Regulation 20 in Laois
Facilities for Rest and Play: 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.
27 April 2026
Jelly Tots Community Creche and Playschool, Abbeyleix · Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play
- The following safety hazards were noted in the sleep room: 1. Waterproof mattresses were not in place in the six cots in the sleep room. 2. Potential footholds were observed in cots two and three due to the inappropriate fit of the elasticated sheets. 3. A conduit was not in place to secure the lead from the low-level compact disc player. 4. Curtains were in place on the fire exit doors from the sleep room which may impede a prompt evacuation from the sleep room or act as a combustible material in the event of a fire in the premises
- 1. In the main outdoor play area located to the rear of the premises horizontal fixtures were not in place on the wooden pieces surrounding the raised platform of the climb and slide unit to prevent a potential entrapment risk. 2. A separate play area which could be accessed directly from the crèche was not available for use by the children due to its lack of suitability. The following was observed: • The artificial grass surface area was uneven and worn in sections. • A plastic “tortoise” shaped container was full of stagnant sand and water. • An unsecured water hose was trailing a section of the surface area. • Wooden plantar boxes were left broken and with overgrown foliage. • The door of the wooden storage shed was broken and separating from the main body of the shed. 3. A small outdoor area adjacent to and accessible from the main outdoor play area was not available for use by the children due to its lack of suitability. The following was observed: • Broken equipment and play materials located throughout the area. • Broken trikes and furniture stacked on top of covered sensory trays. • A broken toy kitchen area with a glass mirror
Provider's corrective action:
- The person in charge stated in the response that: 1. Waterproof mattresses are now in place in the six cots in the sleep room. A check for waterproof mattress covers has been added to the daily health and safety checklist for the sleep room. (Photographs of waterproof mattresses and the health and safety sleep room checklist included). 2. The incorrect fitting sheets were disposed of and new sheets were purchased to fit each of the cots. Extra new sheets have been provided so that spares will be available. (Photograph included). 3. The CD player has been removed and replaced with a wireless speaker above the child’s level. (Photograph included). 4. The curtains have been removed. (Photograph included). The blackout curtains will be replaced by fitted door blinds have been ordered for the sleep room fire doors. (Quotation included)
- The person in charge stated in the response that: 1. As an interim measure there is increased supervision with one staff member allocated to the climbing frame at all times and a limited number of children during use. A check to confirm the horizontal fixtures are in place and have not been compromised has been added to the daily garden health and safety checklist. (Garden health and safety checklist included). Horizontal fixtures will be fitted around the edge of the climbing frame to prevent a potential entrapment risk. These fixtures will be fitted on 19/06/2026. (Quotation included). 2. Play area which could be accessed directly from the crèche: • The artificial grass surface requires remedial work and will be completed by 17th August 2026 in the interim period the garden will remain out of use until all repairs are completed. (Daily garden checklist included). • The sand box has been emptied and sanitised and placed in storage until the garden is functional. (Photograph included). • The hose has been placed away in storage. (Photograph included). • The creche garden needs the removal of broken planter boxes which will be completed by 17th August 2026 before the commencement of the new term. The garden will remain out of use until all repairs are completed. • The shed door requires repair which will be completed by 17th August 2026 before the commencement of the new term. The garden will remain out of use until all repairs are completed. 3. Small outdoor area adjacent to and accessible from the main outdoor play area: • All broken equipment will be removed from the unused play area. • The sensory trays have been cleaned and sterilised and put in storage for use. • The glass mirror has been removed for safety. This area is scheduled to be power washed to clean all surfaces over the summertime and ready for use by 17/08/2026 for the new term. The garden will remain out of use until all repairs are completed. (Daily garden checklist included). Summary Comment In respect of corrective actions taken to date photographic and documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet regulatory compliance. The proposed actions in respect of (3)(a) the play area which could be accessed directly from the crèche and the small outdoor area adjacent to and accessible from the main outdoor play area will meet the regulatory requirement upon completion of identified actions but remains outstanding until the evidence of works completed is submitted by August 21st 2026
25 February 2026
The Village Creche, Ballyroan · Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play
- 1. A fifty-centimetre space was not in place between the cots in the sleep room. It is acknowledged that the deputy person in charge took a corrective action and removed two cots that were not in use to allow for a fifty-centimetre space between the remaining five cots in the sleep room. This non-compliance was noted on the last inspection on the 7 July 2025
Provider's corrective action:
- The person in charge stated in the response that two cots that were not in use have been removed, leaving 50cm space between each cot. There are now 6 cots in the sleep room. (Photographs included). Summary Comment In respect of the corrective actions taken 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
5 February 2026
Early Learning Montessori, Stradbally · Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play
- Low-level beds or sleep mats were not readily available in the service for any child attending on a part time basis who required rest or sleep
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated in the response that low level beds are now available for children attending on a part time basis who require rest or sleep. (Photograph submitted). Summary Comment In respect of the corrective actions taken photographic evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement
1 September 2025
Happy Days Creche Durrow Limited, Durrow · Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play
- The sleep room was not adequate or suitable due to the following: 1. The five cot mattresses in use did not conform to a recognised safety standard. 2. A foot hold was noted in two cots which posed a potential risk of entrapment for a young child. 3. One cot mattress was heavily stained and required replacement. 4. The required fifty centimetres was not in place in between three cots. 5. There was no window blind on the skylight window in the rest area off the wobbler room
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated in the response that: 1. The cot mattresses were replaced. (Receipt included). 2. The cot mattresses were replaced. (Receipt included). 3. The cot mattress was replaced. (Receipt included). 4. One cot has been removed to ensure that the required fifty centimetres is available between cots. (Photograph included). 5. A new blind has been installed on the skylight window in the rest area off the wobbler room. (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
24 February 2025
Darling Buds Montessori and Daycare, Portlaoise · Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play
- The layout of the wobbler room required further review to allow for sensory, imaginative and child led play
- 1. The rest areas in the wobbler room required review as cushions for children to rest on were located next to the radiator. 2. Three mattress covers were stained in the wobbler sleep room. One mattress cover was stained in the toddler sleep room. It is acknowledged that a corrective action was taken by the registered provider and the covers were removed and replaced during the inspection
- The following hazards were noted in the outdoor play area: 1. The surface of the “mushroom” table and a water tray container unit were noted to be cracked with exposed edges which posed a potential injury risk to children. 2. The protective rubbers on the handles of a white tricycle were missing leaving exposed metal bars which posed a potential injury risk. 3. One of the Perspex windows in the elevated playhouse was cracked and broken which posed a potential injury risk to children if they were playing in the playhouse
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. The layout of the wobbler room has been revised. (Photographic evidence included)
- 1. Cushions have been removed from the radiator area of wobbler room. (Photographic evidence included) 2. New mattress protectors that were replaced on the day of inspection are on the cots. (Photographic evidence included.)
- 1. The “mushroom” table has been removed from the garden . Water and sand containers from the bench have been removed. (Photographic evidence included). 3. The tricycle was removed from the outdoor play area. 4. The playhouse window that had been damaged by the storm has been removed and a new one fitted. (Photographic evidence included). Staff have been reminded of the need for risk assessments to be carried out and all items that need to be fixed or replaced and to be brought to managers attention immediately. Summary Comment In respect of the corrective action taken photographic evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement
14 February 2025
Darling Buds Montessori & Daycare, Portlaoise · Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play
- 1. The rest areas in pre-school rooms required further development for children to rest or relax. 2. The sleep rooms were not adequate or suitable due to the following. Wobbler sleep room (Sleep room 1) 1. One cot mattress in use did not conform to a recognised safety standard. 2. Two cot mattresses were heavily stained and required replacement. 3. A fitted cot sheet was not in place on one cot. The sheet was too big and did not fit the mattress correctly. 4. The required fifty centimetres was not in place in between two cots. Toddler Sleep Room (Sleep room 2) 5. One cot mattress in use did not conform to a recognised safety standard
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. The registered provider stated in the response that immediate action was taken by ordering for each of the rest rooms sofas and armchairs age appropriate for each room. (Photograph included)
- • One cot mattress was replaced to conform with recognised safety standard in wobbler sleep room 1. (Photograph included). • Two cot mattresses were replaced that were heavily stained in wobbler sleep room 1. (Photograph included). • Cot sheets have all been checked and cot sheets that do not fit correctly have been removed from wobbler sleep room 1. (Photograph included). • One sleeping cot was removed from wobbler sleep room 1 to ensure the required distance between the cots is maintained. (Photograph included). • One cot mattress was replaced to a recognised safety standard in toddler sleep room 2. (Photograph included). The service will e nsure that all rest areas for the children to rest and relax are checked on a regular basis and updated accordingly. The service will ensure before buying, standard safety signs are always on mattresses. Staff are all aware of the fifty-centimetre requirement and before sleeping time they should always check the distance between cots. Summary Comment In respect of the corrective action taken photographic evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement