered the opportunity to be accommodated appropriately in another area of the service but lay on their mats on the floor for the duration. (3) The inspectors observed that the dignity and privacy of a child in the Pre-school care room was not respected. As children were awoken from their sleep one staff member was observed putting on a pair of gloves and removing a nappy from a child in the care room, in view of children and staff. The staff member did not collect the child’s personal belongings enroute to the bathroom, and the child was observed walking, and waiting, with a group of children, in the hallway to go to the bathroom with no undergarments on
Provider's corrective action:
- The following statements were received from the manager; (1) A staff meeting was held on 23 October 2024; management explained the new procedures on how to ensure that each child’s individual sleep needs are being met and that no time restrictions will be placed on children’s sleep in line with the service’s safe sleep policy. A follow up meeting will be held in two weeks to assess progress. (2) At the staff meeting with management on 23 October 2024 staff were given details of how children still awake after 30 minutes will be offered the opportunity of taking part in quiet table top activities, in line with the service’s safe sleep policy. Staff have been asked to inform management on the day of the children who are awake after thirty minutes. (3) Staff were reminded at a staff meeting on the 9 October 2024 of the need to be vigilant regarding respecting the dignity and privacy of the children at all times. Management revised the procedure and practice to be followed should a child wake from sleep and require changing. The following measures have been put in place to ensure best practice in the future; management will monitor staff practice in regard to same in the future, new staff will be trained with regards to respecting children’s dignity and privacy which has been added to the staff induction checklist
26 June 2024
Ferryview Childcare Centre, Ringaskiddy · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- The rest areas in both care rooms required further development to ensure that the children were provided with comfort and that their individual need for rest and relaxation were met and provided for. Currently the rest areas consisted of an area furnished with plastic child sized chairs which did not promote relaxation. There also was a floor mat in ECCE (2) room
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated that bean bags and cushions have been added to the rest areas, and that these will be maintained and checked regularly to ensure the children are comfortable
13 February 2024
Naíonra Phobail an Sciobairín CTR, An Sciobairin · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- 1. There was not a suitable rest area developed in the senior room to allow the children to opt out of scheduled activities, to rest and relax within a comfortable environment if they so wished. Although there was a confined area dedicated for rest which was situated beneath the staff work counter it was not suitable for the number of children present
Provider's corrective action:
- & Supporting Documentation Submitted 1.The manager stated suitable and cosy rest area has been developed in the corner of the senior room; mats have been provided to allow the children to rest as they so wish. A photograph of the rest area was submitted. Summary Comment Documentation in the form of photographs were submitted to evidence that the non-compliance had been suitably actioned. They were reviewed and found to be satisfactory. The Requirement has been met
5 September 2023
Ballydehob Community Playgroup, Ballydehob · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- Basic Needs of the Children: 1. The ambient room temperatures of the care rooms were hot and registered above the recommended range, which is 18 to 22 degrees Celsius. The creche registered at 23.5 degrees Celsius and the playschool registered at 24.4 degrees Celsius
Provider's corrective action:
- & Supporting Documentation Submitted 1. The manager stated that the room temperatures will be added to the daily checklist and recorded each day to ensure that they comply with the recommended ranges. Wall mounted temperature gauges have been installed to assist staff with assessment and have been trained to operate the fan when required. A photograph the wall mounted temperature gauges was submitted along with a daily checklist template and a photograph the fan to evidence that the non—compliance had been addressed. Summary Comment Submitted documentation was examined and found to meet the Requirements
4 May 2023
Early years service TU2015CC025, Fermoy · Regulation 19 — Health, welfare and development of child
- BASIC NEEDS: (1) Water was not offered throughout the day. The inspector observed children taking water bottles from their bags before snack and returning them to their bags straight after snack. In conversation, the registered provider stated that previously children did leave their water bottles on a shelf, but this had not happened in practice for a long time
Provider's corrective action:
- (1) The water bottles have been put on a shelf in the care room for the children to access throughout the day