Regulation 20 in Westmeath
Facilities for Rest and Play: 3 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.
14 May 2026
Bright Beginnings, Mullingar · Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play
- In the sleep room one cot was not fitted with a waterproof mattress or covering
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered providers stated in the response that a waterproof mattress cover is now in place on the cot mattress. All mattresses now have a waterproof cover so this should not be a future issue. The service will ensure if the covers need to replaced that it will be done. (Photograph included) Summary Comment In respect of 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 regulatory compliance
28 January 2026
Bright Star Academy, Mullingar · Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play
- 1.The cot sheets were too small on two cot mattresses and caused buckling of the mattresses which posed a risk of entrapment of a young child. It is acknowledged that a corrective action was taken and new cot sheets were put in place by the staff member
- Outdoor play area 1. Since the last inspection on the 9 May 2024 the absorbent surface area of the outdoor play area was noted to have deteriorated. Accumulations of soil and debris had formed along the surface area and the play area was mucky. This non compliance was noted on the inspection dated 19 October 2023. The following was noted in the outdoor play area. 2. An overhanging branch required to be cut as it posed a potential risk of injury to a child. 3.Two wooden slats with a loose nail required removal. 4.The material covering the teepee was saturated wet and stained requiring removal. 5. The toy tractors and bicycles had accumulated soil and debris built up on the surface and around the wheels. 6. The plastic playhouse was weather beaten from the elements and soil had accumulated on the floor of the playhouse which required replacement
Provider's corrective action:
- Following the inspection, the service purchased new appropriately sized cot sheets and mattresses to ensure that all bedding fits securely and safely on the cots in use, and these will be put in place as soon as they are received to ensure compliance and to provide a safe and hygienic sleep environment for all children attending the service. To prevent this issue from reoccurring, the service will carry out regular checks of all cot sheets and mattresses to ensure they are the correct size, fit securely and remain in good condition. The service will review bedding whenever new equipment is purchased or replaced to ensure it meets required safety standards, with this procedure taking effect immediately and ongoing as part of our routine health and safety checks
- 1. At the time of inspection the outdoor area had been dirty in places due to the winter season, with heavy rain and wind contributing to surface build-up and debris, and once this was identified the service cleaned the outdoor area thoroughly and arranged for it to be power hosed to ensure it was safe, hygienic and suitable for children’s use. 2.The service removed the fallen and overhanging branches from the outdoor area to eliminate any potential hazard and to ensure the space was safe and suitable for children’s use. The area was checked fully afterwards to ensure no remaining loose branches were present or further debris remained. 3. The wooden slats were removed from the outdoor area to eliminate any potential risk to the children and to ensure the space was safe and suitable for use. 4. The teepee was removed. 5. The service washed and cleaned all outdoor toys to ensure they were hygienic and safe for children’s use. 6. The plastic playhouse was removed. To prevent this from reoccurring, the service will ensure that the outdoor area is checked and cleaned on a regular basis, with particular attention during periods of bad weather. The registered provider has met with the assistant manager to reinforce the importance of completing and reviewing outdoor risk assessments to identify any hazards arising from seasonal conditions, with ongoing monitoring of the outdoor environment now forming part of our routine health and safety checks
20 May 2025
Dunaree Childcare & Pre-school LTD, Tyrellspass · Regulation 20 — Facilities for rest and play
- (1)(a) The minimum 50 cm distance between the cots in the sleep room was not observed as three of the cots on the left-hand side of the room were arranged in a position where the cots were all in direct contact
Provider's corrective action:
- The cots have been rearranged to meet the 50 cm distance requirement in the sleep room