Regulation 22 — Food and Drink

57 non-compliance(s) at 56 services, in the latest reports we read.

By county

23 October 2025

On the day it was observed that no hot meal alternative was provided to a child who refused the main meal. On discussion with the staff members the inspector was informed that the child does not eat hot meals, and a snack is provided from home. When asked if another child refused the meal, could an alternative be provided the inspector was informed no. This was later confirmed by the person in charge at the closing meeting

Provider's corrective action:

In a written response the registered provider stated: The staff members have been made aware of Ballinamore Childcare CLG healthy eating policy, attention has been drawn to the issue if a child is refusing the hot meal that they are provided with an alternative meal. This issue is also on the agenda for the next staff meeting as a revision of policies

7 August 2025

Four children did not eat the dinner provided on the day of inspection and were not offered an alternative

Provider's corrective action:

The external catering company provides dinners to Clever Clogs. Each day there is two options of dinners for the children. Please see invoice attached. On date of inspection there was only one dish on the menu. All other days there is two meals. Preventive Action Checking this with the external catering company to sure there is always two dishes available

28 May 2025

There was no alternative hot meal available for the children who did not eat meat or disliked the hot meal available. Five children had mash potatoes only as their main hot meal

Provider's corrective action:

The chef will prepare an alternative hot meal on a daily basis. The registered provider will ensure that an alternative hot meal is available

1 October 2024

1. 3 children were scheduled to stay for more than 5 hours on the day of inspection did not have access to a hot meal. Upon discussion with the person In charge, a hot meal was not available on the premises for these children. Upon discussion with the person in charge and review of documentation, it is acknowledged that the Registered provider has requested the parents provide hot food, however the messaging to parents in the welcome letter or the service policy is not clear that a hot meal must be provided if the child remains in the service for more than 5 hours. 2. There was limited alternative food available on the premises on the day of inspection. Upon discussion with staff, flavoured rice cakes and dried pasta were the only food items available. Alternative and adequate suitable food should be available should it be required. Non-compliances relating to hot food not being provided for children attending the service for more than 5 hours, or food not being available on the premises for children who may require additional or alternative food was raised during the 2022 and 2023 inspections

Provider's corrective action:

Parents have been contacted to explain the requirement to provide a hot meal should a child remain in the services for 5 hours or more. Food list has been added to the Kitchen’s weekly cleaning checklist. Food stock will be checked weekly

10 June 2026

1. Food provision in the service consisted of one hot meal provided by the service and snacks provided from home. This provision is insufficient to meet the needs of the preschool children as outlined in the recommended guidance of the provision of two meals and two snacks for preschool children in a full day care service. 2. An alternative meal was not available for the children who did not like the main meal. Two children were given snacks provided from home in place of the main meal of the day which was salmon, mashed potatoes, vegetables and gravy

Provider's corrective action:

1. An afternoon meal has been introduced into the service. A staff meeting held on the 29th June 2026 has informed staff of this change. 2. An alternative meal is now offered to children. A staff meeting held on the 29th June has informed staff of this change