Regulation 23 in Limerick
Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of Child: 32 non-compliance(s) in the latest reports we read.
An inspection records what inspectors saw on one day; services respond with corrective actions — how to read this.
30 June 2026
All About Kids Ltd, Doon · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: There was a potential risk of cross infection between staff and children due the inadequate handwashing practices with children following nappy changing, messy and outdoor play in the Wobbler and Toddlers playrooms. • The staff did not wash the children hands following their nappy change, staff said that “they used wipes only”. • No handwashing with warm water and liquid soap was observed in the bathroom facilities with the younger children following nappy changing. The 2 low-level hand-washing basins were not used by the staff to encourage good handwashing practices. • The staff said that “the children following messy and outdoor play would use a communal bowl of water to wash their hands”. The sharing of a communal bowl of water increases the potential risk of cross infection. This was contrary to the policies on hand washing and the nappy changing which stated that “children’s hands are washed and dried following nappy changing and toileting “and “good handwashing practises are encouraged.” Action submitted by the Registered Provider Infection Control: The registered provider has stated in the CAPA form that: All the staff completed refresher training on the service hand hygiene and nappy changing procedures. This training reinforced the importance of ensuring children wash their hands after every nappy change in accordance with infection prevention and control practices. Staff were reminded of their responsibility to support and supervise children during hand washing to ensure this practice is carried out consistently and effectively. Management will continue to monitor staff practice through regular observations and supervision to ensure that children are consistently supported to wash their hands following every nappy change. Hand hygiene and nappy changing will be added to the agenda of every staff meeting and will form part of the induction process for all new employees. Refresher training will be provided on an ongoing basis, and routine audits of nappy changing practices will be carried out to ensure continued compliance with the service’s policies, infection prevention and control procedures and Tusla requirements. Supporting documentation submitted: Photographic evidence was submitted to demonstrate that staff had undertaken refresher training on the required infection control policies following the inspection. Age appropriate steps were added to the bathroom facilities to ensure the children could safely access the wash hand basins supervised and assisted by staff as required. Summary Comment The evidence submitted was assessed and deemed to meet the regulatory requirements of Regulation 23 Infection control
23 June 2026
TLC Childcare, Newcastle West · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: 1. Hand washing for the children was not observed after nappy changing in one of the care rooms. Also the staff were not observed to wash their hands after nappy changing in a different care room and subsequently handled children’s equipment. Not ensuring both adults and children’s hands are washed frequently especially after nappy changing may increase the risk of contamination and cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- Infection Control: 1. The importance of hand washing has been reiterated to all staff. All staff have been advised to re-read the infection control policy. Management have committed to monitoring the hand-washing practices in the service
26 May 2026
Silver Apples Creche, Castletroy · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: Garda vetting was available for 18 staff members working in the service. However, vetting disclosure for 1 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’. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- : The registered provider has stated in the Corrective & Preventive Action form (CAPA) the following: General Safety: The service has submitted a new application to update the expired Garda vetting for the 1 staff member. The service will review all existing Garda vetting on file and establish detailed chart outlining vetting renewal dates. Summary Comment This remains outstanding until a copy of the Garda vetting for the 1 staff member has been submitted to the Early Years for review
18 May 2026
Poppins's Pre-School Professionals, Limerick · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. The garda vetting disclosures for 2 staff member was not dated within the last three years as per the regulatory notice, EYI-RN12.3 renewal of garda vetting, published by the inspectorate in September 2023 and effective from Jan 01/01/2024. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: Garda Vetting has been applied for the 2 staff members. One Garda vetting disclosure has been returned for one of the staff and the service awaits the return of the vetting disclosure for the second staff. The date when all staff members are due for renewal of garda vetting has been documented to ensure that all staff have completed the re-vetting process in an appropriate time frame, including staff on leave
23 April 2026
Tiny Friends Creche, Limerick · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: The following issue was identified as posing a potential safety risk to the preschool children while playing in the grassy area of the playground. • Two metal goals in the playing field which were not anchored securely and safely to the ground. This was brought to the attention of the person in charge who confirmed that this safety issue would be attended to within 24 hrs. Photographic evidence of the required safety work was submitted to the Early Years inspectorate to demonstrate that the 2-goal post were anchored to the ground within the agreed timeframe. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- : The registered provider has stated in the corrective and preventive form (CAPA) that: General Safety: The goals were anchored and secured within the correct timeframe allowed by early years inspectorate. Goals will be checked at the end of each day to make sure they are safe and secure
20 April 2026
Nead Na Nog, Ballyneety · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: See Statutory Notice section in relation to Improvement Notice 1861
11 March 2026
Starting Small Standing Tall, Limerick · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: Garda vetting was available for 29 staff members including the registered providers. However, the garda vetting disclosure for 2 staff members was not dated within the last three years as per the regulatory notice, EYI-RN12.3 renewal of garda vetting, published by the inspectorate in September 2023 and effective from Jan 01/01/2024. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- : The registered provider has stated in the Corrective and Preventive Form (CAPA)that: The Garda vetting renewals for the 2 staff members has been submitted to the Early Years Inspectorate. A vetting tracking system was already in place within the service; however, this has been reviewed and strengthened to ensure more robust monitoring of all re-vetting applications. Enhancements include clearer recording of submission dates, expected return timelines, and documented follow-up intervals for outstanding disclosures. Responsibility for oversight has been clearly assigned to a designated staff member, with all follow-up actions recorded. Procedures have also been updated to ensure that re-vetting applications are initiated well in advance of expiry timelines to allow sufficient time for processing and receipt of updated disclosures. An updated vetting tracking log has been implemented and is in use to support ongoing compliance Summary Comment The Garda vetting renewal for the two staff members received into the inspectorate was reviewed and deemed to meets the regulatory requirement of Regulation 23
6 March 2026
St Anne's Montessori, Rathkeale · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: Perishable lunch items provided by parents were not kept in a refrigerator. Storing these foods outside of the required temperature-controlled environment posed a potential food safety risk and could expose children to illness. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- Infection Control: In accordance with the food safety best practice, all perishable items for children's lunches are kept in the facility refrigerator until required each day
26 February 2026
Castle Creche, Castleconnell · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. The following posed a risk to the safety and well-being of children. - There were 3 preschool children between the age of 1 to 2 years of age each observed to be given a bottle of formula milk while settling in their cot just before a sleep. Staff did not remain in the room while the children drank their bottles. This practice may have posed a safety risk to the children of choking or suffocation. The staff advised that this was the practice with these children. This was at variance with the Safe sleep policy for the service which stated that “no bottles should be in the cot.” Infection Control: 2. The following practice was observed which posed a risk of cross infection. - A staff member working in the Toddler was observed not to wash her hands after each nappy changing procedure. The staff only changed their apron and gloves after each nappy change. - This was at variance with the nappy changing procedure for the service which stated “always wash hands after changing a child.” - The children’s hands were not observed to be washed following each nappy change. Safe Sleep: 3. Safe sleep checks were not carried out in line with the service safe sleep policy. - Staff in the Pre-Toddler room completed checks on sleeping toddlers by looking through the window panel on the sleep room door as opposed to entering the room. A child placed in its cot was not checked at 10-minute intervals as it was put in its cot at approximately 10.30 hrs and wasn’t physically checked by staff until 11.30 hrs. This was at variance with the safe sleep policy which stated, “physical checks are made of each of the sleeping children and use of viewing panel for monitoring is only useful in detecting if a child is upset or crying between the 10 minutes checks or for security”. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: The registered provider has stated in the Corrective and Preventive (CAPA) form that: The service management have reviewed the “Safe sleep policy “with all the staff caring for preschool children aged 1- to 2-year-olds. No bottles will be given to the children while in their cots or when they are going down to sleep. Infection Control: The registered provider has stated in the CAPA form that: The service management have reviewed the “Nappy changing policy “with all staff and the managers are carrying out daily checks to make sure the policy is being adhere to. Safe Sleep: The registered provider has stated in the CAPA form that: The service management have reviewed the “Safe sleep policy “with all staff who are involved in putting children to sleep and them. The manager will carry out checks bi-weekly to ensure the policy is being adhere to. The service management team will do regular checks and will review the sleep and nappy changing policy every few months with the staff
29 January 2026
Galbally Childcare Services Ltd, Galbally · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: Garda vetting was available for 3 staff members and the registered provider. However, the garda vetting disclosure for 1 person was not dated within the last three years as per the regulatory notice, EYI-RN12.3 renewal of garda vetting, published by the inspectorate in September 2023 and effective from Jan 01/01/2024. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: The Garda vetting disclosure information was submitted to the Early Years Inspectorate office. The service will ensure that all staff and the registered providers garda vetting is within the required time frame of renewal. Summary Comment The evidence submitted was reviewed and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement of Regulation 23 safety
5 November 2025
OneWorld Pre-School, Limerick · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda Vetting documentation for two staff member present on the day of the inspection were not dated with in the last three years as per the regulatory notice EYI-RN12.3 renewal of Garda vetting published by the inspectorate in September 2023 and effective from 01/01/2024. This posed a potential risk to the safety and wellbeing of children in the service. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: Up to date garda vetting for both staff is now available
16 October 2025
Herberstown Community Childcare, Kilmallock · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: Garda vetting was available for the six staff members employed in the service. However, the 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’. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- : The person in charge has stated in the CAPA response form that General Safety: The Garda vetting renewal process for the one member of staff has been completed
1 October 2025
Park Childcare, Limerick · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: Garda vetting was available for all staff members. However, for 1 staff member their 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: Renewed Garda vetting procedures have been completed for the required staff member
3 September 2025
Boro Buddies Preschool, Kilmallock · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: Garda vetting was available for the two staff members. However, the 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’. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- : The registered provider has stated in the CAPA document that: General Safety: Garda vetting process for the one staff member has commenced and the Garda vetting renewal policy has been updated for the service
2 September 2025
Early years service TU2015LK134, Abbeyfeale · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda Vetting documentation for one staff member present on the day of the inspection were not dated with in the last three years as per the regulatory notice EYI-RN12.3 renewal of Garda vetting published by the inspectorate in September 2023 and effective from 01/01/2024. This posed a potential risk to the safety and wellbeing of children in the service. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: Garda vetting documentation for the one staff member present on the day of the inspection has been updated
26 August 2025
Little Seeds Childcare Moyross Community Enterprise Centre Ltd, Limerick · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda Vetting documentation for two staff members present on the day of the inspection were not dated with in the last three years as per the regulatory notice EYI-RN12.3 renewal of Garda vetting published by the inspectorate in September 2023 and effective from 01/01/2024. This posed a potential risk to the safety and wellbeing of children in the service if vetting procedures are not maintained. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: The service has received the two staff members up to date garda vetting and they have been updated on both files. A list of all staff working in the service has been compiled with their renewal date for garda vetting will be checked monthly by management to ensure full compliance at all times
28 May 2025
Little Explorers, Cappamore · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1.There was no working system in place at the main entrance to alert staff working in the service when parents, authorised persons or any other person arrived at the service. A notice was displayed which detailed a telephone number to call to gain entry, however when the inspector tried to gain entry this was not responded to. Staff in the service only became aware that the inspector was at the front door was when staff and children came downstairs to go outside. On discussion, it was noted that the number on the notice was for the registered provider who was not working in the service on the day and did not respond to calls made. No other means of contact were available. This posed potential risk to the safety of both staff and children in the event of an emergency. Infection Control: 2.There was no thermostatically controlled hot water at the time of the inspection for effective handwashing in the children’s bathroom facility. This increased the risk of cross infection. The pump that heats the water for the bathroom facility was off and was positioned under the basins accessible to the children. Outing: 3.On the day of the inspection, the staff and children were observed using in the outdoor public playground, which the service uses on a regular basis when unoccupied by members of the public. The staff stated that routinely a risk assessment would be carried out when using this public outdoor playground and the service’s own outdoor space; however, no written records were maintained and available at the time of inspection. This was at variance with the service's own outdoor play policy. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- : The registered provider has stated that: 1.A new bell has been installed. An additional number for the service is available to the parents however this will not be displayed due to safety reasons. 2. and 3. The water tank is being covered while the service is closed for the summer along with other maintenance jobs. Additional photos will be sent once the work is completed and staff are back in the office on August 27th
9 May 2025
Daydreams Childcare, Murroe · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1.Garda vetting dated within 3 years was available for 16 of the 17 staff members working at the service. However, for one staff member their vetting disclosure was not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. 2.The flexes of the air purifying units located in the Toddler room and in Preschool room 1 were low lying and accessible to children. This could pose a safety risk to children when cables or flexes were located within children's reach. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was updated for the staff member whose disclosure was out of date. 2. Leads and flexes were checked, and all were secured to a location and at a height that was not accessible to children
29 April 2025
St. Colmans childcare services, Ardagh · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1.Garda vetting was available for the 18 adults working in the service. However, the Garda vetting disclosures for two adults was not dated within the last three years as per the regulatory notice, EYI-RN12.3 renewal of garda vetting, published by the Inspectorate in September 2023 and effective from 1 January 2024. Infection Control: 2.There were four mattresses in use that did not have a mattress protection cover in place. This posed a risk of cross infection and made the cleaning process of the mattresses difficult. 3. The paper towel and toilet roll were not stored appropriately in a dispenser and at the appropriate level for the children’s use in the sanitary accommodation for the Acorn playroom. This posed a risk of cross infection. Fire Safety: 4.The emergency fire exit doors in the nappy changing room and the Babys and Toddlers sleep rooms were blocked with equipment and materials. This posed a safety risk to children and staff in the event of having to evacuate the building in an emergency. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- : The manager has stated that: General Safety: 1.Garda vetting was applied for the two staff members and submitted to the Early years’ inspectorate following the inspection. Management have now put in place a system to ensure that all staff members Garda vetting will be renewed within the three-year timeframe. Infection Control: 2. Four waterproof mattresses were purchased to replace the non-waterproof mattresses. These are wipe-able and are now in place in the cot room. 3. Hand paper towels and toilet paper were fitted to dispenser in the toilet facilities throughout the service. Staff were advised of the importance of ensuring these items are in the dispensers for the children to access independently. Fire Safety: 4.The items blocking the fire exits doors were immediately removed. A sign was added to the fire doors to discourage items from being placed in front of them in the future. This check is included in the managers morning risk assessment
10 April 2025
Rainbow Childcare Academy Ltd, Limerick · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: 1.Staff did not follow nappy changing procedures as outlined in the Nappy changing policy. Staff were observed using the same gloves for three children and only washing their hands afterwards. Children's hands were also not washed, increasing the risk of cross-infection. 2.No hot water was available at the handwashing sink near Preschool Room 2 due to a broken boiler, which raised the risk of cross-infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- Infection Control: 1. All staff were retrained on the implementation of the nappy changing policy and staff are supervised on an ongoing basis to ensure all infection control procedures are following as outlined in the service policies. 2. The boiler which was broken on the day of the inspection was repaired ensuring at all times hot water is accessible at all wash hand basins
31 January 2025
Nursery Times, Limerick · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1.The staff personal belongings such as handbags were stored in the children’s preschool bathroom facilities. This posed a safety risk to the children. Infection Control: 2.There was a hand operated bin in use instead of the pedal operated sealed air tight bin for the disposing of nappies in the nappy changing area for the Toddler preschool children. This increased the risk of cross infection for staff and children. Safe Sleep: 3. The physical safe sleep checks and the recording of these checks were not carried on the children from the Wobbler playroom (aged between 1 and 2 years of age) when asleep in their sleep room for appropriately 4 weeks, the month of January 2025. This posed a safety risk to the children. o For week commencing the 6th of January only 3 days the sleep checks were completed. o For week commencing the 13th of January, only one day sleep checks were completed. o For week commencing the 20th of January, no sleep checks completed. o For week commencing the 27th of January, the sleep checks were completed on the day of the inspection only, the 31/01/25. This was not in line with the service safe sleep policy which stated that the staff go into the sleep room, observe and physically check each sleeping child every 10 minutes, including completing a sleep record. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- : The registered provider has said in the CAPA document that: General Safety: 1.Staff belongings were immediately removed from the children’s bathroom and stored in the staff room. The management had a staff meeting to discuss the Tusla inspection and the dangers of keeping personal belongings in the children’s bathroom. All the bathrooms are checked periodically during day to ensure that there are no staff belongings stored there. Infection Control: 2. A new pedal operated, sealed airtight bin was purchased immediately after the inspection and is in use in the Toddler changing room. Safe Sleep: 3. The 10 minutes physical safe sleep checks and the recording of these checks were commenced immediately. The safe sleep policy was given to and explained to the staff, regarding its importance of safeguarding the children in the services care, particularly during their sleep time
29 January 2025
Tree Top Pre School, Kilbehenny · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for the registered provider and the staff members. However, the garda vetting disclosures for 1 staff member was not dated within the last three years as per the regulatory notice, EYI-RN12.3 renewal of garda vetting, published by the inspectorate in September 2023 and effective from Jan 01/01/2024. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- : The registered provider has stated the following: General Safety: 1. A copy of the renewed garda vetting for the one staff member was submitted to the Early Years Inspectorate on the 3rd of February 2025. A reminder is in place to ensure all Garda vetting disclosures are renewed with the 3-year timeframe
17 January 2025
Care Bears Creche and Montessori, Raheen · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for all staff members. However, for 1 staff member the vetting disclosure was not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI- RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. 2.Due to the closure of the outdoor play area since December 9th, 2024, children were taken on short walks around the business park. However, these areas were unsafe due to high traffic in the surrounding car parks, presenting a potential danger to the children. 3 During the inspection, the laundry room door was propped open with a clothes horse, preventing it from closing. The door was not properly secured to prevent children from entering the room. Additionally, the washing machine and dryer lacked childproof locks, creating an unsafe environment as children could potentially access this area. Infection Control: 4. In one of the Toddler nappy changing areas, the hot water tap was broken, leaving only cold water available at the sink next to the changing unit. Thermostatically controlled hot water was not available to ensure hygienic hand washing, and to reduce the risk of cross infection. 5.The service did not adhere to its own Nappy Changing policy, which included: • Wearing fresh gloves for each change. • Washing hands before and after each change. • Cleaning and drying the changing mat after each use. During the observation, the changing mat was only cleaned at the start and not again after subsequent changes. The staff member used the same gloves and apron for all three changes, and neither the staff member nor the children washed their hands before returning to the room, which increased the risk of cross-contamination. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. In adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’, the required renewal application of Garda vetting for 1 staff member was completed. 2.Childrens outings are now once a month, and these walks are not through busy areas within the Business Park. 3.The laundry room is now locked, and the area is inaccessible to the children attending the service. Infection Control: 4.Repair works were completed on the broken tap. 5. The staff were retrained on the Nappy Changing Policy
15 January 2025
Thumbelinas Creche, Limerick · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. All internal doors were not appropriately secured where necessary to prevent children accessing any unsafe areas in the building. The handle of the door in the Toddler room was within easy reach of the children. On the day of the inspection the stair gate outside the Toddler room which was in place to prevent children accessing the stairs remained open. This posed a safety risk to the children in this room. Infection Control: 2. The mattresses in each cot in the sleep room did not have waterproof protectors in place. This posed a risk of cross infection. All mattresses are required to have waterproof coverings fitted. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. In the corrective action plan the registered provider stated that staff have been reminded about their responsibilities to ensure the safety of children in the toddler room on the 1st floor. The stair gate at the top of the stairs is monitored by management at the service throughout each day ensuring that it is closed at all times. Infection Control: 2.Waterproof mattresses protectors were purchased and fitted on all cot mattresses in the service
13 December 2024
Happy Days Montessori, Newcastlewest · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: The pressure in the hot water tap was too low for effective use, leading to children only using cold water for handwashing. To ensure proper infection control and hygiene practices in the service, thermostatically controlled hot water is essential. This would allow for effective handwashing, supporting the health and safety of the children in the preschool. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- Infection Control: Following the inspection of the service a new valve was fitted to the faulty water tap to ensure there was adequate water pressure in the hot water tap at all times. All repair works at the service will be carried out as soon as issues arise
1 October 2024
The Old School House Montessori, Limerick · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. The garda vetting disclosure for one staff member was not dated within the last three years as per the regulatory notice, EYI-RN12.3 renewal of garda vetting, published by the inspectorate in September 2023, and effective from Jan 01/01/2024. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: The registered provider submitted a vetting application for the staff member and is awaiting garda clearance. This documentation will be forwarded to the relevant persons as soon as possible
12 June 2024
Teach Mhuire Montessori, Abbeyfeale · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. A chlorine-based cleaning product was accessible to the children in a cupboard underneath the sink. This posed a potential poisoning hazard to the children. 2. Snacks and perishable foods supplied by children’s parents were not refrigerated. This posed a potential risk in relation to food safety. 3. Temperature reducing medication was not available in the service in the event of a child having a raised temperature. This posed a potential safety risk to the children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. The chlorine-based cleaning product was removed and placed out of reach of children. In future cleaning products that pose a potential poisoning hazard will be kept out of reach of the children. 2. Childrens lunch boxes will be checked in the mornings after they arrive, and lunches will be refrigerated if necessary to prevent any risk in relation to food safety. 3. A temperature reducing medicine is now available in the service and the expiry date will be checked regularly
31 May 2024
Oakleigh Kids Academy, Dooradoyle · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: The hot water temperatures at the wash hand basin in the disability bathroom was recorded at 53°C. This posed an immediate risk of scalding. Water must be thermostatically controlled to a maximum temperature of 43 °C for children’s and staff to use safely. This was brought to the attention of the person in charge and an immediate action notice was issued onsite. The registered in a correspondence received into the Early Years Inspectorate on the 4th of June 2024 stated that the issue had been addressed. The water temperature was reduced to 43°C. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: The registered provider has stated in the response that: The hot water is now thermostatically controlled to ensure the temperature remains below 43°C. Water temperature checks will be added to the daily health and safety checks for the service
4 April 2024
Desmond Community Creche, Newcastlewest · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for all 14 staff members, however for 8 of the staff their vetting disclosures were not dated within the previous three years in adherence to 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: Garda vetting applications have been submitted for the 8 staff members whose vetting certificates had expired
21 March 2024
Cute & Clever Playschool, Lisnagry · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: Hand operated lidded bins for waste disposal were in use in the children’s bathrooms and the playrooms instead of the pedal operated lidded bins. This posed a risk of cross infection to the children and staff. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated in the corrective and action form that two new pedal operated lidded bins were purchased for the service and were placed in the bathroom and playroom setting. The service will ensure that only pedal operated, lidded bins will be used for the safe disposable of waste
14 March 2024
Happy Faces Creche, Askeaton · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for all staff members. However, on review of these vetting disclosures there was one not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. It is acknowledged that the renewal Garda vetting was applied for on the 15th of March 2024. Infection Control: 2. Hygienic nappy changing practices were not observed to help prevent cross infection between children and children and between children and staff and this was at variance with the nappy changing policy for the service. • Two staff did not wash their hands prior to each nappy change. This increased the risk of cross infection. Hand washing was observed being done only when the staff had finished the nappy changing for all the children. • Aprons and gloves were not removed by staff following each nappy changing. Two staff were observed returning to their playrooms with the child without having removed them. This increased the risk of cross infection. • Childrens hands were not observed to be washed after they had their nappies changed and before children had their dinner. This increased the risk of infection. • There was no nappy changing policy displayed in the upstairs nappy changing unit to guide and inform staff on the nappy changing procedures. 3. It was observed that children soothers were left in their cots after their sleep the previous day. The staff said they had omitted to remove from the cots to wash and disinfect them prior to being using again by the children. This posed a risk of cross infection. 4. There were large, lidded and pedal operated bins attached to the wall in all the playroom for the disposable of waste. However children were unable to use the pedal to open these bins as they were positioned too high for the children. Instead the children used their hands to open the bin. This increased the risk of cross infection for staff and children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- : The registered provider has stated in the response that: General Safety: 1.Garda vetting renewal was received for the one adult . Infection Control: 2.All staff responsible for nappy changing have completed a course on nappy changing with a reputable company. An updated nappy changing policy is now on display in all required areas. There will be regular staff meeting to update staff on any required changes. 3. All the children soothers are sterilised overnight. At the staff meetings the staff and management will ensure these policies are reviewed regularly and any changes relayed to the staff. 4. Smaller pedal operated bins have been purchased for the playroom
28 February 2024
Future Heroes Childcare, Ballinacurra · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: Large open top bins were observed in all rooms of the service. Foot pedal operated lidded bins were not available to ensure hygienic disposal of all waste in the facility and to reduce the risk of cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- Infection Control: Pedal operated lidded bins have been purchased for each room of the service to replace the open top bins