Regulation 21 in Galway
Equipment and Materials: 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.
8 June 2026
Tigh na nOg Community Creche, Letterfrack · Regulation 21 — Equipment and materials
- The Preschool playroom, ECCE, Wobbler and Toddler playrooms were not supplied with adequate materials to support children’s play and learning. There were not enough toys and equipment available to the children to provide rich and varied environment for the children to play. For example: 1. The play kitchen areas were poorly stocked with accessories; one the kitchen unit doors were broken and it was void of toys. 2. The dress up clothes were not available to the children at all times. They were stored in the corridor and the children did not have access to them throughout the inspection. The children were asked by the inspector if they liked dressing up and the children in the Toddler room all answered “Yes” but the children were not given access to the dress up costumes throughout the session. 3. The books in the library areas were in poor condition, many were ripped and torn. A child in the Preschool room was heard asking a staff member for a book, that was stored in a high shelf out of the children’s reach. The staff informed the inspector that he was looking or his favourite book that was stored out of the children’s reach. 4. The dolls houses were void of any suitable furniture or toy accessories. The dolls that the children could use to play with, were stored in a plastic box that was stored nearby, however these dolls were presented in a poor condition. 5. Puzzles and games were stored out of the children’s reach, a young child in the preschool room was observed asking a staff member for a jigsaw puzzle that was stored on a very high shelf. There were only 2 puzzles on a low-level shelf for the children to play with. 6. There were four “cause and effect” toys in the Wobbler room that were not working
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated the following in their reply Corrective and Preventive Action All educators have provided lists of items that need to be replaced in the playrooms. These items will be purchased by Management. The statement from the registered provider was accepted. Summary Comment The inspector has reviewed the actions and the evidence submitted, the noncompliances identified under regulation 21 have been adequately addressed. This regulation will be reviewed at the next inspection
4 March 2026
Ballinasloe Community Childcare Group, Ballinasloe · Regulation 21 — Equipment and materials
- The Junior playroom and the Senior playroom were not supplied with adequate materials to support children’s play and learning. There were not enough toys and equipment available to the children to provide rich and varied environment for the children to play. For example: 1. The play kitchen areas were poorly stocked with accessories; one the kitchen unit door was broken and void of toys. 2. The dress up clothes were in poor condition and all in a bundle on the floor of the hanging unit making it difficult for the children to pick and choose what they wanted to play with. 3. The books in the library area were in poor condition, many were ripped and torn. 4. The dolls houses were void of any furniture or toy accessories. 5. The dolls and dolls accessories were in poor condition and they were poorly displayed. This did not make it attractive for the young children to want play with them. 6. Puzzles and games were stored out of the children’s reach, a young child in the Junior preschool room was observed asking a staff member for a jigsaw puzzle that was stored on a very high shelf. The staff member retrieved a small plastic bag that contained jigsaw pieces. There was no picture of the completed jigsaw or the number of jigsaw pieces the jigsaw should contain. When the inspector asked the staff member if this information was available to the child, they replied “that the childcare course that they attended suggested that children should use their imagination and memory when completing a jigsaw”. 7. There were 5 “cause and effect” toys in the baby room that were not working
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated the following in their reply: Corrective and Preventive Action 1 to 7 A large section of toys were purchased which included kitchen units , dress up costumes, books, dolls house with furniture and other accessories. Staff have chosen age-appropriate puzzles for the children, and they now are accessible to the children on low level shelving. The staff have checked all battery-operated toys; batteries were replaced when required and toys were replaced when they were no longer operational. Staff will monitor all play areas and toys will be reviewed and may be replaced as part of a monthly audit will now be part of a monthly audit
23 April 2025
Caisleán Óir Glinsk Community Childcare, Glinsk · Regulation 21 — Equipment and materials
- 1. There was a lack of materials, equipment and toys in the Toddler room to provide a rich and varied environment for the children e.g. Dolls house in this playroom had limited furniture and dolls for the children to play with. Dress up clothes was sparse and not on display for the children to play with. The children did not have access to enough varied materials and equipment e.g. small world toys were limited in the playroom. Puzzles and boxes of toys were stored out of the reach of children on high shelves. The children had to ask to play with these toys which were not left within easy reach of the children. 2. Children in the Toddler room did not have access to soft seating or an area to sit and relax throughout the session, this was highlighted in a previous inspection report dated the 23/05/24
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated the following in their reply: Corrective and Preventive Action 1. The layout of the room was changed to ensure that toys are at the children's level and the play equipment will be rotated regularly. Management will conduct regular checks to ensure that a selection of toys are available to children. 2. New child sized sofas were purchased and located in the library area in the Toddler room, where children can sit and relax throughout the day