Regulation 23 in Clare
Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of Child: 27 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 April 2026
Liscannor Childcare, Liscannor · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for seven adults employed by the service. However, t wo vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice. It is acknowledged on the 30 April 2026 the registered provider applied for up-to-date garda vetting disclosures in respect of the two adults. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: Garda Vetting has been applied for the relevant staff. All new staff will be vetted and references validated before commencing work and all existing referenced renewed when required
21 April 2026
Lifford Childcare Centre, Ennis · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for fifteen adults employed by the service. However, t hree vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice. It is acknowledged the registered provider applied for up-to-date garda vetting disclosures in respect of the three adults during the inspection. The corrective and preventive actions provided by the registered provider following inspection 22 July 2025 were not implemented. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. Updated Garda vetting disclosures were applied for the staff members whose Garda vetting had expired. Once the Garda vetting has been received and assessed the Garda vetting disclosure will be forwarded to the inspectorate. The recruitment policy has been updated to reflect this Garda Vetting procedure
21 April 2026
Obair Community Creche, Newmarket-On-Fergus · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for twenty-four adults employed by the service. However, one of the twenty- four Garda vetting disclosures was not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice. Infection Control: 2. Children over the age of two from the Toddler room utilised a designated sleep area in close proximity to their primary room. Rest facilities consisted of mattresses positioned directly on the floor. Observations indicated that several mattresses were placed in immediate contact with one another, leaving no discernible gap between them. To mitigate the risk of cross-infection, a minimum distance of 50cm is required between all sleeping children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: The renewal of Garda Vetting for one employee has been applied for, and the service is currently waiting for the certificate. The application in in progress. The service will ensure more vigilance around dates of Garda vetting for employees. Infection Control: To mitigate the risk of cross infection and to adhere to the minimum 50cm between sleeping children, the main Toddler room is now being used to facilitate sleeping children
8 April 2026
Lissycasey Laugh and Learn, Ennis · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: 1. The children’s soothers in three care rooms were not stored in individually labelled containers. The soothers were not labelled and were stored collectively on a windowsill and in containers touching off each other. This posed a potential risk of cross contamination. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- Infection Control: 1. Individual containers have been purchased, clearly labelled, and are now in place in all three care rooms
24 March 2026
Play & Learn Preschool, Broadford · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for ten adults employed by the service. However, one of the ten Garda vetting disclosures was not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice. Infection Control: 2. The perishable food items belonging to the pre -school children attending on a sessional and full day care basis were not stored in the available refrigerators. The children’s perishable food items that included ham, cooked chicken, cheese and yoghurts were stored in the children’s bags in the care rooms and on top of the fridges. This posed a risk of food borne illness. The practice observed is at variance with the service’s healthy eating policy that references “ that staff will ensure that any perishable foodstuffs are refrigerated in a safe manner ”. The corrective and preventive actions provided by the registered provider following the last inspection 05 March 2026 had not been implemented. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. Upon identifying that one staff member’s Garda vetting had expired, management immediately checked the staff file and confirmed that the expiry date had been recorded incorrectly on the Garda vetting tracking record, with the date entered inversely. A new Garda vetting application was submitted without delay and has been with the National Vetting Bureau since 2 April 2026. Evidence of the garda vetting disclosure was submitted to Tusla as supporting documentation. Management has also reviewed the staff memb er’s file and Garda vetting records to ensure the current status is clearly documented pending receipt of the updated disclosure. With immediate effect, management will implement a double -check system for all Garda vetting dates entered on the tracking record. The expiry date on each disclosure will be verified against the original document by management before entry and again before the file is signed off as complete. The tracking file will also be reviewed monthly to identify vetting due to expire within the following 3 months, so that renewal applications can be made in advance and no vetting will lapse due to administrative error. Infection Control: 2. Following this inspection finding, the service immediately reviewed its lunch storage arrangements. While measures had been introduced after the previous inspection, these were not maintained in a way that ensured consistent ongoing compliance in practice. The service has now implemented a revised and more robust system. Access to the kitchen has been removed, the service has registered with Environmental Health, and the recommended catering pack has been purchased following Environmental Health guidance. In addition, two new fridges have been purchased and installed in the rooms so that children’s lunches can be stored safely at the correct temperature. Evidence of these actions is available and will be submitted in support of the response. With immediate effect, all lunches requiring chilled storage will be placed in the designated room fridge on arrival and stored in line with the service’s food safety procedures. Management will carry out daily checks on lunch storage arrangements to ensur e compliance is maintained. All staff are currently completing HACCP Level 2 training, and updated food storage and handling procedures will be reinforced through induction, supervision, and regular review. This revised system has been introduced to ensure that safe food storage arrangements are maintained consistently in practice at all times
5 March 2026
Happy Hippo's Pre-School, Cratloe · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Immediate Action Notice General Safety: 1. On the 05 March 2026 an immediate action notice was issued to the registered provider that posed a risk of a burn injury. The surface of radiators in the Playful Tigers room, the Happy Monkeys room, the Baby room and the Sleep room adjacent to the Baby room measured in excess of the recommended temperature of 50 ° Celsius. The radiators were accessible to the pre -school children in each of the care rooms. The surface measurements of the radiators are detailed in the box below: Room Names: Radiator Surface Temperatures: Baby Room: 53 °Celsius Baby Sleep Room: 68.6 °Celsius Happy Monkeys 55.4 °Celsius Playful Tigers 51.2 °Celsius Infection Control: 2. Four mattresses in the standard sized cots did not have wipeable protective covers. This posed a potential risk of cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. After the inspection 05 March 2026. The registered provider purchased, installed and secured to the wall radiator covers to rectify the risks set out in the safety immediate action notice. The registered provider removed the portable radiator. Going forward a daily risk assessment will be completed. The addition of the radiator covers has been added and recorded for review on the service’s risk assessment. Infection Control: 2. A spare wipeable mattress was placed in one cot after the inspection and three more wipeable mattresses have been ordered and will be placed in cots once received. A record of the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines will be retained, and time frame as and when to replace the mattress will be adhered to or replaced if in state of disrepair
25 February 2026
Cairde Early Learning Centre, Clarecastle · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for eight adults employed by the service. However, one garda vetting disclosure was not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. Garda Vetting has been applied for in respect of the adult. Garda Vetting will always be updated a few months prior to the expiry date to ensure this does not occur in future
17 February 2026
Mountshannon Childcare Centre, Mountshannon · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for eighteen adults employed by the service. However, one of the eighteen vetting disclosures w as not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. Garda Vetting has now been obtained in respect of the adult. Going forward, the service will follow the recruitment policy and ensure Garda vetting applications are completed every three years
3 December 2025
Funscoil Deilfeanna Beaga, Kilrush · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for three adults in the service. However, the vetting disclosure in respect of two adults was not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice. Infection Control: The following posed a risk of cross infection; 2. Warm water was not provided at the wash hand basins which were used for children’s handwashing in the sanitary accommodation and the playroom. Water temperatures of 11.1°˚C and 11.5˚°C respectively were recorded. This is a recurring non-compliance and was also non-compliant on inspection on 24 April 2023. 3. The children used cloth hand towels for hand drying at the wash hand basins which were located in the children’s sanitary accommodation and in the playroom. 4. A pedal operated bin was not provided in the playroom. Children were observed to open the lid of the bins with their hands when disposing of waste. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. Garda vetting renewal has been applied for. Infection Control: 2. The issue in relation to the provision of hot water at the wash hand basins is ongoing and currently in discussions. 3. Disposable paper towels will be used for hand drying. 4. A pedal operated bin will be provided for the safe disposal of waste
25 November 2025
Bright Sparks Montessori, Tulla · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for the adult employed by the service. However, the vetting disclosure was not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice. Evidence was available to indicate that an application for renewal of Garda vetting was in process. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: The Garda vetting process has been completed, and this will be renewed on a three yearly basis
25 November 2025
Daisychains Montessori Pre-school, O Brien'S Bridge · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. The outdoor play area was unsafe for use by the children. The surrounding perimeter of the outdoor play area was secured with three rows of barbed wire steel fencing with sharp edged points at intervals. This posed a safety risk in the event that a child should access the barbed wired fencing. 2. Metal fencing in the surrounding perimeter of the play area was falling over and unstable. This posed a risk of falling on a child. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. The barbed wire has been removed, and a concrete wall has been built. 2. The fencing has been removed, and a concrete wall has been built
12 November 2025
Croí na nÓg Preschool, Cree · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Looped blind cords were not secured on the windows in both the Hippos room and the Giggles Garden room. This posed a risk of strangulation to a child. Fire Safety: 2. Records of monthly fire drills were not available. It is acknowledged that a fire drill was completed on the 15 October 2025. The last recorded fire drill prior to this was 17 October 2024. This posed a safety risk to children and adults in the event of an emergency. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. Blinds cords are replaced and mounted to the wall. Fire Safety: 2. No corrective or preventive action submitted
30 October 2025
Sunny Lane Créche Westbury, Corbally · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: 1. Wipable covers were not provided on the mattresses in the standard sized cots in the sleep rooms. This posed a potential risk of cross contamination. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- Infection Control: 1. The service has purchased new mattress protectors for all mattresses in the sleep rooms. All the mattresses now have these protectors on them. The service purchased 10 more protectors then needed so there is always some spare if needed
9 October 2025
Naíonra Ui Choimin, Kilrush · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. A fire evacuation drill had not been undertaken since the service open ed in August 2025. Fire drills have not been completed on a monthly basis in accordance with the fire safety regulations. This posed a potential safety risk to both staff and children, in the event of a fire or an emergency as staff and children may be unfamiliar with evacuation routes and procedures. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. As per fire safety policy fire evacuation drills are now completed on a monthly basis. A copy of the October fire drill (two fire drills were completed in October as a result of missing September). The service will follow fire safety policy in relation to fire evacuation, drills will be carried out, completed and documented on a monthly basis. All documented fire drills will be stored in fire safety folder on premises
30 September 2025
Loughgraney Kids Corner, Feakle · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: Baby milk formula bottles were reconstituted on site, and this practice posed a potential risk of contamination. This practice was not in line with the current Food Safety Authority Guidance Note. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- Infection Control: The practice of reconstituting baby milk formula bottles on site was stopped immediately. A staff meeting was held and parents were informed. The Food Safety Authority Guidance Note was shared with staff and parents
26 September 2025
Respond Early Years Service, Stonecourt, Ennis · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: An outdoor structure in the main outdoor play area was located close to the boundary wall. This created a narrow pathway where children could collide with the capping on the wall and sustain injury. The children were observed trying to run through this area during the inspection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: A fence and gate have been installed to prevent the children accessing behind the outdoor shelter. This will prevent any issues occurring in the future
17 June 2025
Sunrise Childcare, Milltown Malbay · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for the adult in the service. However, the vetting disclosure was not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: An application has been submitted to renew the Garda vetting
28 May 2025
Toddle Inn, Shannon · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: • Garda vetting was available for twenty-seven adults employed by the service. However, three vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice. It is acknowledged that evidence of applications for renewal of Garda vetting on 29 May 2025 were submitted by the service. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: Garda vetting for the staff members has been renewed and the service will ensure that all staff members garda vetting is up to date and dated in the previous three years, in adherence with the Early years inspectorate regulatory notice
20 May 2025
Pack of Rogues Community Playschool, Ennis · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: The Garda vetting disclosure for one adult was not dated within the previous three years in adherence to the early year’s inspectorate regulatory notice. It is acknowledged that the vetting disclosure was due for renewal two weeks prior to the inspection date. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: The staff member has applied for their Garda Clearance which has currently been processed but is awaiting to receive the certificate. We will ensure to keep a checklist of dates for renewal of items such as Garda Clearance, First Aid Course, Children First etc
15 May 2025
Kincora Kids, Killaloe · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for the adults employed by the service. However, a vetting disclosure in respect of two adults was not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was given to the two staff members in April 2025. This was not followed through. Following on from the day of the inspection on the 15th of May new garda vetting for the two staff members was submitted. Garda vetting was received for both staff members and forwarded onto the early years inspectorate
28 April 2025
Páistí Beaga Creche & Montessori, Quin · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Three balance bikes that were used by the children during outdoor play had exposed sharp metal at the handles as the rubber protective coverings were not in place. This posed a risk of injury to a child. Infection Control: 2. Eight wipeable cot mattresses were not provided in the standard sized cots in the sleep rooms. This posed a potential risk of cross infection
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. Three bikes with worn out rubber protective coverings were removed from the facility, and they have been replaced by 6 new bikes. Weekly checks will be carried out on outdoor play equipment. Infection Control: 2. Mattresses have been replaced with wipeable waterproof mattresses to prevent risk of cross infection
1 April 2025
Hurlers Cross Playschool, Newmarket-On-Fergus · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: Garda vetting was available for the adults employed by the service, however, vetting disclosures in respect of two adults were not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: The vetting disclosure application was renewed in respect of one adult and the second adult is no longer working in the service and had not worked there since June 2023. A reminder has been added to the service electronic application on the work phone to issue notifications when garda vetting is due for renewal
20 March 2025
Ballycar Pre-School & Afterschool, Newmarket-On-Fergus · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for the adults in the service. However, a vetting disclosure in respect of two adults was not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: Vetting renewal was completed on 7 April 2025. Files will be reviewed every year to ensure records are up to date
2 December 2024
Flowerpots Montessori, Shannon · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for two adults employed by the service. However, these vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting has been applied for, for the registered provider and two emergency contact persons. A copy will be submitted to the inspectorate upon receipt
11 November 2024
Little Ducks Creche, Clarecastle · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: 1. Wipeable mattresses were not available in three standard sized cots. This posed a potential risk of cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- Infection Control 1. New mattresses and waterproof covers have been purchased and placed in the cots. The covers will be replaced as guided by the manufacturers
21 October 2024
Sixmilebridge & District Community Services CLG, Sixmilebridge · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for three adults employed by the service. However, these vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice. It is acknowledged that Garda Vetting disclosure applications were submitted to the Garda Vetting Bureau by the childcare manager on the 21 October 2024. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: For the 3 of the 28 staff members vetting that were out of date, we received their vetting back on the 31/10/2024. The service has already emailed copies to the inspectors who carried out the inspection. The service has a checklist in place for all staff vetting this will be checked on a three-monthly basis
9 January 2024
Little Dreamers Pre-school, Clonlara · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. An unsecured trampoline was observed in use by the children. This is at variance with the manufacturer guidelines which recommends that the trampoline is used in a secured and supervised area by children over six years of age. This posed a potential risk of injury to the children. Infection Control: 2. Perishable food items were not stored in a refrigerator in the service. The children’s food items were stored in their lunch bags at the entrance to the service. This posed a potential risk of food contamination. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. The trampoline was removed from the service. Infection Control: 2. The children’s lunches are stored in individual bags in the fridge