Regulation 23 in Cavan
Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of Child: 36 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.
19 May 2026
Rainbow Kids Ltd, Cootehill · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. The door to the kitchen was propped open following the second snack time. Hazards present in the kitchen, such as a kettle and sharp utensils, (used when staff are preparing snacks and lunches), present a risk of injury to a child. 2. Large wooden planks were stored in an area within the indoor hall assigned for use by the preschool children. The wooden planks were standing up against a door and not secured, posing a risk of injury to a child. 3. At the first morning snack time, which is provided by the service, children were observed to choose where to go in the care room with their snack bowl, which contained dry cereal hoops, chopped fruit and buttered crackers. Some children sat on chairs and played in the home corner area, and some children were observed walking around the room, eating, which poses a choking risk to a child. Infection Control: 4. A bin used in the Preschool room to dispose of waste requires children and staff to lift the lid to place waste into the bin, poses a cross-contamination risk. 5. Hand washing practises were inadequate before the children had their first morning snack. The children were observed to be instructed by staff to “sanitise their hands” before their snack. The use of hand sanitiser does not replace handwashing before children eat. It is acknowledged that before children had their second snack, they all washed their hands in the hand-wash sinks before eating. Corrective 7 Preventive Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. The staff are aware that the door into the kitchen must be kept closed at all times to avoid children having access to dangerous kitchen appliances and utensils. A sign has been placed on the door to remind staff to close the door at all times, and the prop for the door has been removed. Staff will ensure to keep the door to the Kitchen closed at all times. Staff are aware that the Health and Nutrition Policy has been updated with this requirement. 2. The wooden planks were removed from the hall. The Community Hall Committee and the Caretaker of the hall were contacted, and they have agreed that going forward no items such as these wooden boards will be left in the hall where the children have access to play. 3. While children are eating their morning snack at preschool they are no longer allowed to move around the room and they are asked to sit down with their snack bowl to avoid a risk of choking. All staff are aware that children are not allowed to move around the room while eating their food. The Health and Nutrition policy has also been updated to include this. Infection Control: 4. The bin in the preschool room which required staff and children to lift the lid every time they needed to dispose of waste has been replaced with a new pedal bin. This reduces the risk of cross – contamination. The Infection Control Policy has been updated to ensure that all bins in the service will be pedal bins. Staff are aware of the update to the policy. 5. Following on from the inspection, all children are now asked to wash their hands in the hand-wash sinks before they receive their morning snack. Hand sanitiser is no longer used as a method of cleaning hands before eating. The Infection Control Policy has been revised and updated to include that children will have to wash their hands prior to having their morning snack. All staff are aware of this requirement and that the use of the hand sanitiser is not an adequate way of cleaning hands before eating
18 May 2026
Busy Bees, Cavan · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. The fence between the grassed outdoor area and a field at the rear of the premises had a gap between where the two fenced areas met, which posed a potential risk of a child passing through and exiting the outdoor play area. 2. A cord from an internet booster device in a window was unsecured in the Preschool room, which poses a risk of injury to a child. Infection Control: 3. For handwashing practises in the Baby room, a staff member advised the inspector that they fill the sink with warm soapy water for a few children to wash their hands at a time, which is not in line with infection control procedures and also poses a cross-contamination risk. Children’s hands should be washed in a sink under warm running water. 4. A staff member in the Baby room outlined the procedure for cleaning soothers as follows: they were run under hot water at the end of each day, and sterilised once a week. Soothers are required to be washed in warm, soapy water and sterilised in line with best practise. 5. Two waste bins in both care rooms were not lidded and contained waste items, posing a cross-contamination risk
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. The fence has been repaired, leaving no gap between the two fenced areas. Outdoor areas to be checked daily to ensure no damage has occurred to fencing. 2. The cord from the internet booster has been secured. Leads and cords to be checked daily to ensure nothing is within reach of the children. Infection Control: 3. In future, children's hands are only to be washed in the sink using running warm water. Sinks are not to be filled for use of more than one child. This has been discussed with all staff, reminding everyone of the policy regarding handwashing and procedures for infection prevention. Signs are also in place at the handwashing sinks. 4. In future, soothers are to be washed with warm soapy water after use as well as sterilised daily. The procedure for ensuring soothers are washed and sterilised appropriately has been discussed with all staff and a new sign with this procedure is now placed in the room close to the sink and soother storage boxes. 5. We have purchased new non-contact bins for each room, which are now in use. Ensure bins have lids at all times to prevent cross contamination
13 May 2026
Little Buds Childcare, Mullagh · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: The Garda vetting disclosure for one staff member was not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: Renewal of Garda vetting has been received for the staff member. A log of each staff vetting date will be kept at front of each staff file. Staff vetting dates will be checked frequently to ensure no vetting has expired
5 March 2026
Puddlelane Montessori Playgroup Ltd, Bailieborough · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. The registered provider had not adhered to the 3 yearly re-vetting timeframes as outlined in the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice for 1 staff member. 2. On the day of inspection there was a sound beeping from the smoke alarm system indicating a fault in the system. This is a health and safety risk. 3. The large dolls house was positioned in front of the emergency fire exit blocking it during the inspection. This is a safety risk
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. The Garda vetting has been applied for through an agency. Vetting will be done in a timely manner well in advance of the expiry date. The registered provider will ensure to have reviews around this. 2. The fire alarm was beeping on the day of the inspection, the alarm had been serviced a few weeks before that, the engineer came out, checked the system again and replaced the battery for safety measures. The engineers always service the system with the highest standard and are on all call if any issues arise. 3. The dolls house was moved to another part of the room, making sure this would never happen again. A staff member moved the doll’s house in front of the fire door when she was getting food out of the fridge and forgot to move it back
4 March 2026
Busy Bees Toddlers LTD, Cavan · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: 1. A swing top bin was in use for the Baby/Toddler room, with staff observed to touch the lid each time the bin was used, this is a cross-contamination risk. 2. Whilst the nappy changing procedure was correct in most cases, there were occasions when it was insufficient in preventing the spread of infection. On one occasion, the gloves were not replaced prior to removing clothes from the child’s bag and redressing the child, when heavy soiling had occurred. 3. Ineffective handwashing practices were observed as follows; • No handwashing occurred before the children in the Preschool room had their dinner. • No handwashing of adults or children occurred following nappy changing practices observed. • Handwashing practises were insufficient in the Baby/Toddler room, where the use of wipes and hand sanitiser were used for the younger children before they had their dinner. Safe Sleep: 4. It was observed on occasions that inaccurate real-time sleep records were not maintained for sleeping children. Records were completed retrospectively as follows; • At 1:40pm sleep checks were carried out on one sleeping child, and records were completed for 1:30pm check and 1:40pm check at that time. • At 12:05pm, sleep checks were carried out on a sleeping child, and records were completed for 12:00pm at that time
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action Infection Control: 1. Registered provider has purchased a foot-controlled bin for this area as requested. Ensure no bins are touchable by staff /children due to cross contamination. 2. Registered provider spoke with the staff member, and will ensure gloves are changed for each step of changing soiled clothes. To prevent infection all staff are aware of this non-compliance and now have a sign up as a reminder. 3. Handwashing practice was not observed but did take place before meal in the Preschool room which was supervised this the registered provider maybe not observed but did take place as it is a routine. Service has incorporated more handwashing activities into our curriculum to emphasise the importance of this to the children and staff. More signs and prompts for handwashing. Safe Sleep: 4. Real time recordings are taking place for sleep checks instead of 12pm it will say 12.03 as the precise time. Explained non-compliance to staff and exact times are recorded as attached
24 February 2026
ABC Childcare, Cavan · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Administration of Medication: Records reviewed outlined that a preschool child was recorded as having an allergy to certain food products. The staff verbally outlined to the inspector the child’s allergy. However, no care plans were completed and signed by the child’s parents to include signs, symptoms and procedures for what staff should do in the case of a reaction and or emergency
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action Administration of Medication: The child in question didn’t have an allergy to certain food products but had a very mild intolerance to certain dairy products. At no stage was the child in any danger of suffering from any life-threatening reaction to these foods because the worst-case scenario would be that the child would vomit if these foods were consumed. A recommendation by the inspector was that a care plan be in place. After speaking to the child’s mother about a care plan, she informed me that the child no longer has any intolerance to these foods and that she didn’t mention it to us as the child doesn’t have these foods in creche. If any child has an Allergy/intolerance to any food product, I will ensure that there is a care plan in place. In the case of a very mild intolerance to any food product, we will have on display a picture of the child and describe what will happen if they eat/come in to contact with these foods
23 February 2026
Happy Days Playgroup & Crèche, Mullagh · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: Two staff members garda vetting disclosures was not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’
Provider's corrective action:
- Updated garda vetting is now available for the 2 staff members. The registered provider will ensure that garda vetting is renewed every 3 years and is available for inspection
29 January 2026
Carealot Daycare, Cootehill · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: The paper towels for handwashing in the preschool sanitary area were not stored in a dispenser; therefore, the repeated handling of the paper towels between staff and children increases the risk of cross-contamination
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action Infection Control: I purchased a new bin and a blue roll dispenser. I put the dispenser onto the wall, and the bin is beside it, both are positioned outside of the toilet. New bin and dispenser will always stay where they are
22 January 2026
Krafty Kidz Community Childcare, Ballyconnell · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: 1. The toilet off the Baby and Wobbler Rooms was used to store the coracle beds and floor mats used for the children from the Wobbler Room to sleep on. Toilets areas are not an appropriate location for storage and are an infection control risk. 2. The coracle beds were stored with the bed linen in place and these were stored on top of each other. This is a cross-infection risk. 3. It was stated by staff that all toys and equipment were being cleaned with a sterilising agent and hot water and not with hot soapy water which is the best practice guidance. This is an infection control risk. 4. The nappy bins in use in the service were lidded and pedal operated. However staff members were observed using their hands to open the inner flap of the nappy bin to dispose of soiled nappies. This practice is incorrect as it is a source of cross contamination of the staff members hands
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action Infection Control: 1. The coracle beds have now been relocated to a storeroom located off the baby room. All staff members have been spoken to and they know where they will be stored from now on. All staff will become familiar with the location of all coracle beds, the storeroom will be labelled as bed storage. All staff informed that the beds can no longer be stored in the toilet area. 2. All linen is now removed from the beds after each use. They are stored in individual labelled plastic bags in a box in the storeroom for use the next day. All staff have been spoken to about the new practice and ensured they understand. All staff are aware of the cross-contamination risk when not removing sheets and therefore will remove after each use and before storing away. We will ensure staff are following through with new practice and monitor that the new practice is been maintained. 3. The policy has been updated. Ensure that all toys are cleaned with hot soapy water. A sterilising agent is used when required policy has been updated and communicated to all staff. The updated policy has been e-mailed to staff and has been uploaded to the staff electronic application. 4. Staff have been informed and re-trained on the use of the nappy bins, which allows the nappy bins to be hands free. The bins will be monitored and emptied more frequently to allow the internal flap to open without the use of hands touching the interior of the bin. Ensure all bins are emptied more frequently and staff understand the importance of not touching the bins with their hands as it becomes an infection control issue
21 January 2026
Little Willows Montessori, Bailieborough · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. The surfaces of the radiators in the care rooms and children's toilets were recorded at 49.9°C to 50.2°C, which poses a risk of injury to a child. It is acknowledged that when the inspector brought this to the attention of the registered provider, the radiators were adjusted and then were then recorded between 26.8°C and 33 °C. 2. It was noted that while the heating was running, there appeared to be fumes in the kitchen area and within the cupboard next to the outside burner where the heating controls were situated. When brought to the attention of the registered provider, they advised that the area where the heating pipes enter the building needs to be sealed and has arranged for this to be completed. Fire Safety: 3. Records available for review demonstrated that the fire extinguishers were last serviced in November 2024, and not annually, which is required by the fire safety in preschool guidelines
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. Registered Provider has talked to a plumber, and he will put a thermostat on the radiator to control the heating to the right temperature. Check the radiators regularly with a thermometer, especially for radiators. 2. Registered Provider got in touch with a plumber about where the heating pipes are in a press, and he is going to get a cover to seal them up to stop the fumes coming out. If the fumes smell again, I will contact a plumber immediately. Fire Safety; 3. I rang my fire extinguisher company, and they told me they didn’t do it anymore. I had to get on to a new company, and they have come out and serviced them. Check my fire cert every year and ring the company to come out and service it
23 September 2025
Pebbles Childcare, Kingscourt · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Two staff members garda vetting disclosures was not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. Infection Control: 2. Inadequate bins were provided in the service as evidenced by the following: • Soiled nappies were inappropriately stored in an open top bin in the nappy changing area off the Toddler Room, causing an unpleasant odour. • The bin in the nappy changing area off ECCE Room 2 and in the care room were not foot operated and therefore staff and children were repeatedly observed handling the bins to dispose of contaminated items. All bins should be foot operated and bins used for the disposal of soiled nappies must have a tight fitting lid. 3. The following was observed in the cot room downstairs: • There were no safety labels on the 2 mattresses to provide assurance that they reached the required safety specification. • The cover on the mattress in the cot on the right side on entering the room was soiled and torn. 4. In the Wobbler room a cable running along the wall for the fridge was training and accessible to children. 5. The straps on the 2 highchairs in the Wobbler room were visibly dirty and posed a contamination risk
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1.Updated garda vetting have been obtained for the 2 staff members . The registered provider will ensure that all staff files are reviewed on an annual basis to ensure compliance. Infection Control: 2.The open top bin has been removed. New foot operation bins have replaced the old bins. They have tight fitting lids. 3. The 2 mattresses that were faulty have been replaced. The mattress cover has also been replaced. 4. The cable in the wobbler room has been tacked to the wall. 5. The straps have been removed and washed. The registered provider will conduct regular audits and risk assessments to ensure all equipment is safe and suitable for use in a childcare setting
17 September 2025
Bright Start, Mullagh · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. The hot water supply provided at the children’s wash hand basin in the sanitary accommodation for the ECCE 2 room located upstairs was recorded at 46.5°C, which is in excess of the maximum safe water temperature of 43°C and posed a risk to the children. When identified, the inspector informed the registered provider of the scalding risk. The registered provider adjusted the controls on the hot water tank and the water reduced to 28.9°C following the adjustments. This non-compliance was identified at the service’s last inspection where the preventative actions outlined were; “Upon discussions with the staff, it was decided that the water temperature switch will not be raised during the 9-12pm session while the children are in the service. There will be a reminder notice placed on the door ‘not to touch the temperature gauge’ and the issue will be raised again at the next staff meeting.” The measures put into place have not adequately ensured that the risk identified would not occur again. 2. A wooden playhouse in the outdoor area had two sections attached to the front of the playhouse, which had become flaked at the bottom section, and in turn had exposed nails present. The chipped wood and exposed nails pose a risk of injury to the children
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. The service has re-set the thermostat and are delegating the job to one staff member to ensure the water thermostat is checked before 9am every morning, and the deputy manager will double check that the delegated staff member has done the checks and will sign off on it . 2. The sections attached on the front of the wooden playhouse have been removed and any nails exposed have been removed. The service will continue our daily outdoor risk assessment with extra vigilance on the playhouse to ensure it is usable. We do hope to do further repairs but if we feel it is not fit for purpose we will remove it altogether
9 September 2025
Early years service TU2015CN002, Virginia · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1.Four ceiling bulbs in the entrance hallway and 2 ceiling bulbs in Room 1 &2 were exposed with no protective shades to collect particles in the event that a bulb shattered. Infection Control: 2. The storage of perishable foods in Rooms 1 & 3 was unsuitable, these foods were stored in cooler bags with no thermostat or electrical supply to control the temperature. Fire Safety: 3. A battery operated smoke detector rather than a mains powered smoke detector was provided in the pre- fabricated building used to accommodate Room 3
Provider's corrective action:
- 1.The bulbs have been replaced with non-shatter bulbs.The registered provider will ensure that ceiling lights with no protective covering have non shatter bulbs in place. 2.A larger fridge has been purchased and the smaller one has been placed in Room 3. The registered provider will ensure that all perishable items in children’s lunch boxes are refrigerated on a daily basis. 3.A mains powered smoke alarm has been installed in Room 3 .The registered provider will ensure that it is serviced on an annual basis
29 July 2025
Blacklion Childcare Services, Blacklion · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Trailing flexes were observed in the wobbler sleep room and main wobbler room posing a risk to the preschool child. 2. Low level visibility strips were not present in the glass doors in the wobbler and toddler room posing a safety risk for the young preschool children. 3. Children in the junior preschool aged between two and three years of age were observed to be playing with ‘foam balls’. The manufacturers guidelines state that these are not suitable for children under three years of age. 4. Garda vetting was available for 17 staff. However, the service did not adhere to the re-vetting timeframes as outlined in the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice, requiring services to renew Garda vetting every three years. 5. The vents in the junior preschool and the preschool sanitary accommodation were dusty and required cleaning. 6. The bins in the junior preschool and preschool sanitary accommodation were not foot operated pedal bins. 7. An electrical box storing the services cctv monitoring system and alarms was located on the wall in the sleep room for the preschool children. This could pose a safety risk if this electrical box is not stored and maintained correctly. Safe Sleep: 8. In the toddler sleep room, two children under two years were observed to be sleeping on stackable floor beds. These beds do not provide the required support for children under two years of age. On discussion with staff, no risk assessment was completed for the use of these stackable floor beds and evidence of a discussion with parents was not available. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: In a written response the Registered Provider stated: 1. Trailing flexes are now secure. 2. Visibility strips have been installed. 3. Foam balls have been removed. A toy safety check has been introduced to ensure that age appropriate toys are used in the room. 4. All garda vetting that had expired has been submitted and one has not returned. 5. The vents have been cleaned. A new cleaning schedule has been introduced to include cleaning of vents. 6. Foot pedal operated bins have been purchased. 7. Electrical box is maintained correctly, and our electrician does periodically check on this equipment every three months. Risk assessment in place. Checks and testing carried out by qualified personnel only. Regular checks carried out by qualified electrician. Annual PAT testing carried out. Floor beds have been moved so no child is lying directly underneath electric box. Infection Control: 8. Couches have been removed and replaced with soft matting and cushions. 9. The bin has been replaced. This will be included in maintenance checks. 10. Management printed of the HSE guidelines and put them above the nappy changing area about the correct procedures to follow when changing nappies. Management will monitor nappy changes to ensure correct procedure is followed. 11. Management have been displayed above sinks in all rooms with pictures on what clothes are used to clean children’s faces and the different clothes to clean surfaces, tables & chairs. 12. Nappy changing mat has been removed. 13. Cots are now spaced correctly. Tuslas safe sleep guidance has been informed to all staff members. Safe Sleep: 14. From inspection until now only one child is now under two so the correct beds that are required to support children under two are now in place. A copy of Tusla guidelines on safe sleep has been displayed in the sleep room and a discussion with the staff members about the required support in using the correct beds for children under two. Posters have been displayed in each sleep room following the safe sleep policy. Management had a staff meeting and explained to all staff members that during sleeps are commencing all staff members must stay within the sleep room
28 May 2025
Dúanaire Kindergarten, Kingscourt · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. One staff members garda vetting disclosures was not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. Safe Sleep: 2. The sleep log was not being maintained at all times, at 11:40am in the Play school room, one child was asleep on a stackable bed and a records of sleep checks was not maintained. Recording of the sleep log commenced when requested by the Early Years Inspector
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1.Garda vetting has been renewed for the staff member. The registered provider will ensure that garda vetting is renewed every 3 years. Safe Sleep: 2.A sleep log is now maintained on all sleeping children The registered provider will ensure that this practice is implemented on a daily basis
6 May 2025
Ballinamoney Childcare Project CLG Ltd, Bailieborough · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for 8 staff members. However, the vetting disclosures was not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. 2. Although it is acknowledged that children were adequately supervised in the outdoor area on the day of the inspection, the outdoor space at the lower end of the outdoor area had footholes in the fence wire where a child could place their foot in and climb over the fence. Areas behind the fence lead to a stream and a wooded area with a bank which led to a public road. Infection Control: 3. Children were not assisted to wash their hands after each nappy change. 4. The nappy changing bin (used by the Cherry Blossom room) was broken and not foot operated
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action: General Safety: 1. On the day of the inspection, applied for re-vetting for all our staff members. All Garda vetting back and sent them all onto Tusla by the 28th of May 2025. 2. Since the day of the inspection, the manager has not used this garden area. The registered provider purchased rolls of netted fencing wire that will totally cover the existing fencing area in this garden. To prevent any future hazards from occurring the fencing is being installed in the coming week, this will eliminate the footholds in the fence. Infection Control: 3. All staff had been reminded on 7th of May the day after the inspection the importance of hand washing after each nappy change, which is stated in our infection control Policy. Infection control policy was given to all staff on the 7th of May the day after the inspection. In this Policy the following is stated “all staff promote and model good hand hygiene for the children, good hand washing, after using the toilet, after nappy changing, before preparing or eating food, after wiping noses, after emptying/cleaning the bins and after mopping up spills.” Risk assessments will continue to be carried out on nappy changes to ensure all staff are using high infection control standards at all times. 4. The nappy bin was replaced in the Cherry Blossoms room on the 8th of May 2025. Preventive Action: 1. In the front of the staff folder a page with the renewal dates for all the staff garda vetting has been included. Please find attached this updated file that has been now added to the staff folder. 2. Risk assessments carried out in the outdoor area daily. 3. Infection control policy was given to all staff on the 7th of May the day after the inspection. In this Policy the following is stated “all staff promote and model good hand hygiene for the children, good hand washing, after using the toilet, after nappy changing, before preparing or eating food, after wiping noses, after emptying/cleaning the bins and after mopping up spills.” 4. Risk assessments will continue to be carried out on nappy changes to ensure all staff are using high infection control standards at all times
17 April 2025
Cootehill Community Childcare, Cootehill · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. A risk assessment following an incident was not maintained. There was no documentation provided that detailed the actions taken by the service in order to prevent the incident re-occurring. It is acknowledged that a discussion with the co-manager and some written records to include discussion with staff were available which reflected a timeline since the incident
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: A risk assessment has been completed following the incident. Staff have been verbally told about the importance of recording children as they come in and depart. Staff have also been told about the importance of head counts every 10 minutes as per our Policies and Procedures
3 April 2025
Little Ray’s Playgroup, Cootehill · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: Garda vetting was available for the four staff. However, vetting disclosures for three adults was not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action Staff who’s vetting is out of date have been applied for. A reminder is set on playschool devise for 2028 to remind staff to renew vetting
28 March 2025
Mini Me's ECCE and Afterschool, Ballyjamesduff · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- 1. Garda vetting was available for 6 staff. However, one of the staff vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’
Provider's corrective action:
- Applied for Garda vetting for staff member. To keep on top and be aware of dates on Garda vetting
13 March 2025
Small Steps Childcare, Cavan · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: The food items taken in from home for the children were observed to contain perishable items such as yogurts, meat and cheese. These food items were stored in the children’s bags in the hallway and not in a refrigerator at the recommended storage of 5°C or below. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- Infection Control: We have placed all snacks in our main fridge. We are in the process of purchasing 3 fridges. One for each room
12 March 2025
Ciara's Home from Home, Loughduff · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for 16 staff members and 3 students. However, four of the staff vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. 2. Temperature reducing medication was observed to be stored in the door of the under-counter fridge in the Toddler room, which poses a risk of harm to a child. A locking device was available but not observed in use during the inspection. 3. An extension lead located on the counter space in the Toddler room was not adequately secured and was accessible to the children. An empty kettle was plugged into the socket section of the extension lead which poses a risk of injury to a child. Safe Sleep 4. Three of the six mattresses available in the Baby room sleep room did not contain the required recognised safety standard label. Administration of Medication: 5. Of the medication records reviewed on inspection, three medication records from October and November 2024 did not include prior parental consent for prescription medication. In addition, two medication administration records compiled on 28 August 2024 and 07 February 2025 did not include parental signatures upon collection of children to confirm the parents were aware of which and how much medication had been given to their child and the specific time it had been administered in the service, to allow appropriate time to elapse before a further dose was administered at home
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. Registered provider has applied for the 4 staffs new garda vetting. All staffs garda vetting will be kept up to date. 2. All medicines have been taken out of the fridge. Medicine will not be stored in the fridge and fridge will be kept locked. 3. The kettle has been moved out of reach of children. The kettle has been stored in a safer place. Safe Sleep 4. All 3 mattresses will be replaced with the recognised safety standard label. Registered provider will not purchase a mattress that does not have the recognised safety standard label on them. Administration of Medication: 5. All staff have been reminded the importance of getting parents signature on medication records and also reminded for two staff to sign it. Medication records will always be signed by parents and staff
24 February 2025
Small World Day Care, Crossdoney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. A metal gate which led on to the front car parking area had a low-level unsecured handle easily accessible to the children. Additionally, there was a gap between the double metal gate and the wooden fencing, which was not adequately secured in order to prevent the risk of a child exiting this area unsupervised. Infection Control: 2. The food items taken in from home for the children attending the Pre-Toddler Room were observed to contain perishable items such as cheese and yogurts. These food items were stored in baskets within the care rooms and not in a refrigerator at the recommended storage of 5°C or below
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. Boths gates at the side of the building now have locks on them. As the double gate is never open that lock will always remain locked, as for the single gate when all staff has reported to work, the single gate will be locked, and safety checks will be carried out before the children go outside. Infection Control: 2. A fridge has been placed into the pre- toddler room. Fridge temperatures will be taken and recorded on placed on file
17 February 2025
Tiny Steps Pre-School, Cavan · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: Garda vetting was available for 13 staff members. However, three of these vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: Renewal of Garda vetting for 3 staff members was applied for on the day of inspection and received. A system has been set up for easy checking of staff garda vetting and renewal dates
31 January 2025
Kiddies Den Montessori LTD, Kilcogy · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Two children’s lunches contained whole grapes. Whole grapes pose a chocking risk to children. It is acknowledged that when the inspector brought this to the attention of the staff, the grapes were cut for the children. Infection Control: 2. The walls in the toilet area in the outdoor cabin had damp patches rising from the ground. The registered provider advised the inspector they recently had a burst pipe and acknowledged the walls were due to be repaired. 3. On the day of inspection, the nappy changing procedures observed posed a risk of cross contamination. In the nappy changing area on the ground floor of the premises there was no designated nappy bin provided. The staff advised the inspector that soiled nappies were placed into a secure bin outside. 4. The staff were observed to walk through the Toddler room with the bagged soiled nappy while wearing the apron that was used for the nappy changing procedures, to put the soiled items in the bin. 5. Nappy changing materials were observed within one of the outdoor cabins. Staff advised the inspector that this area is used if required while in the outdoors. The area is not suitable for nappy changing practises as the area is used as a play area by the children. In addition, there was no second-hand wash sink provided. 6. Stackable beds were observed within one of the outdoor cabins. Staff advised the inspector that the older children if they needed a sleep could use this area. This area is not suitable for sleep as the temperature in the cabin was 10.4°C on the day of inspection, which is below the recommended temperature of 18 - 22°C
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. Registered provider sent a message on messaging group to all parents reminding them to cut grapes. Lunch boxes will be inspected by staff members daily. Infection Control: 2. The toilet wall in play shed has been replaced and varnished. The pipe work will be inspected weekly during frosty weather. 3. The outdoor bin has been relocated to the side of the premises. A larger nappy bin has been made available in the nappy changing area. 4. All nappy changing materials are for role play in the outdoor play-shed. 5. Stackable beds are for role play e.g. hospital. The beds have been removed as play hospital is not a current interest of the children. Sleep areas are indoors only
13 January 2025
Circle of Friends Childcare Limited, Killeshandra · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Safe Sleep: 1. The children’s comforters were observed to remain with the sleeping children in the cot room. This is not in line with the services safe sleep policy which states “comforters will be removed”, and not in line with the recommended safe sleep guidance. This poses a risk to children. 2. Two children in the Toddler Room were observed to be given their bottles to drink while lying on stackable beds at sleep time. This is not in line with the recommend safe sleep guidelines. This poses a risk to children
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action Safe Sleep: 1. The staff now take each child comforters of them and put them into their box or bag as soon as the fall asleep. This has been discussed with all staff at a staff meeting and was implemented the day after inspection for the safety of all the children in our care. 2. Toddlers who have a bottle of milk before sleep time now either sit in the cosy corner or sit upright on the toddler bed until the bottle is gone and then staff put the bottle into the child’s bag, and then the child is allowed to lie down for their sleep. This has been discussed with all staff at a staff meeting, and the staff working in these rooms are now aware and put this action in place the day after inspection, for the safety of all the children in our care
12 December 2024
Shercock Child Resource Centre Ltd, Shercock · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: 1. During nappy changing procedures in the Koala Preschool room, the following infection control, and cross contamination risks were observed. • Nappy changing was carried out in the resource room. This area is not suitable for nappy changing practises as the area is used in the afternoon by school aged children, and there were no nappy waste facilities or handwashing facilities available to the child or adult in this room. Soiled nappies were taken into the care room and disposed of in a waste bin within the care room. • No aprons were observed to be worn during nappy changing procedures observed, which conflicts with the services nappy changing policy. • Handwashing by adults or the children, was not carried out following nappy changing procedures
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action Infection Control: New nappy bins added to bathroom area for nappy changing purposes. Policy adapted to include nappy changing bins. Visual posters added to changing areas for daily reminder. Staff received a copy of amended policy to familiarise themselves with
12 November 2024
Clever Clogs, Ballyconnell · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- The Inspectorate was not assured that adequate steps have been taken to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the pre-school children attending the service in relation to the following observations made during the inspection: General Safety: 1. In Montessori 4 there were some unprotected sharp corners on some of the low-level shelving and on one shelving unit in Montessori 1 at the door. These are an injury hazard. Infection Control: 2. In the downstairs nappy changing area a child was observed to dry their hands with a used section of cloth towel from the towel dispenser. This is an infection control and cross contamination risk. 3. Hand washing was not carried out after the children in Montessori 3 returned to the care room from outdoor play. The children were observed to commence playing with toys and playdough without hand washing taking place. This practice was also confirmed by staff and is an infection control risk. Administration of Medication: 4. Although a care plan was in place, there was no parental signature on the care plan to authorise the staff to administer a prescribed medication to their child. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. The soft corners where missing have been replaced in both Montessori 4 and Montessori 1. The staff have been reminded that soft corners on furniture must be replaced immediately should they fall off. Management will carry our checks. Infection Control: 2. A basket of paper towels has been placed in both the downstairs and upstairs nappy changing areas and all staff have been directed that the children are use the paper towels for the purpose of drying their hands and not the roller towels , which are for staff use only. This directive has been communicated to the staff both verbally and through the staff online messaging system. Management will carry out checks to ensure that this procedure is being followed. 3. Handwashing is always carried out when coming in from outdoor play. The registered provider has spoken directly to the staff member involved and have also issued a general communication via our online group messaging system to all staff reiterating the need for handwashing when coming in from the outdoor play area. Reminders will be issued and management will monitor to ensure good practice is upheld. Administration of Medication: 4. The registered provider acknowledges that a parent signature was not on the care plan for a specific child. Subsequently the parent was contacted , who has since come into the service and signed as required. The registered provider also notes to date, no inhaler has been administered, as the circumstances have not required same. Where a parent does not normally attend the service the administrator will take responsibility for contacting the parents to arrange for them to come into the service to sign any necessary paperwork
5 November 2024
Bunnoe Playschool, Bunnoe · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Upon the inspectors arrival the main entrance door to the preschool room was not secured to prevent unauthorised access to the premises. 2. Two blind cords in the preschool room were not adequately secured, therefore posing a risk of injury to a child. Infection Control: 3. Children’s play and creative materials were observed to be stored on shelving in the sanitary area. This poses a risk of cross contamination
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: Doors are always locked whenever someone leaves the room. A notice has been placed beside all doors to remind staff to lock them behind them and when someone leaves the room. Blind cords are now secured to the wall. Infection Control: All materials have been removed from the sanitary areas. New storage has been created so that there is no need to store materials in the sanitary areas
30 October 2024
Bailie Tots Play School and Creche, Bailieborough · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: The following safety measures were not in place on the day of inspection: In the front outdoor play area, the following was observed: 1. Wooden logs placed on concrete slabbing had slippery surfaces which poses a fall risk to a child. 2. A small wooden bench had flaking wood on the seating area which poses a splinter risk to a child. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1.The front outdoor play area contains a lot of wooden equipment and will be risk assessed during wet weather to determine if it is suitable for use. A second outdoor play area is always available as an alternative option. 2.The seating area on the wooden bench has been replaced
18 October 2024
Claddagh Childcare, Swanlinbar · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: 1. The service mop and mop bucket were stored inappropriately in the care room, the mop beside the” snuffle station” and the bucket located beside the kitchenette area. These are a cross contamination and safety risk
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action Infection Control: The registered provider has created a suitable storage area for the mop and bucket and discussed this at our staff meeting and will ensure that it is always put away directly after use in a locked storage area. This on our agenda for weekly meetings as a reminder to all staff
11 October 2024
Tir na nÓg Montessori Pre School, Arva · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- The registered provider did not ensure that all reasonable measures are taken to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of a pre-school child attending the service and that the environment of the service is safe. General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was reviewed for the 3 staff members and these vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: Ther registered provider submitted the three staff members garda vetting forms and received the updated vetting disclosures. The registered provider will keep note off when they need to be reapplied for and will apply for them 3 Months in advance off the garda vetting going out of date approximately August 2027
8 October 2024
Happy Hours Community Playgroup Ltd, Ballinagh · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. A light in the sanitary area located off the care room did not have the required protective cover in place. Administration of Medication: 2. Three care plans for children requiring specific medication to include details of the signs and symptoms, and the steps for staff to follow in an emergency were not available. It is acknowledged that pre-medication consent forms for antihistamine medication and an inhaler were completed for two children
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: A new light fitting has been purchased, and an electrician has changed the light in the bathroom. Any light that is not correctly covered with a protective covering will be replaced with a new light fitting. Administration of Medication: Care plans have been completed with the help of the parent. Any new child who starts to attend the preschool who needs to have medication on the premises – the parent will be asked to fill in a care plan for their child and this will be kept in the preschool
30 September 2024
Corfree Kids Ltd, Lough Gowna · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: (1) A small external gate in the designated outdoor play area was observed to be unsecured while children were availing of outdoor play in the morning time. The inspector brought this to the attention of the registered provider who then secured the gate. (2) A pre-school child was observed to eat popcorn as part of their morning snack. Popcorn for children under the age of 5 years old is deemed a choking hazard. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: (1) The registered provider has put a small lock on all gates, that can only be opened by an adult/staff member. The Managers daily morning checklist has now been updated to include checking gates and staff have also been reminded to check them before outside play. (2) The registered provider has sent a message to parents on the day of inspection advising them of the dangers of certain fruits and that popcorn is not permitted in preschool. Checking lunch boxes has now been included in the daily check list and all staff have been made aware that popcorn is not permitted and should be removed immediately if found
27 September 2024
Kilnaleck Playgroup, Kilnaleck · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: 1. The bin in the toilets in the Bumble Bee Room was not pedal operated and children were observed to lift the lid with their hands to open. This is an infection control risk. 2. Children were observed to use a communal sink of water to wash their hands in on a number of occasions, this is a cross infection and infection control risk
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action Infection Control: 1. Three new Pedal bins were purchased immediately after inspection and have been installed in the Preschool setting including the toilet areas. All non-pedal operated bins have been removed from the service. Pedal type bins only will be utilised in the preschool setting from this point forwards. 2. Sink stoppers were removed from communal sinks in order to stop sinks being filled with water and the water being used by a number of children with a risk of cross contamination. Children now individually wash their hands under the observation/supervision of staff Sink stoppers have been removed from all sinks and hand washing is carried out on an individual basis under the supervision/observation/guidance of a staff member
10 July 2024
The Children's House, Cavan · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: The following safety measures were not in place on the day of inspection: 1. Garda vetting was available for 3 staff members. However, these vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI- RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. 2. The door of the cot room within the Wobbler room was not easily openable as it was rubbing off the floor. 3. The exit from the cot room was also obstructed by the storage units which were stored too close to the exit. 4. At 1.05pm it was observed that inadequate space was left between 3 stackable beds occupied by children in the Wobbler Room. Spacing between these beds was less than the recommended distance of at least 50cm apart which could potentially delay staff in accessing children in the event of an emergency and increased the risk of cross infection. It is acknowledged that the beds were immediately re-positioned safely by a staff member as soon as the risk was highlighted by the inspector. 5. The bins provided in the sanitary facilities adjoining Montessori Room 1 and Montessori Room 2 were not pedal-operated. This increased the risk of cross contamination as the lids of the bins were subjected to repeated handling. Fire Safety: 6. Fire drills were not carried out monthly in the Wobbler room as the last recorded fire drill was the 13/03/24. The service does not carry out a monthly whole service evacuation which is potentially a safety risk. Safe Sleep: 7. Cot three in the Wobbler cot room had an ill-fitting mattress which was a potential foothold Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. All staff are now garda vetted within 3 years. 2. Door sticking has been sanded. 3. Storage in the cot room has been removed from the fire exit. 4. Only one bed was placed too close to the other one and this was rectified on the day when the inspector pointed it out to the staff member. Staff continue to carry out daily risk assessments and make alterations where needed. 5. Some children can struggle to operate pedal bins, lids have been removed the lids from bins for paper towels only. Fire Safety: 6. Fire drills were being carried out by each room. Fire drills are now carried out as a whole building. Safe Sleep: 7. All mattresses are now fitting properly. We continue to carry out daily risk assessments and make alterations where needed
9 January 2024
Bailieborough Community Resource House, Bailieborough · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. In the Wobbler Room children were observed sitting / climbing onto an adult height two-seater sofa, which was too high and not age appropriate for the 1 year to 2 years 5-month-old children attending this room which posed a safety risk. 2. In the nappy changing room, the extraction fan was not working, an unpleasant foul odour was noted as there was no openable windows to promote air circulation. Infection Control 3. A sufficient supply of warm water was not available at all areas of the premises to facilitate good hand hygiene. Warm water was not available at the nappy changing area which was an infection control risk and only a trickle of warm water due to poor water pressure was available at the Pre-School Room. This non-compliance only applied to one part of the premises. 4. In the Wobbler Room the draining board around the sink was used to store children’s clean cups which posed an infection control risk as insufficient storage was available. There was a risk that dirty water could contaminate clean utensils as the sink was also used to wash dirty toys and dirty utensils. 5. A bottle of formula milk was left sitting on a draining board for more than the two hours (HSE Guidelines), which posed an infection control risk. 6. Soothers were noted lying loosely on a shelf which posed an infection control risk. 7. An effective system for cleaning soothers and mouthed toys was not in place which posed an infection control risk
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action: General Safety: 1. Sofa height has been lowered and is more age appropriate for the children attending this room. 2. Extractor fan was replaced the following day 10/01/2024. Infection Control: 3. Plumber replaced 3 temperature-controlled valves which fixed the water pressure in the taps. 4. Shelves above sink were emptied for storage of cups soothers etc and new shelves were put up for files, folders. Children’s clean cups are now stored on high shelve above sink area and in cupboard beside the sink. 5. Manager discussed with staff about the importance of timing how long bottles of formula are left out of the fridge noting that over 2 hours the pose an infection control risk. 6. Soothers are labelled and stored in personalised containers when not in use. 7. Two Milton sterilisers were purchased one for soothers and other for mouthed toys. Preventative Action: General Safety: 1. A soft low level child size sofa has been added in the cosy area for the children and the children will be encouraged to avail of this soft seating. 2. Ensure extractor fans are checked regularly especially when we return from our annual breaks. Infection Control: 3. Ensure temperature and pressure is correct in all taps regularly especially after our annual breaks. Staff will report to the designated person in charge if not correct. 4. Children’s clean cups are now stored on high shelve above sink area and in cupboard beside the sink. Ensuring that the shelves are kept clean and neat allowing for storage of the children’s cups and keeping draining board empty at all times. 5. Bottles of formula supplied by home are labelled with child’s name and placed in fridge within the room. 6. More small containers were purchased for the use of spare soothers after being sterilised. 7. Manager spoke with the staff about the importance of washing soothers/mouthed toys in warm soapy water and sterilising them to eliminate the risk of infection. Summary Comment The response from the registered provider has been accepted. The manager has satisfactorily addressed each non-compliance. Documented and photographic evidence was submitted which included a contractor’s work sheet, an invoice from work completed by a plumber and additional shelving to facilitate storage of children’s utensils and staff files. Regulation 23 has been addressed