Regulation 22 in Offaly
Food and Drink: 2 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.
30 June 2026
Little Haven Education Centre, Birr · Regulation 22 — Food and drink
- 1. The main meal on day 2 did not meet the requirements of the “Nutrition Standards for Early Learning and Care Services” • The main meal on day 2 did not meet the requirements of the “Nutrition Standards for Early Learning and Care services” due to the use of processed chicken product. Page 43 states that “processed meat or chicken products, fried foods, foods cooked in batter or breadcrumbs, or foods containing pastry, cannot be provided (for example bacon, ham, sausages, chicken nuggets and similar products)”. • The main meal on day 2 did not meet the requirements of the “Nutrition Standards for Early Learning and Care Services” due to the absence of vegetables. Page 40 states that “every hot meal should include ½ to 1 serving of vegetables”. • The main meal on day 2 did not meet the requirements of the “Nutrition Standards for Early Learning and Care Services” due to the use of the use of a curry sauce mix. Page 19 states that “gravy, stock cubes, jars or packets of sauce should not be used as they contain a lot of salt”. • Milk was not included on the menu plan and was not routinely offered to the children in line with the requirements of the “Nutrition Standards for Early Learning and Care Services”
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated in response that: 1. The service has removed several items from the menu and are researching alternatives that are healthier, more nutritious and meet the required regulations. Currently the registered provider and the two cooks are researching and investigating alternative ways of food production and preparation. Cooking sauces from scratch, making our own sausage rolls, cooking joints of chicken and ham to slice for sandwiches. We are going through the requirements of the Nutrition Standards for ELC services, and our aim is to have over the next few weeks before the new school year commences a brand-new revamped set of two-week menus that will repeat itself and meet all the nutritional requirements. All families will receive a copy of this. Milk is now offered to all rooms with meals. Summary Comment The proposed actions in respect of (1) will meet the regulatory requirement but the non- compliance remains outstanding until the evidence of revised menu plans is completed and submitted by September 7th 2026
26 May 2026
Memory Lane Pre-school, Edenderry · Regulation 22 — Food and drink
- 1. It is acknowledged some of the children attending Rooms 1 and 2 did have fresh fruit pieces, a selection of sandwiches with healthy fillings, yoghurts and cheese, provided for snack from home, however, the registered provider did not ensure that suitable and nutritious food was being provided for each child attending the service as observed by the following: • In Room 2 , ten children were observed with a high sugar content snack in their lunch box, for example, foods observed included chocolate spread on bread or crackers, chocolate biscuits, pain au chocolat, chocolate mini muffins, chocolate chip muffin, cake and an iced donut. This was at variance with the health eating policy which states that the service “does not allow chocolate.” 2. The registered provider did not ensure that all children attending on a full day care basis were provided with a hot meal. Examples of the foods provided for the main meal for individual children was observed to include: • One child had a sandwich, banana and water , o ne child had two brioche rolls, o ne child had crackers, cheese, apple pieces, a yogurt and chocolate buttons. • One child was observed eating reheated tinned spaghetti hoops in tomato sauce while another child was observed eating reheated tinned alphabet type spaghetti in tomato sauce. This was at variance with healthy eating policy for the service which states that “meals and snacks should be…. healthy for children.” This was a non-compliance following inspection conducted on 4 December 2025. The corrective action submitted by the registered provider following the inspection failed to prevent recurrence of this non-compliance
Provider's corrective action:
- All parents have been informed in writing of the requirements to provide a balanced hot meal that is appropriate for their child’s age and nutritional needs. Guidance has been issued to parents outlining examples of suitable hot meals and foods that meet healthy eating recommendations. We will continue to remind parents of our healthy eating policy and sent home brochures from Offaly County Childcare Committee regarding healthy eating on 19 th June 2026. Communication regarding the healthy eating policy was sent on the 23rd June 2026. This also included information about the hot meals. We will remove any unhealthy items from their lunch boxes and place it back in their bag to go home with them. We will also continue to remind parents of our healthy eating policy regularly. Staff now check lunchboxes daily to ensure children have an appropriate hot meal. Where a meal provided is not considered adequate, staff will discuss this sensitively with parents and offer guidance for future lunches. A record will be maintained of any concerns regarding inadequate meals and the actions taken to support families. A team meeting was completed with staff which included our healthy eating policy