Regulation 23 in Leitrim
Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of Child: 14 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.
27 February 2026
Cloone/Aughavas Comm Childcare Ltd (Little Rascals), Cloone · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: A swing top bin was present in the sanitary accommodation for the disposal of waste. Food pedal operated bins are required to prevent cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- Infection Control: A pedal operated bin had been purchased, and the swing top bin has been removed
26 February 2026
Gortletteragh Community Playgroup Ltd, Mohill · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. A fluorescent ceiling light in the main care room did not have the required protective cover posing a risk of safety if shattered to the preschool child. It is acknowledged that the person in charge was aware of same and had been making efforts to secure protective coverings. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: In a written response the registered provider stated: 1. The lights with broken casings have been replaced. The remaining lights will be replaced in due course
7 January 2026
Shannonside Community Childcare Centre, Carrick On Shannon · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. An electrical extension cable used to power the service fridge was trailing and potentially posed a risk of strangulation to the preschool child if not secured. 2. The gate to the service oil tank was open when inspectors checked in the morning posing a risk of safety to the preschool child. This was a non-compliance on the services most recent inspection on the 30 January 2024. Once brought to the attention of the person in charge this was rectified immediately. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: In a written response the registered provider stated: 1. A new plug has been installed for the fridge. There will be no trailing cables in the preschool. 2. The gate to the oil tank was secured immediately with a lock and the keys stored in the office
27 November 2025
Drumshanbo Community Childcare Facilities CLG t/a Bo Peep Kidz, Drumshanbo · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Electrical wires and plugs were accessible to the preschool child which posed a safety risk in the following rooms: • ‘Little learners’ exposed plugs and electrical wires were accessible to the preschool child. • ‘Busy Bees’ leads and flexes from Christmas trees were not secured posing a risk to the reschool child. 2. The water temperatures in the hand wash sink in the ‘busy bees’ staff toilet and Little Scholars bathroom was recorded above 43°c which poses a risk of scalding. Once brought to the attention of the person in charge the valve was reduced and the water temperature was recorded within the safe limits. 3. The staff kitchen beside the ‘little scholars’ care room was accessible to the preschool child and a rodent box was present, posing a risk of poisoning to the preschool child if accessed. 4. A trampoline was observed in the outdoor area accessible to all children. Trampolines can only be used for individual children prescribed for a therapeutic intervention with appropriate supervision. It is acknowledged that the service had a maintenance history in place and a generic report for therapeutic use for children attending. However the service requires an individual risk assessment on each child using the trampoline for therapeutic purposes. Infection Control: 5. Rolling snack took place in the ‘little learners’ play room, however children were observed not to wash their hands prior to rolling snack. This poses a risk of infection control to the preschool child. 6. Waste bins in ‘little learners’ little scholars’ and ‘busy bees’ were not the required foot pedal operated bins, posing a risk of infection control to the preschool child. 7. The nappy changing area in the ‘busy bees’ room had an accumulation of dust and dirt posing a risk of contamination. 8. Sofas in the ‘little learners’ and ‘busy bees’ rooms were ripped with exposed foam making cleaning ineffective and posing a risk of infection control. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: In a written response the registered provider stated: 1. Flexes and plugs have been secured. These will be monitored going forward. All staff have been made aware of the danger of trailing flexes. 2. The plumber has checked and reset valves. This will be checked daily. 3. The rodent box has been removed. Pest control have reevaluated where bait boxes are required 4. The trampoline is currently fenced off and will be removed permanently. Infection Control: 5. All staff have been reminded of the hygiene practices, and this will be monitored regularly 6. Bins have been replaced with the require foot pedal operated bins. These will be checked regularly. 7. The nappy changing area has been cleaned and staff members have been reminded of the hygiene practices. This will be checked regularly by management. 8. All ripped couches have been removed and replace by new couches. These will be checked regularly for tears
23 October 2025
Ballinamore Childcare, Ballinamore · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. There was no safety protection on the bathroom doors in the ‘mini movers’ sanitary accommodation. On a review of accidents and incidents, two children caught their finger in the bathroom door within a two- month period resulting in injury to the child. Contrary to the service ‘incident and accident policy’ no risk assessment was completed after these incidents which could have prevented an injury to the preschool child. 2. Garda vetting was available for all staff members. However, one 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’. 3. Blind cords in the rainbow room were not secured. It is acknowledged that on the day of the inspection, none of the blind cords were within children’s reach. Infection Control: 4. The Nappy bins in the nappy changing areas were not the required foot pedal operated bins resulting in a risk of cross contamination. 5. In the toddler sanitary accommodation, adults’ coats and jackets were hung beside wash hand basins posing a risk of contamination. 6. Snacks were served to the preschool children directly onto the table, posing a risk of infection control. No plate was observed to be given to the preschool child. 7. Wall and ceiling vents contained a large build-up of dust, reducing their effectiveness in reducing odour and air exchange. 8. At nappy changing time, adults and children’s hands were not washed posing a risk of infection. 9. In the Wobbler 2 room, the bin for disposal of hand towels was an open top bin, not the required foot operated pedal bin. 10. In the wobbler room, cots were not placed 50cm apart, posing a risk of infection control. Administration of Medication: 11. On discussion with some staff members, they were not aware of the service administration medication policy, stating that they ‘do not administer’ temperature reducing medication. On discussion with the person in charge the service does administer temperature reducing medication when required. Staff members not being aware of the service policy on the administration of temperature reducing medication poses a risk of safety to the preschool child. Safe Sleep: 12. Four children under two years of age were placed to sleep on stackable beds. On discussion with staff members no risk assessment had been completed for the children under two years of age contrary to the service policy on safe sleep. 13. One child under two was placed to sleep with a pillow which is at variance with the services own safe sleep policy. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: In a written response the registered provider stated: 1. Safety guards have been installed on the bathroom door. All doors were risk assessed and we plan to install safety mechanisms across all doors. 2. Garda vetting renewal has been applied for and is now on file. We will complete a review annually to ensure all garda vetting is up to date. 3. Blind cords have been secured. Staff will complete morning checks to ensure cords are secure. Infection Control: 4. Nappy bins have been replaced with foot pedal operated bins. 5. Coats and jackets have been removed, and this area is free from personal belongings. 6. Plates are provided for all snacks. 7. Cleaning company has cleaned all vents and are aware to monitor for build-up of dust. 8. Staff have been reminded of the infection control policy and nappy changing policy and the importance of hand hygiene. This will be on the staff meeting agenda. 9. The bin has been replaced with a foot pedal operated bin. 10. Cots have been reduced in the room, ensuring the appropriate spacing between each cot. Administration of Medication: 11. Staff have been reminded of the administration of medication policy. This will be discussed at our staff meeting. Safe Sleep: 12. The children in this room have now tuned two years of age and are on stackable beds. All under twos will sleep in a standard as required. 13. The pillow has been removed, and staff have been informed of the service sleep policy
9 October 2025
Manorhamilton Childcare Services CLG, Manorhamilton · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. An unlocked low- level fridge was accessible to the children in the ‘Rainbow Room’ and ‘Butterfly Room’ during the inspection which contained temperature reducing medication, posing a risk of harm to a child if ingested unsupervised. 2. The floor in the sanitary accommodation in the Rainbow room was wet and slippery throughout the morning, posing a risk of trips and falls to the children. 3. The ceiling ventilation in the sanitary accommodation in the rainbow room contained a build-up of dust, reducing the effectiveness of the ventilation. 4. Garda vetting was available for 24 staff members. However, one of these 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’. 5. The Kitchen adjacent to ‘Superstars’ was not secure which could pose a risk to the reschool child if they entered unsupervised. 6. A gate in the outdoor area was not secured which could pose a risk of a person entering unsupervised to the children’s play area. Infection Control: 7. There was no soap in the sanitary accommodation beside the Faraway Tree room. 8. Handtowels were stored loosely on a shelf without an enclosed dispenser, reducing the effectiveness of handwashing. 9. The handwashing basins in the sanitary accommodation in the rainbow room had a large accumulation of dirt and sand, posing a risk of cross contamination. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. Fridge locks have been placed on all fridges. 2. Staff have been reminded to supervise and dry water spills. This has been added to checklist. 3. Ceiling grills have been vacuumed cleaned. 4. Garda vetting has been applied for 5. A lock has been installed, and this will be in use at all times. 6. Works are currently ongoing to secure this area and a keypad lock system will be installed by works end on the 31 January 2025. Infection Control: 7. Soap is now provided and has been added to the cleaning checklist to prevent a reoccurrence. 8. Handtowels are stored in the dispenser with a key nearby. This has also been added to our cleaning checklist. 9. Sinks have been cleaned and added to checklist
7 October 2025
Clooncarne Explorers Childcare LTD, Mohill · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: (1) Nettles were overhanging into the children’s play area and posed a risk to the preschool children. (2) The bin in the children’s dining area was not the required foot pedal operated bin. (3) Perishable items in lunch boxes such as yoghurts and cheese strings were not stored in a refrigerator but in the child’s bag. Infection Control: (4) A communal hand towel was provided for hand drying in the children’s dining area. This communal use posed a risk of infection control. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: In a written response the registered provider stated: 1. Nettles growing through the fence have been cut back. This will be monitored and included in maintenance checks. Staff will carry out risk assessment and education with the children on Nature of which Nettles is a part of. Infection Control: 2. The bin in the children’s snack area has been removed and replaced with a foot operated bin. 3. There is a fridge available for children’s snacks. Parents are informed at the start of the year to send perishable food in a zip locked bag. A reminder has been sent to parents. 4. Individual hand towels are provided from the dispenser. Used handtowels are placed in bucket on the opposite side of the wash station. Used handtowels are washed after each use
29 August 2025
Little Acorns Creche, Carrigallen · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Staff in the baby/toddler room were observed to place children into the highchairs without securing them using the harness provided resulting in a safety risk to the young child. 2. Infant formula was observed to be made up on site using the cooled sterilised water sent in from home. Infant formula should be made up with cold water as this poses a safety risk. 3. A baby was observed to be given a bottle while lying horizontally in a bouncer, once the inspector intervened and asked the staff member not to feed in this position as it is a choking risk, the staff member immediately held the baby in their arms to feed the bottle. 4. A cot was positioned beside an electric socket with no protector cover. As this socket was in easy access to a child, this could pose a safety risk. 5. Garda vetting was available for ten adults in the service . However, two of these 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: 6. The nappy bin in the nappy changing room did not have the required foot pedal operated mechanism posing a risk of infection control. 7. The bin in the downstairs bathroom had a broken pedal resulting in a risk of cross infection as the lid had to be manually opened. 8. Hand hygiene was observed not to be completed by adults or children throughout nappy changes observed in the baby/toddler room. Thus, posing a risk of infection control. 9. Three mattresses in both baby sleep rooms did not have the required waterproof protector cover for infection control. Administration of Medication: 10. A sample of medication records reviewed on the day of inspection did not have the required witness signature as per the service medication policy. This could pose a risk to the preschool child Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. This was discussed at a staff meeting and all staff are aware of the importance of ensuring the harness are in place. Posters have been put up to remind staff and the policy has been updated. 2. It states in the Parents Handbook that we do not store formula onsite, and the manager informed parent of same. The formula was returned to the parent immediately. Manager reminded staff of the policy and no formula will be stored onsite in the future. 3. The manager reminded the full staff team that it is not safe to feed a child while the child is lying horizontally in a bouncer as it is a choking risk and therefore is not acceptable. The policy states that staff must hold the child upright when they are feeding to avoid a choking risk. We reviewed feeding policy with all staff which states that children must be upright for feeding and babies under 12 months must be held. 4. The manager has checked that all sockets are covered with appropriate safety covers at all times. Staff will carry out safety checks of their rooms each morning an evening. 5. Garda vetting was applied for and received. Garda vetting will be renewed every three years. Infection Control: 6. A new foot operated pedal bin has been purchased. This will be added to our check lists. 7. A new foot operated pedal bin has been purchased. This will be added to our check lists. 8. We discussed this with staff as the policy states that staff must wash their hands each time after changing a child’s nappy. 9. New waterproof mattress protectors were purchased. These will be checked regularly. Administration of Medication: 10. Medication amended to include a required witness signature and staff informed of the updated change
16 June 2025
Spraoi Le Cheile Naionra, Carrick-On-Shannon · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for all three staff members. However, one of these 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’. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: In a written response the Registered provider stated: 1. Garda vetting has been obtained. The registered provider will ensure they adheres to the re-vetting timeframes as outlined in the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice, which requires services to renew Garda Vetting every three years
14 May 2025
Sunflower Montessori, Kinlough · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: (1) Garda vetting was available for all five adults employed in the service. However, one 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’ Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting has been applied for through Tusla. A log will be in place for dates of renewal of garda vetting
5 February 2025
Little Learners Ltd, Manorhamilton · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for all three staff members. However, one of these 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’ Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- In a written response the Registered Provider stated: General Safety: A vetting application has been submitted for the Staff member in question Garda vetting will be checked regularly for all staff to make sure it is in date
28 January 2025
Kiltubrid Playgroup, Carrick-On-Shannon · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: 1. A pink leather chair in the playroom was ripped with exposed foam. This may pose an infection control risk as it cannot be cleaned effectively. Action submitted by the Registered Provider In a written response the registered provider stated:
Provider's corrective action:
- Infection Control: The pink leather chair has been removed from the area and been disposed off We will ensure that all equipment/material will be showing any sign of rip will be disposed of and immediately replaced if necessary
8 May 2024
Kinlough Child Care Ltd, Kinlough · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: . 1. Garda vetting was available for all five adults in the service. However, two 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’ Infection Control: 2. A broken pedal foot operated bin in the bathroom resulted in children lifting the lid with their hands resulting in a risk of contamination. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. Outdated garda vetting has been resubmitted. Going forward all vetting will be renewed every three years. Infection Control: 2. Athe broken bin has been replaced. Bins will be checked that they are in working order
23 April 2024
Scallywags Playschool, Carrigallen · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for all three staff members employed in the service. 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’ Action submitted by the Registered Provider The service provided a response in writing:
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. We have applied to the GNVB for registration and garda clearance. As soon as the paperwork is received it will be forwarded to the inspectorate