# Regulation 23 (Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of Child) — non-compliances in Monaghan > What inspectors found under Regulation 23 (Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of Child) at 40 early years services in Monaghan, with providers' responses. ## Regulation 23 in Monaghan Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of Child: **40** 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](/methodology.md). 20 April 2026 ##### [Klaine Childcare LTD](/creche/klaine-childcare-ltd-castleblayney.md), Castleblayney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. A lead from a wall-mounted electric heater was trailing and potentially accessible to the children in the Butterfly Room. This is a health and safety hazard. 2. Unprotected sharp corners were present on one side of a brown shelving unit in the Butterfly Room, posing a risk of injury to a child. 3. The water temperature in the sanitary areas where mixer taps were fitted reached a maximum of 44°C in the middle sink, and then reduced to 41.3 °C. It is acknowledged that staff outlined that the risk assessments include water temperature checks; however, no record was available on the day to demonstrate that the water had been checked. The maximum temperature for safe use of children is 43°C, anything higher presents a risk of scalding. Infection Control: 4. The pedal operated bin in the sanitary accommodation off the Busy Bee Room was broken and required the lid to be lift by hand. This is an infection control risk. 5. The nappy bin used in the nappy changing area required staff to touch the bin in order to fully dispose of the soiled nappies, this is an infection control risk - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. Lead has been pinned to the wall. Recent staff training conducted to remind staff to add details to risk assessments. 2. Protecters added to the unit in question. Recent staff training carried out with all staff to ensure that risk assessments performed in the morning and to document these dangers going forward. 3. The thermostat pumps were turned down at the mains. Following staff training the staff are now aware of where the thermostat controls are located for completing check and adjusting if necessary. Infection Control: 4. The registered provider replaced the bin. Recent staff training to include staff must report any broken or damaged equipment to management immediately. 5. Replaced nappy bin with a new one. These will be the exact bins that will be used going forward 12 March 2026 ##### [Glenpark Montessori School](/creche/glenpark-montessori-school-monaghan.md), Monaghan · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - The Inspectorate is not assured that adequate steps have been taken to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the pre-school children attending the service based on the following observations made during the inspection. All rooms formed part of the inspection in relation to this regulation. General Safety: 1. Sharp corners were not protected and were a potential injury hazard on various items of furniture such as the small white tables and shelving units in all rooms. 2. There was a CD player on a low-level ledge unsecured in the Busy Bees Room. This was accessible to the children and a potential impact hazard. 3. In the Ladybird Room there was a speaker with a trailing lead on a low-level surface accessible to the children. This was a health a safety risk. 4. In the Ladybird Room there were some metal shelving pots to contain art supplies on the wall. These were not secured and 2 fell off when bumped into by the children accessing the table directly under them. These are a potential injury hazard. Infection Control: 5. There was no hot water in any of the sinks in the sanitary accommodations off the Butterfly Room, Ladybird Room or Busy Bees Room. This is an infection control risk and does not allow for effective hand washing. 6. During nappy changing the staff member was observed to not wear a disposable apron. This is a recurrent non-compliance and an infection control risk. 7. In the sanitary accommodation off the Butterfly Room the ‘flip” lidded bin observed in use for the disposal of used hand towels was considered unsuitable. This required the staff and children using the bin to touch the lid to open it which is a cross-infection risk. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. Sharp corners have been replaced on all corners of shelving and the white tables have been removed from the rooms and rounded tables have replaced them. We have introduced a daily room safety checklist, requiring staff to visually inspect all play and learning areas before children enter. Assigned responsibility to room leaders to complete and sign off on daily safety checks. Established a maintenance reporting system, requiring immediate reporting and removal or repair of any damaged or unsafe furniture. 2. The CD player has been removed out of the service. The registered provider will not have any cd players at low level unsecured. A daily risk assessment will also be carried out. 3. The speaker has been removed and the service now use a tablet to play the music for the children. 4. Metal shelving pots have all been removed from the wall. No shelving supplies or art materials will be placed on the wall, the art supplies will be at low level for the children to access. Infection Control: 5. We have had the plumber out regarding the hot water, we are in progress of fixing the leak. We will use our daily risk assessment three times per day to check for running hot water. 6. Aprons are available in the sanitary rooms. All staff have been issued with the nappy changing policy and held a staff meeting on the importance of infection control risk. There will be weekly team meetings with the room leader and spot checks from management. 7. The registered provider has replaced the bins with foot pedal operated bins. There is now a foot pedal bin in the Butterfly Room 10 March 2026 ##### [Carrickroe Community Childcare](/creche/carrickroe-community-childcare-emyvale.md), Emyvale · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. The service did not adhere to the re-vetting timeframes for 1 staff member as outlined in the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice, requiring services to renew Garda vetting every three years. 2. There was a gap at the bottom of the entrance gate to the community pitch area, used by the Toddler children on the day of inspection. This area leads onto a busy car park area outside the premises. This was a potential health and safety risk should a child pass under the gate and exit the outdoor play area. 3. In one of the Preschool rooms there were unprotected sharp corners on brown shelving units. This was a potential injury risk. 4. In the Preschool Room / Quiet Area the cupboard under the sink which contained plastic bags and a bait box was unlocked and accessible to the children. This was a health and safety risk. In addition, the cupboard had been signed off on the daily checklist as having been checked. Infection Control: 5. The children in the Baby/ Wobbler room were observed to move directly from playing to having their morning snack and dinner. No handwashing was observed before children were served their food on both occasions, which poses an infection control risk - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. The vetting had been applied for before inspection and was issued on 24th of March 2026. A staff training checklist/spreadsheet has been developed highlighting renewal dates of mandatory certificates. We have added an extra field highlighting the date renewals must be submitted, 3-4 months prior to expiry leaving time for oversights/backlogs etc. This is displayed in a prominent area in the office with a designated person for compliance oversight completing monthly checks on all files to ensure up to date compliance. 2. Maintenance closed off the underside of the main gate in the community walking track. Black plastic skirting was fitted to secure the underside gap where a child could crawl under and escape. Staff were made aware of the risk and added this to the Outdoor Risk Assessment that must be completed by staff before using the area. 3. Furniture corner protectors were applied to all unprotected corners on brown shelving units to reduce the potential risk of injury. The Preschool Room Risk Assessment was updated and ensuring there are corner protectors attached at all times has now been added. Risk Assessments have been edited, making staff initial the risk they sign off on creating accountability making everyone aware of their duty of care to ensure areas are assessed and risk assessments are reflective of the actual environment on the day. 4. Locks were attached to all cupboard doors that are accessible to the children including the under-sink cupboard. The Preschool Room Risk Assessment was updated and ensuring the cupboard doors have locks attached at all times has now been added. Risk Assessments have been edited, making staff initial the risk they sign off on creating accountability making everyone aware of their duty of care to ensure areas are assessed and risk assessments are reflective of the actual environment on the day. Infection Control: 5. Staff were emailed our service’s handwashing policy, and it was displayed within their room. Child Friendly Handwashing posters were also displayed in the room at a child friendly height. A meeting was had with the Staff and Room Lead Educator and this was brought to their attention and reminded of their duty of care to the children, regarding their health & safety and infection control. They were reminded of the educational purposes of teaching the children life skills and healthy habits in line with our service policy. Staff were emailed the service’s policy and asked to sign a hardcopy to ensure their understanding of it. Hands are always washed before meals 6 March 2026 ##### [Laurelhill Community Childcare](/creche/laurelhill-community-childcare-castleblayney.md), Castleblayney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - Infection Control: 1. At approximately 11.40am there was no hot water in any of the 5 hot taps accessed by the children. The emersion had not been switched on. This does not allow for effective hand washing and is an infection control risk. 2. At approximately 13.51pm there was no running water from any of the 5 hot water taps accessed by the children in either the care room or sanitary accommodations. This is an infection control risk. 3. The lidded pedal operated bin in the large sanitary / nappy changing accommodation was broken. This is an infection control risk due to multiple touches required when opening the bin. 4. One staff member was observed to come out of the nappy changing area, through the care room and outside to dispose of a soiled nappy while still wearing their disposable gloves used to change the nappy. This is a cross contamination and infection control risk - Corrective & Preventive Action Infection Control: 1 & 2 Investigations were carried out on the water supply and it was discovered that the water is being fed from the adjoining school. A plumber has fitted a boost pump on the water system which has increased pressure and solved the problem with the hot water supply. When completing the daily room checklist, staff ensuring the water emersion is switched on, it is also checked that pressure is sufficient in the taps. Although the boost pump has solved the problem at the minute it is felt the long term solution is to pressurise the entire water system in both adjoining school and preschool setting. The registered provider has contracted a plumber to carry out this work over the summer period when the primary school will have no students as their water supply will need to be interrupted during works. When completing the daily room checklist, ensuring the water emersion is switched on, a check that pressure is sufficient in the taps is also carried out. If it is not, the manager/person in charge is alerted who is able to operate an instant boost on pump under the sink at our water entry level. 3. The pedal bin was fixed, the bag was placed in the bin over the lid lifting hinge not allowing the pedal to operate the lid. The registered provider has however bought a new nappy bin to be used solely for nappies and will retain any odours. The new nappy bin will now be used for nappies, cleaning and emptying of this bin has been added to the cleaning checklist for daily inspection. 4. A staff meeting was called to refresh all staff of certain procedures which must be adhered to in the room daily, one of which is the Nappy Changing Policy. The policy was reviewed and staff had a discussion on the correct nappy changing procedure to include never leaving the bathroom while wearing soiled gloves which is a huge cross contamination and infection control risk. The Nappy Changing Policy has been amended to include never leave bathroom while wearing soiled gloves 27 February 2026 ##### [Tru Beginnings Community Playgroup Ltd](/creche/tru-beginnings-community-playgroup-ltd-emyvale.md), Emyvale · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. 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 for 1 staff member. 2. In Preschool Room 2 the cupboard under the sink was unlocked and contained the cleaning spray. This was potentially accessible to the children and a health and safety risk. Infection Control: 3. There was no hot water provided at the sanitary accommodation used by the children from Preschool Room 2, neither at the sink directly outside the care room or at the sink in the sanitary accommodation off the hall. This does not allow for effective hand washing - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. We had overlooked a staff members end date and was late applying for the vetting. The completed vetting came through on the 16/03/2026. In future we will ensure all re-vetting is applied for well in advance of the expiry date. The manager has taken responsibility to remind al staff to complete it as soon as it arrives in their emails. 2. The bottle was removed immediately and the room leader and assistants were made aware of the danger of detergent being left in a low cupboard. The room leader and assistants took responsibility to ensure all detergent bottles are kept in the higher presses. The room leader has also taken the responsibility to inform all students and volunteers, the importance of safe guarding all children from harm and ensuring health and safety at all times. Infection Control: 3. We contacted the plumber and he found issues with the hot water tank in the boiler house. The plumber advised us to go with under sink hot water units for both areas and bypass the tank. Work has been completed. Installation of under sink water heaters to ensure we have hot water in all areas and not depending on the buildings hot water system which is controlled by the landlord 11 February 2026 ##### [Little Rascals](/creche/little-rascals-monaghan.md), Monaghan · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - The Inspectorate is not assured that adequate steps have been taken by the registered provider and staff to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the pre-school children attending the service based on the following observations made during the inspection: General Safety: 1. There was a bottle of cough medicine sitting on top of the toy kitchen unit in the Preschool Room which was potentially accessible to the preschool children. This was a health and safety risk. 2. There was a staff handbag observed sitting on top of a box at a low level in the lobby of the sanitary accommodation off the Preschool Room. This was potentially accessible to any preschool child who accessed the toilets independently and therefore a health and safety risk. 3. In the Preschool and Toddler Rooms there were sharp unprotected corners on the low-level shelving units and on one of the tables used in the Preschool Room. 4. The large notice board on the wall in the Preschool Room was not adequately secured to the wall. Two children sitting underneath it for their lunch were observed to pull it out from the wall at the bottom. This was a potential impact and injury risk. Infection Control: 5. The following cross infection risks were observed in the Toddler Room during handwashing: • 7 children were observed to wash their hands in a communal basin of water. • A grey cloth towel was observed in use by the 7 children for hand-drying. 6. There was no system in place for the laundering and management of linen in the service for cots that are shared. For example: it was observed that no cot linen was changed in cots that were shared between children attending the Baby and Toddler Rooms. When questioned a staff member confirmed this and stated that “there was no spare linen available”. This is at variance with the services safe sleeping policy that states “children will have individual beds with their own blankets and sheets”. 7. The lobby of the sanitary accommodation off the Preschool Room was used for the storage of toys and equipment. This is an infection control and cross contamination risk. 8. The perishable lunches items brought in by the children were not removed from the children’s bags and stored appropriately in the fridge. This is an infection control risk. 9. The ‘lion’ flip lidded bin observed in use for the disposal of used hand towels in the nappy changing area was considered unsuitable. This required the staff and children using the bin to touch the lid multiple times which is a cross-infection risk. Safe Sleep: 10. In the Baby Room during sleep time, sleep observations were not always documented by the staff member carrying out the physical observation e.g. the registered provider who was present in the care room was observed to document the 10-minute physical sleep observations which was carried out by another staff member. 11. The room temperature was not documented as part of the 10-minute physical sleep observation. Additionally, the staff carrying out the sleep observations did not ‘check’ the room thermometer that was located on a high shelf - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. The bottle of cough medicine was removed and all medicines are clearly labelled with child’s name and stored in the medicine box in kitchen or on high shelf in care room. A staff meeting was held on the 10/03/2026 and the Administration of Medication Policy was reviewed with all staff members. 2. The staff members handbag was removed from the lobby area of sanitary accommodation off the Preschool Room. All staff notified that personal handbags and belongings must not be left in rooms or lobby areas accessible to children. 3. All sharp unprotected corners have now been covered with Safety Corner Guards in the toddler and preschool room. The risk assessment for both the toddler room and preschool room has been updated to include ‘All sharp Corners with edges covered’ to be checked daily and replaced as required. 4. The two large notice boards in the preschool room have now been fully secured to the wall. All staff have been reminded to continuously be aware of maintenance issues/hazards and report to the management immediately. Management will ensure maintenance issues are corrected in a timely manner. Infection Control: 5. All staff members were informed that children’s hands are to be washed at the sink and hands dried with their own individual disposable hand towel at all times, including after engaging in sensory play experiences. The hand-washing policy was reviewed and updated. A staff meeting was held on the 10/03/2026 and the Hand-Washing Policy was reviewed with all staff members. 6. All staff have been informed that there is always a sufficient stock of clean laundry in the hot press at all times. Children’s individual laundry boxes are clearly labelled where their individual bed-linen is stored. Safe sleep Policy was reviewed and updated . On the 10/03/2026 a staff meeting was held, where the Safe Sleep Policy and Infection Control Policy was reviewed with all staff members. 7. The lobby area of the sanitary accommodation off the preschool room has been fully cleared of equipment and toys. Staff have been informed that toys and equipment are no longer allowed in this lobby area. The Infection Control Policy was also reviewed with all staff on the 10/03/2026. 8. All perishable lunches brought in by the children are removed from their bags when they arrive in preschool. They are labelled with their name and stored in the fridge. All staff reviewed the health and safety policy on the 10/03/2026 to ensure that all staff follow correct procedures in relation to storage of food. 9. The flip-lidded bin has been removed from the bathroom. The registered provider has ensured that any bins bought for the preschool service in the future, will be a foot-operated pedal bin to prevent touching the lid of the bin and the risk of cross-infection. Safe Sleep: 10. The staff member who completes the 10-minute physical observation of children sleeping, documents details of their observation. The Safe Sleep Policy was updated and reviewed by all staff during a staff meeting held on the 10/03/2026 for the purpose of ensuring best practise going forward. 11. All staff now check and document the room temperature as part of the 10-minute physical sleep observation. The Safe Sleep Policy was updated and it was reviewed by all staff during the staff meeting on the 10/03/2026 to ensure best practise going forward 4 February 2026 ##### [Crafty Kids Ltd](/creche/crafty-kids-ltd-monaghan.md), Monaghan · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. An immediate action notice was issued in relation to the hot surface temperature of one of the radiators in the Toddler care room, which was recorded at 58°C at 11:09 am, posing a risk of injury to a child. It is acknowledged that when the inspector brought this to the attention of the registered provider, the radiator was adjusted and the temperature was recorded at 38.7 °C at 11:14 am. 2. In respect of 3 out of 20 staff members, the service did not demonstrate compliance with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice requiring services to renew Garda vetting every three years, as a period in excess of 3 years had elapsed since their Garda vetting disclosures were issued. Administration of Medication: 3. Three out of fourteen medication records reviewed in the Toddler room did not contain a parent's signature following administration of medication in the preschool service. This does not ensure that parents are provided with up-to-date daily information on the administration of medication to their child on a daily basis. It is acknowledged that prior parental consent had been obtained. 4. In Preschool 2 there were records for the administration of a prescribed medication. The administration record contained blank rows which had been signed by a parent. The pre-signing of the records does not provide staff with the opportunity to verify that the parent has been informed on the day the medication has been administered. Safe Sleep: 5. Safe sleep practices were not always implemented in the Nursery room in line with Tusla’s safe sleep guidelines for children under 24 months. • One child aged 1 year 11 months is placed to sleep on a stackable bed. The stackable bed was not suitable for a child aged under 24 months, in line with Tusla’s Early Learning and Care sleep provision guidance for children under 24 months, which requires a floor bed to be fitted with a mattress of at least 6cm in thickness. • A sleep plan was not in place for the one child aged under 24 months who was not sleeping in a cot. This is at variance with the guidelines that state a child can sleep in an approved alternative to a cot, provided it is agreed with parents, and a sleep plan is established and signed - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. The service acknowledges that an immediate action notice was issued in relation to the temperature of a radiator within the Toddler room. The radiator temperature was adjusted immediately at the time of the inspection to a safe level. Since the inspection, surface temperature checks have been carried out regularly and recorded to ensure that all radiators remain within a safe temperature range. Evidence of these temperature checks has been submitted to Tusla. A monitoring system has been implemented whereby radiator surface temperatures are checked and recorded at regular intervals throughout the day. In addition, a wooden radiator cover has been ordered and will be installed to provide a permanent protective barrier and eliminate the risk of contact with hot surfaces. The Person in Charge will continue to oversee and review these control measures as part of the service's health and safety procedures. 2. Re - vetting time frames had not been adhered to. Garda vetting renewal applications for the staff members were identified and submitted following the inspection. A Garda Vetting monitoring system has been implemented within the service compliance records. Renewal dates are now logged and tracked to ensure all vetting disclosures are renewed within the timeframe required. The person in charge will review these records regularly as part of ongoing governance and compliance monitoring. Administration of Medication: 3. Medication records currently in use have been reviewed to ensure that they are completed properly. The Medication administration has been reviewed with the staff team to reinforce correct practice. 4. A meeting was held with all staff to remind them of the requirement that parents/guardians must be informed and sign the medication administration record on the collection following administration. Room leaders will carry out routine checks of medication records to ensure all documentation is completed accurately and in line with service policy and regulatory requirements. Safe Sleep: 5. All children are now using the cots provided in line with Tulsa safe sleep guidance for children under 24 months. All staff have reviewed Tusla’s safe sleep guidance, and the service policy has been reinforced with the team. Safe sleep practices will continue to be monitored by the person in charge and room leaders to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements 3 February 2026 ##### [Naíonra Eois](/creche/naionra-eois-clones.md), Clones · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - Infection Control: Staff did not wear a disposable apron while carrying out nappy changing. This is an infection control and cross contamination risk. This is also at variance to the service nappy changing policy which states to wear a plastic apron - Corrective & Preventive Action Infection Control: The registered provider stated that as per the services policy staff should wear aprons during nappy changing. All staff have been reminded of the policy and aprons are worn during these times. Aprons are available in both rooms so they are easily accessible to staff for nappy changing 13 January 2026 ##### [Tír na nÓg](/creche/tir-na-nog-castleblayney.md), Castleblayney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. One of the blind cords in the Preschool Room was broken and hanging down potentially accessible to the children. Other blind cords in the service were not adequately restricted. This is a health and safety risk. Safe Sleep: 2. During the sleep checks the room thermometer was not always physically checked to correctly document the sleep room temperature. For example on 1 occasion the previous room temperature recorded was recorded at 17.8 o C when the thermometer was registering 19.2 o C - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. The registered provider sourced a blind company to come in to repair and attach new safety restrictors. The condition of these will be checked regularly on the daily risk assessment. Safe Sleep: 2. The registered provider had a meeting with staff on the importance of always checking sleep room temperatures at the sleep checks. A poster with the temperature checking procedures were placed in the sleep room. The process of checking the sleep room temperature is to be checked by the supervisor regularly and there will be spot checks from the manager 15 December 2025 ##### [Magherarney Community Childcare Services Ltd](/creche/magherarney-community-childcare-services-ltd-smithborough.md), Smithborough · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. The mat in the Senior Room was moving and curling up when walked on. This was a potential trip and slip hazard. 2. In the Junior Room the cupboard under the sink was unlocked and contained cleaning sprays, floor cleaner, a bottle of bleach and a bottle of sterilizing agent. These were potentially accessible to the children and a health and safety risk - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. Grips have been added to all corners of the mat. These grip and stick to both the floor and mat. All staff are aware of the new grips and to ensure that the mat area is monitored to make sure the grips work effectively at all times. As soon as there are any changes to the effectiveness of the grips it is be recorded on our daily risk assessment checklist sheet and for the mat to be removed immediately until resolved. 2. The cleaning products were placed in the cupboard beside it that can lock until the lock was fixed. It was fixed that afternoon and no issues since. Ensure locks are checked when carrying out the morning risk assessment checklist and cupboard to be cleared immediately if there was an issue with the lock until it can be resolved 25 November 2025 ##### [The Crayon Box](/creche/the-crayon-box-monaghan.md), Monaghan · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - The registered provider did not ensure that all reasonable measures were 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 as specified below: General Safety: 1. In the Baby Room skin cream and powder belonging to 1 child was stored in their bag within the care room on a low-level peg which was potentially accessible to the children. This is a health and safety risk. 2. The room temperature in the Preschool Room was recorded at 23.2o C at 11.45am which exceeds the room temperature of 18 – 22o C. This went unnoticed by staff and when questioned they confirmed to the inspector there was no thermometer in the room. Infection Control: 3. In the Baby Room during 1 round of nappy changes a staff member was observed to not change their apron between each nappy change. This is an infection control risk. 4. Not all toys which some of the children placed in their mouths during play were removed to the “dribble box” for cleaning before being put back into toy boxes in the care room. This is an infection control risk. Safe Sleep: 5. Room temperatures in the sleep rooms exceeded the recommended safe sleep room temperatures of 16 – 20 o C. For example, in the Toddler sleep room at 2pm the large room temperature was recorded at 21.9o C and the small room was 22.4o C. At 14.05 in the sleep room off the Baby Room the room temperature was recorded at 21.9 o C. This elevated temperature went unnoticed by staff until brought to their attention by the inspectors when the windows and doors were then opened. This is a health and safety risk. 6. Some staff were not recording the correct sleep room temperatures on the sleep log in both sleep rooms for example in the Baby Room sleep room the room temperature was being recorded on the electronic sleep log at the electronic application setting of 19.9 o C instead of the actual room temperature e.g. 21.9 o C. This is a health and safety risk. 7. In the small sleep room there was no separate thermometer to check the room temperature. This was also confirmed by two staff - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. All personal care items such as skin creams and powders will be stored securely in a locked medical storage facility and kept out of children’s reach at all times. Following the inspection, arrangements have been made to remove all such items from children’s bags and low-level storage, and they will be stored immediately in a designated locked medical storage unit within the service. The registered provider will ensure that all personal care items, including creams and powders, are stored in a designated locked medical storage facility and kept out of children’s reach at all times. Staff have been informed of this requirement and will no longer store such items in children’s bags or low-level areas. Daily room checks will be completed to confirm safe storage, and this practice will be reinforced through staff supervision and team meetings. 2. To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for children, the room temperature in the Preschool Room will be maintained within the recommended range of 18–22°C at all times. Following the inspection, a room thermometer has been installed in the Preschool Room, and staff have been informed of acceptable temperature ranges and actions to take if temperatures exceed these limits. Procedures are now in place for staff to monitor and record room temperatures daily and to take immediate action, such as adjusting heating or ventilation. The registered provider will ensure that a thermometer is present in the Preschool Room at all times and that staff monitor and record room temperatures daily to ensure they remain within the recommended range of 18–22°C. Staff will be trained on the actions to take if temperatures fall outside this range, including adjusting heating or ventilation and reporting concerns immediately. Compliance will be reviewed through daily room checks, staff supervision, and regular management oversight to ensure consistent adherence. Infection Control: 3. To ensure effective infection control practices, staff will change aprons between each nappy change in line with the service’s infection control policy. Following the inspection, the staff member was reminded of correct nappy-changing procedures, and additional disposable aprons have been made readily available at the nappy changing area. All staff have been re-briefed on infection control procedures, and adherence will be monitored through daily supervision and periodic practice observations to ensure ongoing compliance. The registered provider will ensure that clear infection control procedures are followed during all nappy changes, including the use of a new disposable apron for each child. Disposable aprons will be consistently stocked and accessible at nappy changing areas. Infection control practices will be reinforced through staff training, supervision, regular practice observations, and compliance will be monitored through daily oversight and ongoing management checks. 4. All toys mouthed by children will be removed immediately to the designated dribble box for cleaning and disinfecting before being returned to use. Following the inspection, staff were reminded of the toy- cleaning procedure, and the use and location of the dribble box was reinforced within the care room. Staff have been re-briefed on infection control practices, and compliance will be monitored through daily room checks and ongoing supervision to ensure procedures are consistently followed. The registered provider will ensure that all toys mouthed by children are removed immediately to the dribble box for cleaning and disinfecting before being returned to use. Staff will receive ongoing reminders and supervision regarding this procedure, and dribble boxes will be clearly labelled and easily accessible in care rooms. Compliance will be monitored through daily room checks, practice observations, and regular staff supervision to ensure consistent adherence to infection control procedures. Safe Sleep: 5. To ensure children’s safety during rest periods, all sleep room temperatures will be maintained within the recommended safe range of 16–20°C at all times. Following the inspection, thermometers were installed in all sleep rooms, and staff were immediately instructed to monitor room temperatures during sleep times. When temperatures exceed the safe range, staff will take prompt corrective action, including opening windows and doors or adjusting heating, to restore appropriate conditions. Ensure that thermometers are present and visible in all sleep rooms and that staff check and record room temperatures before and during sleep times to ensure they remain within the recommended range of 16– 20°C. Staff will be trained on safe sleep temperature guidance and the actions required if temperatures exceed limits, including ventilation and heating adjustments. Compliance will be monitored through daily checks, staff supervision, and regular management oversight to ensure consistent adherence. 6. To ensure children’s safety during rest periods, actual sleep room temperatures will be accurately measured and recorded on sleep logs at each sleep period. Following the inspection, staff were instructed to record temperatures directly from the room thermometers and additional guidance was provided on correct temperature recording procedures. Staff have been retrained on safe sleep temperature requirements and management will review sleep logs daily to ensure accuracy and compliance. Ensure that staff record sleep room temperatures directly from the room thermometers at each sleep period. Clear guidance on this procedure will be included in staff training and reinforced during supervision. Daily management checks of sleep logs will be completed to verify accuracy, and any discrepancies will be addressed immediately. Ongoing compliance will be supported through regular audits, staff supervision, and refresher training to ensure consistent and accurate practice. 7. To ensure children’s safety during rest periods, each sleep room will have its own dedicated thermometer to allow accurate monitoring of room temperatures at all times. Following the inspection, a separate thermometer has been installed in the small sleep room, and staff have been informed of its location and the requirement to monitor and record room temperatures during sleep times. Ensure that each sleep room has a dedicated, clearly visible thermometer in place at all times. Staff will be reminded to check and record room temperatures during each sleep period, and this will be verified through daily checks of sleep logs. The presence and condition of thermometers will be included in regular room safety checks, and compliance will be reinforced through staff supervision and ongoing management oversight 11 November 2025 ##### [Busy Bees Montessori Ltd](/creche/busy-bees-montessori-ltd-clones.md), Clones · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: The following general safety issues were observed: 1. In the Beehive Room there were unprotected sharp edges on the 2 brown tables and 4 white shelving units. These are a potential injury hazard. 2. The hot water in one of the taps of the sanitary accommodation accessed by the children in the Bumble Bees Room was recorded at 44.7 o C at 13.33pm. In addition, a child was heard to say the water was hot while washing their hands. This is in excess of the safe hot water temperature of 43o C and a potential burns risk. Infection Control: The following infection control risks were observed during inspection: 3. The nappy changing mat in the Busy Bees sanitary accommodation was torn and in a defective condition. This does not allow for effective cleaning. 4. The nappy bins in the nappy changing areas consisted of a push operated appliance and was not a pedal operated lidded and lined bin - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1.Corner covers have been reattached with heavy duty super glue to units in the Beehive Room. 2. The temperature of the water heater in the Bumblebee Room was adjusted that day to turn the temperature down. 3. The nappy changing mat was replaced with a new mat. 4. New pedal bins have replaced the old nappy bins in the 2 nappy changing areas. 1. Extra covers are available if covers need to be replaced 2. Corner covers have been added to our daily classroom checklist so staff can ensure they are attached every morning 3. A new check list for the water heaters, nappy bins and mats has been added for deputy manager to complete at the start of each new term 15 October 2025 ##### [Mini Tots](/creche/mini-tots-castleshane.md), Castleshane · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: In the Creche room the undercounter fridge was unsecured, and bottles of temperature reducing medication were stored within the fridge, which if accessed poses a risk of harm to a child. It is acknowledged that when the inspector brought this to the attention of one of the staff in the Creche room, they promptly secured the fridge. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: On the day of inspection, a member of staff when brought to their attention, securely locked the fridge. Registered provider has had a meeting with staff to ensure the fridge is correctly secured at all times. Additional locks for the fridge door have been bought, to have spare if any get broken. The registered provider will do regular checks in the room to make sure the fridge door is always securely closed and no children have any access to it 14 October 2025 ##### [Carrickmacross Preschool Playgroup](/creche/carrickmacross-preschool-playgroup-carrickmacross.md), Carrickmacross · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. There were a number of unprotected sharp corners in both rooms; for example on the brown shelving units and child sized white table which were a potential injury hazard to the children. 2. The children were observed to play on a mini trampoline in the outdoor area. These are prohibited in childcare settings and are a health and safety risk - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. Self-adhesive furniture corner protectors were purchased and have been stuck on all unprotected sharp corners. The corner protectors are visible and all staff have been made aware to ensure they are replaced if they fall off. Furniture protector check added to the Daily Risk assessment. 2. The mini trampoline was removed from the service 29 September 2025 ##### [Dunogue Montessori](/creche/dunogue-montessori-carrickmacross.md), Carrickmacross · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: There was a hole in the safety surface of the outdoor area which was a potential trip hazard - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: The wear patch / dip in the safety surface has been repaired. Extra risk assessment checks to be carried out daily on outdoor safety surface area. We will keep a close eye on the repaired area for future wear and tear due to use and weather conditions 11 September 2025 ##### [Bright Stars Childcare](/creche/bright-stars-childcare-castleblayney.md), Castleblayney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. At 10.55am the radiator surface temperatures in the Creche Room were recorded at 67.7 o C and in the Senior Preschool Room at 56.1 o C and 52 o C. These temperatures exceed the safe surface temperatures of 50 o C and are a potential burns risk. A safety Immediate Action Notice was issued to the registered provider and an appropriate response was received. 2. 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 for 1 staff member. 3. A copper pipe was protruding through the wall adjacent to 1 of the cots in the sleep room. This was potentially accessible to any child using this cot. This is a health and safety risk. 4. One of the 3 cot mattresses checked was ill-fitting and a foothold was evident where a child’s foot could get stuck. This is a health and safety risk. Infection Control: 5. Staff confirmed that toys and equipment, soothers and mouthed toys are cleaned with a sterilising agent and hot water which is not an effective means of cleaning and a variance of best practice cleaning guidelines. 6. The nappy bins in the service require the user to handle the bin a number of times during the disposal process when placing the nappy inside the bin and were not lidded pedal operated bins. This is a cross contamination and infection control risk. 7. There was not a continuous supply of thermostatically controlled hot water in the service throughout the inspection i.e. at 12.45pm in the Junior Preschool Room and at 13.35pm in the Creche Room when the water was checked it was cold. This does not allow for effective hand washing and is an infection control risk. 8. The nappy changing mat observed in use in the Junior Preschool was not maintained in a clean and hygienic condition. Accumulations of dirt and particles were observed around the edges and in the folds. Safe Sleep: 9. At 11.25 - 11.30am the staff member recording the sleep room temperature on the sleep log was not observed to check the room thermometer and recorded it as 19 o C, when the room thermometer was registering 22 – 22.5 o C. This practice was also confirmed by the staff member - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1 and 3. The children were removed from the radiator area, heat was turned off and ensured no child was exposed to the radiators. The registered provider also ensured room stats were at an appropriate temperature of 18oC-200C. Heat controllers to be fitted on radiators where children are exposed. Plumber was called and ensured the boiler was turned down to 43 – 50 o C to ensure the surface temperature and the copper pipe are within the recommended temperature range. Staff will carry out radiator surface temperature checks and adhere to as part of daily room risk assessment. 2. The service applied for the staff member’s vetting in June 2025. Staff member’s updated Garda vetting disclosure obtained and submitted. The registered provider will ensure all vetting requiring updating is applied for as early as possible as it took 3 months for this Garda vetting to be obtained. 4. Registered provider measured and replaced cot mattress. Staff will ensure that there are no gaps in the cots between frame and mattress and that they are fitted properly in the cots. Infection Control: 5. All staff know and use detergent for cleaning as indicated on updated cleaning policy and that a cleaning agent / hot soapy water before sterilising is an effective means of cleaning mouthed toys. Staff training and update took place and a copy of the Bright Stars Cleaning Policy was given to each room for staff to sign as part of their cleaning duties. 6. All nappy bins were replaced by the manager with pedal operated bins. The registered provider will ensure pedal operated nappy bins are used and nappies are disposed of properly. 7. The registered provider ensures there is a continuous supply of hot water present at all times. Hot water is being topped up by using an immersion heating for all taps which are thermostatically controlled in the bathrooms. A time clock shows that the immersion heating is on during the day providing hot water. Staff must always ensure there is hot water available at all times for cleaning and hand washing. 8. The nappy changing mat was replaced in the Junior Preschool Room. Staff will ensure that the nappy changing mats are cleaned thoroughly and no dirt particles are observed around the edges. Safe Sleep: 9. Staff members are all aware that they must observe the temperature in the sleep room and do observe it before writing it in the log. All staff will be reminded to observe the temperature of the sleep room each time a record is taken 24 July 2025 ##### [Clever Cloggs Full Day Care Nursery Ltd (Drumbear)](/creche/clever-cloggs-full-day-care-nursery-ltd-drumbear-monaghan.md), Monaghan · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - Safe Sleep: 1. Safe sleep practices were not always implemented in the Caterpillar Room in-line with Tusla’s safe sleep guidelines for children under 24 months. • A child under 24 months was placed to sleep on a stackable bed. The stackable bed was not suitable for a child aged under 24 months, in line with Tusla’s Early Learning and Care sleep provision guidance for children under 24 months, which requires a floor bed to be fitted with a mattress of at least 6cm in thickness. • A sleep plan was not in place for three children under 24 months who were not sleeping in cots. This is at variance to the guidelines that state a child can sleep in an approved alternative to a cot provided it is agreed with parents, and a sleep plan is established and signed - Corrective & Preventive Action Safe Sleep: Risk assessments for each child under 2 were immediately completed and signed by both the parent and Manager. Regarding the child who was sleeping on a stackable bed, a risk assessment was completed with parent and the parent agreed and signed off on approval of child sleeping on a stackable bed as this was in the best interest of the child following the risk assessment. (Child likes adult to be close to them whilst falling asleep and sleeping on a floor bed does not allow for this). A staff meeting took place after the inspection; all staff were in attendance. Tusla’s updated Safe Sleep Guidance for children under 24 months was communicated by the service manager, staff were also given a copy to familiarise themselves with the guidance. In future all risk assessments will be completed prior to a child transitioning to the toddler room and prior to them sleeping on a floor bed. All risk assessments were completed immediately by Manager and completed and signed off by the parents. Service manager will monitor this closely and ensure that all risk assessments are completed and kept on the child’s file. Monthly review of risk assessments will be completed by the service manager 18 July 2025 ##### [Tru Beginnings Community Childcare Centre](/creche/tru-beginnings-community-childcare-centre-emyvale.md), Emyvale · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. The television on the low-level shelf in the Preschool Room was unsecured and a potential impact hazard. 2. There was a hole in the ground along the back fence of the outdoor area which was a potential falls or trip risk. Infection Control: 3. There was no hot water in the sink at the toilet off the activity area/sleep area in the cabin. This is an infection control risk and does not allow for effective hand washing. 4. The toilet off the activity area/sleep area in the cabin was used for the storage of the sand tray. This is a cross contamination and infection control risk. Safe Sleep: 5. The service did not have an adult present at all times with children who were sleeping on daybeds in the converted activity area/sleep area in the cabin which is at variance with best safe sleep guidance - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. The television was removed from the preschool room until it can be secured safely to the wall with an ‘arm’ at a safe height and out of the childrens’ reach. The manager along with the registered provider will ensure the safety of the children and staff by checking daily that all equipment is safe and if required removed from area or mounted properly to the wall to prevent impact hazards. 2. The hole along the fence was repaired over the weekend following the inspection. The registered provider and the manager will check weekly or as required that the outdoor area is safe and secure for children to play in. Infection Control: 3. The registered provider now switches the water heater on for the toilet area each morning on arrival into the cabin. The registered provider will ensure the water heater for the toilet area in the cabin is switched on each morning on arrival . The manager will also check this regularly. 4. The sand tray was removed from toilet area immediately after inspection. The manager will check regularly that is toilet area is free from equipment. Safe Sleep: 5. The registered provider and all the toddler room staff are now aware that a staff member should be present at all times in the sleep room with the day bed occupants. The registered provider will ensure a staff member is present at all times when children are sleeping in day beds. The manager will do regular checks. Summary Comment The Inspectorate have reviewed the registered provider’s response and assurances that have been given to adequately address the non-compliances identified on inspection under Regulation 23. The non-compliances have been addressed and will be for review at the next inspection 10 July 2025 ##### [Tots to Teens](/creche/tots-to-teens-scotstown.md), Scotstown · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - Infection Control: 1. It was observed during one round of nappy changing that the staff member did not change their apron between each nappy change. This is a cross contamination and infection control risk - Corrective & Preventive Action Infection Control: The staff member in question has been verbally reminded regarding the importance of changing aprons in between nappy changes. A full staff meeting took place in September when all staff returned after the summer and the full team reminded of this. It was documented in the minutes for staff to sign. Staff have also been reviewing our policies and procedures for the service and this will continue. Summary Comment The Inspectorate have accepted the registered provider’s response and the non-compliance has been addressed. This will be for review at the next inspection 13 May 2025 ##### [Carrickmacross Childcare Ltd](/creche/carrickmacross-childcare-ltd-carrickmacross.md), Carrickmacross · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for 14 staff members. However, one of 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’. This non-compliance remained outstanding from the services most recent inspection on 29/11/2024, where the registered provider stated that “Garda vetting applications have been made, and Staff Garda vetting and dates were on display in office to help keep track of renewals. Management is aware of new Garda vetting rules.” - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: Garda Vetting application and contact with the liaison company to track the process. Better control over staff files 1 May 2025 ##### [Tiny’s Day Nursery Ltd](/creche/tiny-s-day-nursery-ltd-castleblayney.md), Castleblayney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. A storage unit containing cleaning solutions in the sanitary area located off the Terrific Tigers room was observed to be unlocked. The children were observed to use the sanitary area independently, which poses a potential risk of harm to a child. Infection Control: 2. Children’s soothers were observed inappropriately stored loosely in a basket in the sleep room. In addition, they were not named. This is an infection control and cross contamination risk. 3. The soft child sized seating in the Wonderful Wolves room had spilt at a seam which exposed foam. The surface was not smooth to ensure it could be adequately cleaned, therefore posing an infection control risk. Safe Sleep: 4. One child under the age of 2 years of age was observed sleeping on a daybed instead of in a cot. This is a health and safety risk and at variance with best safe sleep practice - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. A lock has been added to the store cupboard in the Terrrific Tigers sanitary area. All staff (Including cleaning and kitchen staff) have been reminded about how important it is to keep this cupboard locked at all times. Infection Control: 2. New soother boxes were purchased and labelled with all the children’s names. Soothers are only to be stored in the child’s own labelled box. 3. The soft seating with the seam split was removed from the Wonderful Wolves. Staff were reminded that rips in soft furnishings should be reported on daily risk assessments. Safe Sleep: 4. The child in question was returned to a cot for 2 weeks until their 2nd birthday. Staff were reminded that they must wait until the child’s birthday, children cannot sleep on day beds until they turn 2 28 March 2025 ##### [Aghabog Early Years](/creche/aghabog-early-years-smithborough.md), Smithborough · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. There were sharp unprotected corners on the tables in the large hall and on the white and brown shelving units in the care room. These are a potential injury hazard - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: Corner guards have been attached to all corners of units and tables. Extra corner guards have been purchased and if any are removed or fall off the can be replaced immediately 3 March 2025 ##### [Clontibret Preschool Playschool](/creche/clontibret-preschool-playschool-monaghan.md), Monaghan · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for the three staff and one adult on work experience. However, a vetting disclosure for the one adult 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. A small section of the floor covering at the entrance door to the care room was beginning to lift off the floor, therefore posing a trip hazard. Infection Control: 3. The children’s snack items taken in from home were observed to contain perishable items such as yogurts, cheese and meat. 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. 4. A table covering on a table used by the children was worn in areas, therefore it could not be adequately cleaned, posing an infection control risk - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. Garda Vetting has been received. All garda vetting are being updated at the moment to ensure the timeline is the same for everyone. 2. The small section of floor covering has been replaced. Minor imperfections on floor coverings will be fixed immediately. Infection Control: 3. Children's lunches are now kept in the fridge at the recommended storage of 5 degrees C or below. Staff have all been informed all perishable lunches must be in the fridge and a laminated notice is on the fridge door. 4. Table covering has been replaced. Table coverings will be replaced as soon as a tear appears 3 March 2025 ##### [Rockcorry Community Preschool](/creche/rockcorry-community-preschool-rockcorry.md), Rockcorry · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. A laptop lead was on a low-level shelf and accessible to the children this is a potential injury hazard. 2. There were several unprotected sharp corners on low-level storage units, worktop and tables. These are a potential injury risk. 3. There was an electric heater free standing on the small fridge, accessible to the children. This was a potential impact hazard. Infection Control: The following infection control and cross contamination risks were identified on inspection: 4. There was no hot water in either of the taps in the sanitary accommodations. This does not allow for effective hand washing. 5. The nappy changing mat was inappropriately stored between the side of the worktop and a shelving unit in the main care room. 6. The pedal operated bin for soiled nappies did not have a bin liner in it - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. The laptop was removed from the room on the same day. Staff were informed that leads have to be secured when they use a laptop or similar device again. 2. All sharp corners on tables and shelves were covered with corner protectors the following day. Checking all units for corner protectors has been added to the daily risk assessment checklist. 3. The heater has been secured with fastening tape. Checking to ensure devices are securely attached has been added to the risk assessment. Infection Control: 4. The hot water problem has been rectified, the hot water boiler has been fixed, and all taps have hot water again. The registered provider has spoken to the school and a plumber was called immediately to fix the problem. 5. The nappy changing mat has been moved to a new place. It is now stored in the bathroom. Staff are to keep the nappy changing mat in the new bathroom location. 6. Bin liners have been added to the bins immediately. Putting bin liners into the bins has been added to the daily checklist for the preschool room 30 January 2025 ##### [Corcaghan Community Preschool Service by Guarantee](/creche/corcaghan-community-preschool-service-by-guarantee-corcaghan.md), Corcaghan · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. One of the three radiators in the preschool room had a temperature reading that exceeded 50°C. It is acknowledged that when the inspector brought this to the attention of the manager the radiator was immediately turned off. Temperatures exceeding 50°C pose a risk of burn to a child. Infection Control: 2. Following nappy changing procedures, staff were observed to leave the nappy changing area, wearing apron and or gloves, and walk through the care room to the fire exit door to dispose of soiled nappy bags in the external bin. This procedure increases the risk of cross contamination. Administration of Medication: 3. Medication records reviewed on the day of inspection had been pre populated with a parental signature where medication had not yet been administered. This practise does not ensure that correct daily records are maintained along with appropriate communication with parents on a daily basis following administration of medication. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: The radiator was turned off right away and was put back on after a while and the temperature was changed on it. We are getting a tradesman to come out to service and check all radiators and show the staff how to change the settings. A risk assessment form to be carried out daily by staff to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Infection Control: There is now a bin in the sanitary area used for nappy changing. The service has updated this practice in the nappy changing policy. Management spoke to staff about cross contamination and the updated policy was reviewed. Administration of Medication: Service manager spoke with the child’s parent advising that medication records can only be signed on the day. Management spoke with staff advising that the medication book must be filled in with all information and signed by parents on the day as per the services medication policy 30 January 2025 ##### [St. Oliver Plunkett’s Community Preschool](/creche/st-oliver-plunkett-s-community-preschool-castleblayney.md), Castleblayney · 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 as outlined below: General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was reviewed for all staff members and 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’. 2. There were unprotected sharp corners on a number of shelving units in both rooms which included the white shelving, red topped shelving and brown units. This is a recurrent non-compliance and potential injury risk. 3. The CD player in the Junior room was unsecured and had a trailing electrical wire. This was accessible to the children and a health and safety risk. 4. There were keys in the doors of the staff room, cupboard storing the cleaning equipment and in the emergency fire exit door in the Junior Preschool Room. These were accessible to the preschool children and a health and safety risk. Infection Control: 5. There was no hot water in the children’s sanitary accommodation in the Senior Room or in the staff toilet. The children from this room were observed to wash their hands with the cold water. This is an infection control risk - Corrective & Preventive Action: General Safety: 1. The staff members Garda Vetting had been sought prior to commencement of employment and prior to inspection date and came through in a few days after inspection. The staff member had been employed previously in the service and we were using the previous Garda Vetting, however this was over 3 years old. All staff documents obtained will be updated as per Staff File check list. 2. Corner Protectors have been fitted to the relevant shelving. ‘Furniture Safe with no Sharp Edges’ added to Daily Risk Checklist. 3. The CD player has been removed from the area and stored safely away from the children. No trailing cables or wires’ added to the daily check list. 4. The keys are now hung on relevant hooks and the emergency door lock ahs been replaced with a ‘thumb lock’ in lieu of key. This requirement has now been added to the Daily Risk Checklist. Infection Control: 5. The plumber was contacted immediately after the inspection and rectified that evening. This issue has been added to the Daily Risk Checklist 15 January 2025 ##### [Daisy Chain Childcare](/creche/daisy-chain-childcare-carrickmacross.md), Carrickmacross · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for 15 staff members. However, six 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’. 2. A cord from the sleep room temperature recording device was sellotaped to the wall. There was a cot used by children placed against this wall, therefore the cord was accessible to the children using this cot. This poses a risk of injury to a child. 3. Two cleaning materials were placed within an under-sink cupboard in the Baby Room which was unlocked. This poses a risk of harm to a child. Infection Control: 4. The bins provided within the Toddler nappy changing area had broken pedals, requiring the bin lid to be handled each time a nappy needed disposed. This poses a risk of cross contamination. Fire Safety: 5. Fire drills were not carried out on a monthly basis, as per the recommended guidance for fire safety in premises used by preschool services - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. Garda Vetting updated for six staff members. Regular checks of staff files, keep list updated of dates of Garda Vetting. 2. Sleep room temperature recording device replaced and cord removed. Ensure wire free temperature recording devices are used. 3. Cleaning materials were removed from the under-sink cupboards and placed out of children’s reach in the Nappy Change room. Infection Control: 4. Bins in Nappy Change areas replaced and labelled. Regular checks in bins to ensure hygiene levels are maintained. Fire Safety: 5. Fire drills carried out monthly. Keep record of dates of drills and make sure they are carried out monthly 10 December 2024 ##### [Edenbeag Childcare Centre](/creche/edenbeag-childcare-centre-emyvale.md), Emyvale · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - The registered provider did not ensure that all reasonable measures were taken to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of a preschool child in relation to the following: General Safety: 1. On arrival to the premises the inspectors were able to walk directly into the service as the front door was unlocked. 2. In the outdoor area off the Baby Room the large green rocker was broken and had a sharp serrated edge exposed. This is a potential hazard. Infection Control: The following cross infection risks were observed during the inspection: 3. A number of toys were stored in the nappy changing area off the Baby Room e.g. a dolls highchair and a wooden cleaning play set - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. The door was repaired by a tradesperson during the inspection visit . The registered will ensure that any works carried out by a tradesperson are completed and left secure for business purposes, by conducting visual checks and a ‘walk around’ the property with the tradesperson upon completion of work . This will be reiterated during the next staff meeting due to held mid-late February. 2. The large green locker was removed. Staff have been informed to remove all broken toys in the outdoor risk assessment and to inform management if replacements are needed in order to ensure adequate resources. This communication will be reiterated during the next staff meeting to be held mid-late February. Infection Control: Items were removed from the changing area and thoroughly cleaned before being stored in the storeroom or re-entering circulation into the rooms. 3. Staff were informed that toys or play equipment were not to be stored in the toilet or nappy changing area ad it presents an infection control risk. This communication will be reiterated during the next staff meeting to be held mid-late February 22 November 2024 ##### [Bright Sparks](/creche/bright-sparks-carrickmacross.md), Carrickmacross · 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. Garda vetting was reviewed for the 7 staff members and 2 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. The nappy changing mat in the sanitary accommodation was torn and foam exposed. This is an infection control and cross contamination risk. 3. The nappy bin in the sanitary accommodation was not adequate as it was a hand operated nappy bin and therefore an infection control risk. A lidded, lined pedal operation bin is required. 4. The corners of the small triangular seat in the care were in disrepair and did not allow for effective cleaning - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. The 2 staff members have their renewed vetting This will be checked on a regular basis to ensure that all Garda vetting are within the 3 years’ time frame. Infection Control: 2. The nappy changing mat was replaced straight after the inspection. The mat will be inspected regularly and any tear, it will be replaced. 3. The nappy bin was replaced immediately with a pedal bin. To ensure that all regulations are kept up to date in regard to the health and safety of the children and staff. 4. The triangular seat was removed and then taped with strong tape to patch up the holes and if they reoccur, it will be removed immediately and replaced 18 November 2024 ##### [Clones Community Childcare](/creche/clones-community-childcare-clones.md), Clones · 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. The service record for the firefighting equipment and smoke alarm system was dated outside the yearly service recommendation - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: The registered provider has taken immediate action to address this non-compliance. A full fire service was conducted on the building on 02/12/2024 by a fire protection service company and a further full fire check will be carried out again in March 2025. A full fire service will be carried out quarterly in compliance with the regulations, along with the current monthly fire drills in the building 5 November 2024 ##### [Threemilehouse Community Playgroup CLG](/creche/threemilehouse-community-playgroup-clg-threemilehouse.md), Threemilehouse · 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. There were unprotected sharp corners on the white shelving units, and these were a potential impact and injury hazard. Infection Control: 2. The pedal operated bin in the bathroom was not working and therefore the lid had to be lifted by hand to open the bin. This is a cross contamination and infection control risk - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: The registered provider purchased corner protectors for the shelving units and put them in place. The registered provider will risk assess any new furniture items in future and put on corner protectors if furniture is not rounded. Infection Control: The registered provider purchased a new pedal bin for the bathroom. The bin will be checked every day 29 October 2024 ##### [Farney Community Crèche](/creche/farney-community-creche-carrickmacross.md), Carrickmacross · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - Infection Control: 1. In the Caterpillar and Butterfly nappy changing areas, a microfibre cloth was observed to be used to wipe down the nappy changing mat after each use. The staff advised it is changed after each set of nappy changing times. This is a risk of cross contamination and infection. Safe Sleep: 2. In the Butterfly room a sleep log was maintained digitally. The staff advised the inspector that each child is checked every 10 minutes stating they check the sleeping child’s colour, breathing and position along with the room temperature. The digital records available on the day of inspection did not demonstrate a consistent 10-minute check on each sleeping child. This practise is not in line with the services safe sleep policy. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - Infection Control: 1. Disposable cloths are now used in the changing area. Staff have been advised to use only disposable cloths for washing down the changing mat. A new disposable cloth must be used for each new nappy change. Safe Sleep: 2. Staff ensure that after each sleep check they document all details immediately on the app. The room leader ensures this occurs and the manager checks this is being carried out correctly. The staff have been shown again how to correctly document sleep check times on the app, should this become an issue in the future we will revert back to paper documentation of sleep checks which will ensure all information is documented in accurately 23 October 2024 ##### [Scotshouse Community Childcare](/creche/scotshouse-community-childcare-clones.md), Clones · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - The registered provider did not ensure that all reasonable measure were ensured to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the children attending the service in relation to the following examples: General Safety: 1. There were unprotected sharp corners on the desk at the door, the black table and one of the brown shelves. These were a potential injury hazard. 2. The electrical lead of the wall mounted television was hanging and unsecured and accessible to the preschool children. This is a health and safety risk. Infection Control: 3. It was observed by the inspectors that the children did not wash their hands before eating their lunches. This is an infection control risk. 4. Although nappy changing was not observed on the day there were no aprons available for staff to wear during nappy changing. This was confirmed by the person in charge. This was also at variance to the nappy changing policy of the service which stated aprons were to be worn. 5. The nappy changing mat was stored incorrectly in the care room behind the doll’s house. This was a cross contamination and infection control risk. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. Protected covers were put on all sharp corners referenced in the report. A discussion was had with the staff team around health and safety. The team discussed our reasonability in ensuring that the environment is a safe place for the children attending our service. Going forward staff will be more vigilant for potential injury hazards. 2. A hook was attached to the wall, up beside the television. It leaves easy access to hang the lead on and keeps it out of reach from the children. Following on from our group discussion, staff will take extra care to spot potential injury hazards and correct them straight away. Infection Control: 3. The service took “Rufus” out again. Hand washing was incorporated into our weekly planning to refresh the children and the staff on the importance of hand washing before eating. During a staff discussion, there was a discussion on staff role as the adult to encourage, support and ensure that everyone washes their hands throughout the day; before eating, after using the bathroom, after nappy changing. 4. Aprons were ordered and made available to staff when changing nappies. All staff read the nappy changing policy to refresh their knowledge on best practice and procedure when changing nappies. 5. The nappy changing mat is now stored in the bathroom, fitting securely behind the old towel rail mounted on the wall. Management have a better understanding of the risks occurred with cross contamination and going forward, will ensure that all reasonable measures are followed to reduce the risk of infection 17 October 2024 ##### [Wee Drummers Preschool](/creche/wee-drummers-preschool-drum.md), Drum · 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 the downstairs care room, the radiator surface temperature was recorded at 60 o C. This exceeds the safe surface temperature of 50 o C and is a potential burns risk. A safety Immediate Action Notice was issued to the registered provider following inspection on the 18/10/2024. 2. The cupboard under the sink in the downstairs care room was unlocked and contained a basket with rolls of plastic bags and a broken light bulb. This is a safety risk. 3. In the upstairs care room, there were sharp unprotected corners on the brown shelving units and on the small tables which are a potential injury risk. 4. In the upstairs room there was a free standing unsecured tall bubble lamp which was accessible to the children and a potential impact hazard. 5. Upstairs the doors to the kitchen and office areas were jarred open and these areas were accessible to the preschool children as they were off the care room and directly beside the children’s sanitary accommodation. These are a health and safety risk. Infection Control: 6. The staff sanitary accommodation downstairs was used for the storage of the service mops, bucket and cleaning equipment. There was also a box of Halloween decorations in this area. This is a cross- contamination risk - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. Following the issue of an Immediate Action notice, a surface temperature device was purchased and all radiators within the service set to a temperature of 18 degrees with a surface temperature of 48 degrees. This surface temperature device is now used on a daily basis. A daily record is documented and displayed in each room. 2. The cupboard downstairs was cleaned and the plastic bags were removed and put into a box with other cleaning products which were placed on high shelf. The broken light was removed and disposed of. Child locks were put onto the cupboard doors. 3. Soft padding was placed on all the brown shelving and small table units in the upstairs preschool room. All padding has been attached securely to the furniture. 4. In the upstairs room the sensory lamp was removed straight away and put into storage, until a secure fitting is purchased and fitted. Going forward a secure fitting will be purchased and fitted to the wall and lamps to prevent any hazards. 5. The kitchen and office doors are now closed and not accessible to the children. A reminder sign is now in place stating doors to be closed at all times. Infection Control: 6. The mop and bucket, all cleaning products and a box of Halloween decorations were removed form the staff sanitary room. Staff have been informed that room is not to be used for storage and will be monitored by the service manager 23 September 2024 ##### [Knockatallon Community Childcare](/creche/knockatallon-community-childcare-scotstown.md), Scotstown · 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 all staff members and one disclosure 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. In the Preschool Room there were unprotected sharp corners on the brown and white shelving units and the white shelving unit outside, these are an injury hazard. 3. The wooden microwave in the kitchen area in the Preschool Room was unsecured and a potential impact hazard. 4. In the Pre-Preschool Room, on two occasions children were observed to use the toilets which were located outside the care room in the corridor while both staff remained in the care room. The door between the hallway and the care room closed and had a magnetic coded lock which children could not use. One child required the assistance of the inspector to return to the care room. In addition, this corridor contained the external door to the outdoor area which was observed to be unlocked on both these occasions and a child had potential access to the outdoor area unsupervised and unknown to the staff in the care room. These are safety risks. Infection Control: 5. In the Pre-Preschool Room, a staff member was observed to assist a child to wash their hands after getting their nappy changed while wearing the same gloves and apron they used to change the nappy. The staff member also helped a child who was using a soap dispenser while washing their hands after toileting still wearing the same gloves and apron. This is a cross contamination and infection control risk and is also at variance with the service Nappy Changing Policy - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. Garda vetting has been applied before and obtained. The manger has ensured that Garda vetting has been completed within the 3 years renewal time frame for all members of the staff team. The manager and the board of directors will work together to effectively manage staff files to ensure that Garda vetting is completed and processed in time before the yearly renewal date. All staff files have been checked and the renewal dates for Garda vetting has been recorded to prevent this happening in the future, this is also in line with the updated recruitment policy. 2. The corners on the brown units have been fitted with corner cushions. The white unit in the preschool room has been removed. The white unit outside has been removed. The registered provider has updated the risk assessment policy in order to help eliminate health and safety hazards within the setting. 3. The wooden microwave has been removed from the preschool room. The registered provider has updated the risk assessment policy in order to help eliminate health and safety hazards within the setting. 4. A magnetic lock has been fitted to the external door. The magnetic lock has been disabled on the internal door so that the children can now push open and pull open the door with assistance of a staff member. A member of staff will stand between the fire door and toilet door and discreetly observe the children in order to ensure that they are supervised at all times. At the inspection feedback staff meeting on the 08/10/2024 there was a discussion on staff Supervision. Areas of concern were discussed such as staff roles and responsibilities when it comes to effective supervision of the children in their care, other items discussed included decisions that affect the care and safety of children such as regular, uninterrupted supervision. The registered provider and the staff also discussed this matter at a team meeting in the Pre Pre room so to ensure that this change in practice has taken place. The current toileting policy has been updated to address this issue of guaranteeing the supervision and safety of the children in the care of the service. A risk assessment on the fire door in the Pre Pre room was completed after the magnetic lock was disabled. 5. The current nappy changing policy has been updated to highlight that staff must remove their gloves and apron before washing the children’s hands. The updated nappy changing policy was discussed at the at the inspection feedback staff meeting on the 08/10/2024. All staff are now aware of the proper procedure that should take place when changing nappies in relation to the discarding of gloves and aprons immediately after the child’s nappy has been changed before they assist with the child’s hand washing 11 June 2024 ##### [Newbliss Childcare Services](/creche/newbliss-childcare-services-newbliss.md), Newbliss · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - Safe Sleep: 1. A non-cellular blanket was observed in use for 1 child under the age of 1 years in the sleep room off the Little Buds Room. This is a safe sleep risk. In addition, 1 sleeping child aged 1 year was observed to have their blanket up over their head. It is acknowledged that this was promptly removed when brought to the staff members attention. 2. Room temperatures were being inaccurately recorded in the Little Seedlings Room when it was converted into a sleep room. When carrying out sleep checks, the staff member was observed to record the room temperature of the adjoining sleep room on the sleep log rather than the temperature of the converted care/sleep room. This was recorded consistently at 18.8 o C even though there was no thermometer in the room to accurately record the room temperature. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - Safe Sleep: 1. New cellular blankets have been purchased and it has been explained to the staff that these cellular blankets have to be used by children under the age of one years of age. The sleep policy has been updated regarding blankets for use on babies under one years. 2. The staff were given the sleep policy to read and sign. They were made aware of where the thermometer is in the sleep room and also the toddler room to record accurate room temperatures. The registered provider will keep the staff updated with the safe sleep policy and compliance checks so that the staff keep inputting the regulations into their work with the children 5 June 2024 ##### [Riverbank Community Childcare CLG](/creche/riverbank-community-childcare-clg-emyvale.md), Emyvale · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. While it is acknowledged that Garda vetting was available for 7 staff members, 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. There were sharp corners on the on white units in Preschool Rooms 1 and 2. In Preschool Room 1 the following health and safety risks were identified: 3. The cupboard lock under the sink was broken and the cupboard contained cleaning sprays and detergent which were potentially accessible to the children. In addition, one bottle of cleaning spray was stored on the sink area and accessible to the preschool children. 4. A plate of fruit for the afternoon snack was sitting on the sink area with a kitchen knife to cut the fruit up also on the plate. This was accessible to the preschool children. 5. A speaker and charging lead were unsecured at a low level accessible to the children and a potential impact and injury hazard. 6. The phone in the room was at a low level with the handset cord accessible to the children which posed a potential impact and injury hazard. Infection Control: 7. The service did not have guidance for staff on the correct procedure for cleaning and sterilising soothers. The current procedure did not include washing the soothers in detergent first prior to sterilisation which is best practice - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. All staff have current garda vetting dated within the last three years and documented on staff file. Date of expiration of Garda vetting has been added to staff file. 2. Management to communicate the health and safety issues regarding furniture with sharp corners and staff to act immediately if furniture pieces need to be updated. Management and room leaders to check all furniture daily and replace corner pieces when necessary 3. The cupboard was immediately fitted with a secure lock and a shelf was introduced for staff to have easy access to cleaning sprays in a safe procedure. All room leaders to report any missing lock to be replaced to management immediately. Sprays to be locked in cupboard or on a high shelf away from children’s reach. 4. All foods including fruit to be prepared in the kitchen area only. All food to be prepared in the kitchen area only. 5. All devices including the speaker to be charged out of reach for children in the evening time when children are not in the building. All devices to be charged in the store are. 6. The telephone line has been extended to run along the wall area in a secure manner. Staff to be made aware of the hazards leads accessible to children. Infection Control: 7. A clear policy outlining the correct procedure on sterilising soothers has been implemented. All staff have been updated with the new policy outlining the correct sterilising procedures for soothers in the service 12 April 2024 ##### [Iontas Childcare](/creche/iontas-childcare-castleblayney.md), Castleblayney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety, and welfare of child - General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for 4 additional 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. In the Woddler Room, Toddler Room and Senior Preschool Room there were sharp unprotected corners on the low-level white shelving units and on the toy kitchen unit and bookshelf in the Senior Room. 3. In the Junior Pre-school Room, the hard plastic low level window ledge was broken with sharp edges exposed which is a potential injury risk. Infection Control: 4. In the Toddler Room one of the foam sleep mats which were used for sleeping children was torn with foam exposed and this does not allow for effective cleaning. 5. In the Toddler Room the children’s hands were not always washed after nappy changing. 6. In the nappy changing area of the Baby/ Woddler Room the bin was broken. The pedal operating system was not working, and lid fell off when touched by the inspector. Safe Sleep: 7. The sleep logs reviewed in the Toddler, Baby / Woddler and Junior Preschool Rooms were completed using the word “ok” for position, colour and breathing which is inadequate - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. Garda vetting has been applied for the 4 staff members. A new employees record file has been created detailing all core training and vetting dates for renewal. All vetting will be obtained prior to the 3- year expiry date. 2. Protective corners have been installed on the low-level white shelving units in the Woddler, Toddler room and Senior Preschool shelving and on the bookshelf in the Senior Preschool. An external supplier has been contacted about the toy kitchen unit in the Senior Preschool to which they replied that it complies with all toy safety standards for that age. Daily safety risk assessments of the furniture and equipment are undertaken daily, and any defects are reported to the manager by the room leader. 3. A new window ledge has been installed in the Toddler Room. Daily safety risk assessments of the furniture and equipment are undertaken daily, and any defects are reported to the manager by the room leader. Infection Control: 4. The torn foam mat has been removed. It was not in use in the room so did not need to be replaced. Daily safety risk assessments of the furniture and equipment are undertaken daily, and any defects are reported to the manager by the room leader. 5. A room meeting was held on the 16th April 2024 and the handwashing procedure was discussed. The room leader is responsible for ensuring all staff wash children’s hands following nappy changing. 6. A new nappy bin was purchased for the Baby/Waddler Room. Daily safety assessments of the furniture and equipment are undertaken daily, and defects are reported to the manager by the room leader. Safe Sleep: 7. A new sleep sheet has been drafted with the use of keys for position, colour, breathing etc. The sleep sheets will be checked regularly and signed off by the manager 4 April 2024 ##### [Inis Óg Childcare Ltd](/creche/inis-og-childcare-ltd-inniskeen.md), Inniskeen · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - The Inspectorate is not assured that adequate steps have been taken to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the pre-school children attending the service based on the following observations made during the inspection: General Safety: 1. Garda vetting was available for 38 staff members including the registered provider and 1 student. However, 14 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’. 2. In the construction section of the outdoor play area, a number of areas had ‘underlay’ exposed which is a potential trip hazard. 3. The nappy changing unit in Toddler Room 2 was not suitable for use as it stated it was only suitable for children up to 12 months. This is a safety hazard. Infection Control: 4. The nappy changing mat observed in use in Toddler Room 1 was unsuitable for use as it was cracked and torn and had foam exposed. This does not allow for effective cleaning practices and is therefore an infection control risk - Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: 1. Updated renewals of Garda Vetting have been carried out on the 14 staff members who had just recently expired. Management now has a new file system in place to keep track of all Garda Vetting to ensure they are renewed every 3 years. 2. New underlay has been laid and made secure. All trip hazards have been resolved. Staff have been reminded of the importance of carrying out their outdoor risk assessments and report any potential risks immediately to management at the May staff meeting. 3. A new nappy changing unit has been ordered for the Toddler 2 room that meets the age requirement within that room. All new equipment will be checked to ensure they comply with the regulations and meet the requirements of the age that is within the room. Infection Control: 4. The changing mat has been replaced. Staff have been reminded of the importance of carrying out their sanitary risk assessments and report any issues to management at the May staff meeting. Ge 27 March 2024 ##### [Fingers & Toes Community Childcare & Education Centre](/creche/fingers-toes-community-childcare-education-centre-castleblayney.md), Castleblayney · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child - The registered provider did not ensure that all reasonable measures were taken to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of a preschool child in relation to the following: General Safety: 1. In the Baby Room, one child was observed to be placed in an automated swing and given their bottle to self-feed. This is a health and safety risk. Infection Control: The following cross contamination and infection control risks were observed: 2. The children’s hands were not always washed after nappy changing in the Baby Room. 3. The lid of the nappy changing bin in the Baby Room was broken and staff were observed having to lift the lid. Additionally, the nappy disposal bin observed in use in the Toddler Room was overflowing with a used apron sticking out. Staff were also observed to use their hands to push waste items into the bin. 4. The staff in the Toddler Room reported that soothers are placed together on a tray and placed in the dishwasher for sterilising. This is not a suitable method of cleaning or sterilising soothers. This is also at variance with the service soother policy. Safe Sleep: 5. Sleep Room temperatures were not being recorded at every 10 minutes sleep check instead were being checked 3 times a day. Action submitted by the Registered Provider - General Safety: 1. Staff have been reminded of the safe sleep policy and staff will not give a baby their bottle to feed themselves in the swing again. Sign placed where the swing is so all staff are aware and adhere to his policy. Infection Control: 2. Staff are aware and they must and will wash all the baby’s hands after nappy changing. 3. Bins have been replaced and staff will empty the bins regularly throughout the day. The caretaker will empty the bins each evening. 4. All soothers will be washed in hot soapy water and steeped in water and disinfectant in the evenings for 30mins and then placed in individual containers throughout the day. New soother policy has been updated. 5. Staff have now been made aware to check and record sleep room temperature on the app every 10 mins when doing the sleep checks on the babies. A staff meeting was held and all the issues above were discussed with the staff. If these policies and practices are not adhered to, action will be taken by management ### Regulation 23 in other counties - [Carlow](/regulation/23/carlow.md) - [Cavan](/regulation/23/cavan.md) - [Clare](/regulation/23/clare.md) - [Cork](/regulation/23/cork.md) - [Donegal](/regulation/23/donegal.md) - [Dublin](/regulation/23/dublin.md) - [Galway](/regulation/23/galway.md) - [Kerry](/regulation/23/kerry.md) - [Kildare](/regulation/23/kildare.md) - [Kilkenny](/regulation/23/kilkenny.md) - [Laois](/regulation/23/laois.md) - [Leitrim](/regulation/23/leitrim.md) - [Limerick](/regulation/23/limerick.md) - [Longford](/regulation/23/longford.md) - [Louth](/regulation/23/louth.md) - [Mayo](/regulation/23/mayo.md) - [Meath](/regulation/23/meath.md) - [Offaly](/regulation/23/offaly.md) - [Roscommon](/regulation/23/roscommon.md) - [Sligo](/regulation/23/sligo.md) - [Tipperary](/regulation/23/tipperary.md) - [Waterford](/regulation/23/waterford.md) - [Westmeath](/regulation/23/westmeath.md) - [Wexford](/regulation/23/wexford.md) - [Wicklow](/regulation/23/wicklow.md) --- Página: https://creche-inspection-reports.pages.dev/regulation/23/monaghan/ Fonte: Tusla Early Years Inspectorate Recolha: 2026-09-11