Regulation 22 in Westmeath
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.
14 May 2026
Bright Beginnings, Mullingar · Regulation 22 — Food and drink
- The quantity of protein provided to the children in the main meal was insufficient as it did not meet the requirements of the “Nutrition Standards for Early Learning and Care Services” The “chicken hot pot” for 53 children was prepared using three packets of raw chicken breast each weighing 284g. A combined total weight of 852g not taking account of the loss of water during the cooking process. At least 1,590g of cooked poultry was required in line with the Nutrition Standards for Early Learning and Care Services page 43 which states that 30g of cooked poultry constitutes a serving which is required for the main meal provision
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered providers stated in the response that the service has increased the amount of chicken that goes into the chicken hot pot. The service will ensure that all food meets the requirements of the “nutrition standards for early learning and care services”. (Photograph included) Summary Comment In respect of corrective actions taken to date photographic evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet regulatory compliance. The practices as stated will be reviewed on the next inspection
16 February 2026
Mullingar Montessori & After School Care Ltd, Mullingar · Regulation 22 — Food and drink
- 1. Children attending on a full day care basis were not provided with a meal in the afternoon in addition to the snack of buttered brown sliced bread and a selection of fruit. This does not align to the Nutrition Standards for Early Learning and Care Services which states that “Children in Full Day Care – that is, for more than 5 hours – have at least two meals and two snacks offered to them, one of which is a hot meal.” 2. It is acknowledged that a three-week menu was in place, however, it did not record a menu for evening tea or the time it was served, for example it stated breakfast was served between 08:00 - 08:15am and dinner between 12:00 -15:00 hours and that a snack was available at various times throughout the day as outlined above
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. We have updated our daily afternoon snack for children attending Full Day Care. 2. See attached updated 3 week menu which includes the 4pm afternoon snack for Full day care children