Creche Inspection Reports

Regulation 23 in Waterford

Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of Child: 35 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.

29 June 2026

Tir na Nóg, Carrick-On-Suir · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

Infection control: 1. Three children in the Baby and Toddler room were observed to have their hands cleaned with baby wipes after outdoor play and before snack time. This practice of using baby wipes to clean hands was also observed during two nappy changing procedures. On discussion with a staff member, the inspector was informed that baby wipes are used to clean the younger children’s hands. This posed a risk of inadequate hand washing. 2. On the day of inspection, the staff toilet was observed to be used as a storage area and contained a child’s sensory light, toys and other boxed items. This posed an infection control risk. Safe sleep: 3. The air temperature of the Baby and Toddler room which was used for sleep was recorded at 23.5°C while two children aged between 1 and 2.5 years were sleeping. This exceeds the recommended temperature range of 18°C to 22°C for children of this age. It is acknowledged that staff had opened the windows and turned on a fan, but temperatures were unable to be reduced to below 23.5°C. Action submitted by the Registered Provider The following response was received from the registered provider:

Provider's corrective action:

Infection control: 1. Staff were advised to use soap and water. A reminder was sent to all staff and hand-washing observations will be carried out to ensure the correct procedure is being followed. 2. The toilet area is now cleared. This area will not be used for storage in the future. Safe sleep: 3. Windows are opened all day, and additional fans have been provided to maintain the temperature below 22°C. The service plans to send children home if the sleep room temperatures cannot be maintained below 22°C

19 June 2026

Passage East Childcare Initiative, Passage East · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: 1. See Statutory Notice section in relation to Statutory Notice IAN3281 served. 2. The registered provider had failed to take adequate risk assessment and mitigation measures to manage the ongoing construction in the service. Contrary to the service policy on risk management there was no risk assessment in place to manage the hazards that might arise during construction. Infection Control: 3. A low-level bed, sheet and blanket observed in use by a child were stored in the staff sanitary accommodation, posing a risk of cross infection. Outing: 4. The service did not adhere to its outings policy and failed to implement adequate risk management in the planning and implementation of outings as detailed in the following examples: • The policy required that risk assessments took place in advance of outings. The inspector found that on an outing in June 2026 during which an incident took place, no risk assessment had been carried out in advance. It is acknowledged that a completed risk assessment was provided to Tusla in the aftermath of the incident which took place during this outing. • The policy states, in relation to recording an incident of a missing child, that ‘on return the occurrence is recorded as an incident on the incident form’. The incident occurred 16 June, the incident record form was dated 17 June, and the parent signed the form on 18 June. The parent was also not informed in a timely manner on the day of the incident by phone. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: 2. Gate to grass area has been locked at all times and only opened if a child is being collected or needs to use the toilets, child is accompanied by a staff member. Whether we have builders or not the outside area will be always supervised and access to grass are gate will be locked while children are playing. This also applies to main gate when children are outside playing. Infection Control: 3. The stackable bed and bed sheet and blanket have now been removed from the staff sanitary accommodation and stored in the main room while building is continuing. The stackable bed, blanket and bed sheet will remain in the ECCE room until building is complete and will then be stored with the other ones in a press. Outing: 4. The incident and the delay in reporting it to the parents and delay in writing the incident report has been discussed with all staff. New policy for walks around the area and to the hurling club/ball ally has been implemented and will be followed. A copy of the policy to all staff to study, accept and sign stating they read and understand it

17 June 2026

Kiddies Kingdom, Kilmeaden · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: 1. Children in Starfish room were observed to use the toilet adjacent to an unlocked external door to the carpark. While it is acknowledged these children were supervised, the exit to the carpark was unsecured which posed a risk of a child leaving the building. 2. A review of 12 accident and incident records took place. Eleven of these records did not demonstrate that parents had been told about the incidents. 3. The flooring in the kitchenette area of the Dragonfly room was lifting creating a trip hazard. 4. There was a trailing cable within reach from a cot in the Caterpillar room where children under 2 years slept. This posed a risk of strangulation to a child. 5. There was an unfinished countertop edge in the Rocking Racoons room at a low level which had sharp edges. Based on the age and height of the children in the room, the countertop edge posed a risk of injury to a child. 6. The nappy changing table in the Jellyfish sanitary area was not suitable for the age of the children. According to the manufacturer guidance, the changing table was for the use with children up to 12 months. The children in the Jellyfish room were aged between 2.5 to 3 years. This posed an increased risk of a fall or an injury to a child. 7. The registered provider did not ensure that monitoring actions were in place following the previous inspection in February 2026 regarding pinch risks. Pinch risks were identified in a child safety lock in the Rocky Racoon room, an unsecured radiator cover in the Penguins room and the platform of a climbing frame in the garden. 8. The position of a cot in the sleep room between the Ladybirds and Cubs room posed an increased risk of children bumping their heads. The cot was located under a shelving unit. During both days of the inspection, children were observed to stand up in the cot at the same height as a section of the shelving unit. 9. A repair had been made to the cot in the Caterpillar room by affixing a piece of rigid plastic to the top bar. This hard plastic posed a risk of injury to a child. Infection Control: 10. The way in which beds were stored created a risk of the spread if infection. Throughout the two days, low level beds were observed to be stacked with the children’s individual bed sheets intact. This was observed before and after sleep in the Penguins, Messy Monkeys, Rocking Racoons and Jellyfish rooms. 11. Beds were stored in the sanitary area in the Messy Monkeys room. This posed an increased risk of cross contamination. 12. Hand washing and drying practices observed were inconsistent with the service’s infection control policy. These practices posed an increased risk of the spread of infection. The following was noted: • Handwashing following nappy changes and children’s toileting in the Messy Monkeys and Jellyfish rooms was carried out in the care room, despite a sink being present in the sanitary area. • Staff members used baby wipes to clean children’s hands and faces following dinnertime in the Penguins room on day 1. • A communal hand towel was in use in the Messy Monkeys room. 13. The toilet roll was stored on top of the toilet roll holder in the toilet in the Penguins room. Toilet roll which has been handled poses an increased risk of the spread of germs. 14. The procedures for drying of bed linen in the Rocking Racoons and Ladybird/Cubs rooms were unsuitable. On day 1, the 11 cots in the sleep room between the Ladybird and the Cubs room had bed linen drying on them. On day 1, in the Rocking Racoons room there was two clothes airers with bed linen in the care room and the sleep room. Due to increased moisture, this practice posed a risk of mould growth and respiratory illness. 15. The extractor fan in the sanitary area of the Dragonfly room was dusty with gathered lint and cobwebs. 16. Sweeping brushes were stored within the Penguins sanitary area. The storage of items in a sanitary area poses an increased risk of the spread of infection. Administration of Medication: 17. The administration of medication records did not include the required signatures. The inspector reviewed nine forms, of which only two included the parental signature to evidence that they had been informed that their child had received medication during the day. This procedure is required by the service’s medication policy Safe Sleep: 18. See Statutory Notice section in relation to Improvement Notice IAN3301 served. 19. See Statutory Notice section in relation to Improvement Notice IAN3303 served. 20. The procedures, as set out in the service’s safe sleep policy, were inconsistently carried out. During the two days of inspection, the sleep practices observed across the seven care rooms which catered for children aged 0-3 years posed a safety risk. The following was noted: a. The safe sleep policy stated sleep records were maintained, which included the recording of the temperature in the room. It outlined that a thermometer was in place to ensure that the appropriate room temperature was maintained while children slept. However, thermometers were fixed on a wall/ cabinet over sleeping children and could not be accessed by staff members or the early years inspector. On day 1, the thermometers in the Cubs/ Ladybird room cot room, Messy Monkeys cot room and Rocky Racoons care room were inaccessible. On day 1, the temperatures of the above sleep rooms exceed the recommended 18-22°c for children over 1 year as follows: • The room temperature was 23.2°c in the Ladybird/Cubs sleep room at 12.24pm while 12 children aged 1-2 years slept. • At 12.37pm, the sleep room temperature in the Messy Monkeys sleep room was 24.8°c while 6 children aged 2-3 years slept. • In the Rocky Racoons care room, the room temperature was 24°c at 12.59pm while 12 children aged 2-3 years slept. b. In discussion with staff members supervising sleep in Butterfly and Penguins cot rooms, they advised that the room was 18°c. However, the thermometer, which was accessible, was displaying temperature which exceeded the recommended sleep room temperature of 18-22°c for children over 1 year. • On day 1, at 12.05pm the temperature in the Penguins cot room was 22.9°c while four children age 2 to 3 years slept. • At 12.29pm on day 2, the temperature in the Butterfly cot room was 24.8°c while five children aged 1 to 2 years slept. It is acknowledged that the sleep room temperatures were maintained within the required range on day 2. 21. On day 1, in the Ladybird room, the staff member responsible for sleep checks did not enter the room where a child aged 1 years slept. They recorded that the room temperature was 18°c while the actual temperature of the room was 23.4°c. This was not in line with the service safe sleep policy which stated that staff members physically enter the sleep room or the Tusla guidance for the Early Learning and Care sector on sleep provision for children under 24 months. Fire Safety: Reasonable measures were not taken by the registered provider regarding fire safety within the service. The following was observed: 22. See Statutory Notice section in relation to Improvement Notice IAN3302 served. 23. See Statutory Notice section in relation to Improvement Notice IAN3304 served. 24. See Statutory Notice section in relation to Improvement Notice IAN3306 served. 25. The sleep room between the Ladybirds and Cubs rooms was overcrowded and posed an increased risk of a delayed response in the event of an emergency evacuation. In total, there was 13 cots in the sleep room for children aged 1.5 to 2 years. These cots were side-by-side with no space in between for staff members to easily access the children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: The registered provider stated that: 1. There is an external magnetic locked gate outside this exit preventing children from access in the car park in addition to ongoing supervision of children using the toilet. 2. A new online application is being installed which has a safeguard system to ensure parents have the capacity to sign these forms remotely 3. The flooring in the Dragonfly room has been removed. 4. The trailing flex has been secured, and cables will be removed or placed in conduit. 5. The countertop is no longer in use and will be fixed by the maintenance team. 6. The changing table has been removed. 7. A new safety lock has been installed; the radiator cover has been secured and the platform in the slide had been covered. The maintenance team will ensure equipment and materials are in good order. 8. The sleeping arrangement have been altered to allow one dedicated room for sleep creating more room for cots and staff can access the children easily. 9. The cot in question has been removed and replace with an evacuation cot. Infection Control: 10. Sheets are now stored in the children’s own baskets 11. Low beds are now stored in the dedicated sleep room – the Rocking Racoons room. 12. A meeting was held with staff reminding them of the services policy and procedures for hand washing and hand dryers are being installed in rooms. 13. Toilet rolls will be placed inside the casings moving forward. 14. Wet clothes will be air dried outside going forward. 15. Management will add checks of the air vents to the cleaning lists. 16. Sweeping brushes are now stored in the Penguins room. Administration of Medication: 17. The new parent online application will have the addition of a safeguarding system to ensure parents sign the medication form- this application is to be launched shortly. Safe Sleep: 20. Digital thermometers have been installed and a system where management can monitor the rooms temperature in real time. A temporary air conditioning unit has been installed to regulate the room temperature. A permanent solution is being sought regarding air conditioning units. Reflective foil has been put on windows to help with the temperature control. 21. Staff have been retrained in the Safe Sleep policy; this has been updated and displayed on each sleep room with ah check list to ensure the correct information has been recorded. Fire Safety: 25. The rooms have been reconfigured, and the Ladybird room is now a dedicated sleep room

29 April 2026

Naíonra Scoil Gharbháin, Dungarvan · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: While it is acknowledged that Garda vetting was available for all staff members, one vetting disclosure was not dated within the previous three years in an adherence of the Early Years Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: The registered provider stated that a Garda vetting renewal was applied for on the day of the inspection and a record of when Garda re vetting is due has been made and going forward, these will be applied for two months in advance

22 April 2026

Respond Early Years Service, Lisduggan, Lisduggan · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

Infection Control: 1. The Toddler changing room did not have adequate safeguards in place to reduce the risk of cross infection. For example: • Both extractor fans in the ceiling were covered in dust and dirt. • The pedal bin used for soiled nappies was not in good working order and staff were observed to use their hands to lift the lid. • There was no warm water in the wash hand basin. • Children clothes were stored in open trays. • The pull-down nappy change unit has grime and dirt in its hinges. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

Infection Control: 1. The registered provider stated the non-compliances were addressed. The cleaning rota has been updated to include a visual check of the condition of the bins and the extractor fans to allow any maintenance issues to be reported promptly. The maintenance team adjusted the water temperature, and new storage units were installed for children’s spare clothes. The unused changing unit was removed from the nappy changing area. A staff meeting was held with all staff to discuss the new procedures which will be embedded into daily practice

10 April 2026

The Three Little Bears, Dungarvan · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: 1. While it is acknowledged that children’s soothers in the sleep room were stored appropriately, three children's soothers were kept loosely in their labelled baskets in the Wobbler room. This created a risk of cross-infection, and this was a non-compliance on the last inspection in February 2025. Infection Control: 2. The nappy disposable bin was soiled and was not a pedal bin as per the requirements of the Early Years Regulatory notice - Use of nappy storage and disposal bins in Early Years Services. Safe Sleep: 3. Sleep checks were not recorded consistently, for example, there were no records of children’s sleep in the Wobbler room since the 8 of April and for the Toddler room since 1 April. This was a previous non- compliance at the last inspection in February 2025. Fire Safety: 4. See Statutory Notice section in relation to Improvement Notice IN1401 served. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: 1. The registered provider stated that soothers are now stored in individual labelled containers and staff have been reminded to keep them in the correct containers. Infection Control: 2. The registered provider stated that a new pedal bin has been purchased and staff have been reminded to ensure it is cleaned promptly. Safe Sleep: 3. The registered provider stated that the staff have been reminded to note the children’s sleep records consistently and the room leaders will be responsible for conducting spot checks to ensure this is the case

8 April 2026

Jigsaw Day Nursery, Waterford · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

Infection Control: Some nappy changes practices observed were not in line with the services nappy changing procedure. Staff and children’s hands were not always washed after each nappy change. Changing mats were not consistently cleaned after each individual child. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

Infection Control: Staff members have re-read and signed that they fully understand the nappy changing policy. All staff members are freshly aware of our nappy changing policy. Management will spot check that this is adhered to all times

23 March 2026

Naionra Na Rinne, Dún Garbhán · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety 1. The service did not take effectiv e measures to ensure that all potential access points to the service were appropriately secured. While it was noted that the main entrance to the service was secured, potential access could be obtained through the main entrance door to the multi-use premises and an internal door to the care room. This increased the risk of unauthorised access to the service. Administration of Medication 2. The service did not take effective measures to ensu re that the required emergency medication for two children was available at all times while the children were in attendance. Information was provided by children’s parents regarding the procedure to follow, and medication to administer prior to requiring emergency medication was available within the service. However, the actual emergency medication was not present. It is acknowledged that the service mitigated the risk through obtaining the medication prior to the children attending the next day

Provider's corrective action:

1. The service will ensure that the internal door is locked du ring the Naíonra session and when the service exit to leave the room to go to the play area the internal door is once again locked ensuring that no access to the room is gained. The serv ice have spoken with the hal l committee and the main door is locked (during service hours only) as well as the internal door which is locked at all times ensuring that no access is being gained from external parties at all times. The service will ensure that the main door and interna l doors are locked during the service times. 2. The children’s medication is in the service daily. The educators have re-read the servicesmedication policy and will request any medications be stored in the service from the day a child begins in the service from now on. The staff members will sit with parents and go through th e medication policy with them once the service are aware a child has any medical requirements so that everyone is aware of the importance of this

19 March 2026

Waterford Childcare Centre, Waterford City · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: • On day 1, in the senior baby sleep room, a blind cord had become detached from its safety attachment and was dangling loosely. It is acknowledged that the cot was placed at a distance to the cord so a child in the cot was unable to reach it. Infection Control: • The inspector observed the following non-compliances in the junior toddler’s toilet facilities on day 1 of the inspection: • The rubbish bin for disposal of used paper hand towels did not have a lid /cover and was not pedal operated, to align with best practices for infection control in a preschool setting. • The class’s paint brushes were stored in containers hanging off a rail over the hand wash basins in the toilet facilities which posed a risk of spread of any potential infection. • The floor brush, dustpan and brush were also observed to be stored in the toilets which also posed a risk of spread of any potential infection. • In both junior baby room sleep rooms the cots were not adequately spaced at 50 centimetres apart as recommended by infection control guidelines. Measurements recorded by the inspector indicated that only the cots on either side of the entrance doors to each sleep room were spaced at > 50 centimetres apart. All other spaces between the cots ranged from 15 to 30 centimetres which were not in line with the recommended spacing guidelines. Safe Sleep: • The room temperature in one of the sleep rooms in the baby room was not maintained within the recommended range of 16 to 20° C as required by safe sleep guidelines for children aged 1 year and younger. At 12:00, the inspector observed that the temperature in the sleep room was recorded as being 22°C and having been prompted by the inspector, the staff opened the windows to ventilate the room and pulled down the blackout blinds. At 12:47 the temperature was recorded as being 21.1°C and at 15:20 hours the sleep room temperature was recorded by the inspector as being 20°C. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: 1. The cord has been replaced by a different mechanism to operate the blind. Staff have been made aware of the risk associated with loose blind cords. Infection Control: 2. The registered provider stated the that children’s art supplies, and cleaning materials have been removed from the sanitary area with new pedal bins installed where required. Staff have been reminded of the risk of cross infection particularly in sanitary areas. 3. Two cots have been ordered with which are smaller and as a result, there will be more space to accommodate the required number of cots in the sleep room. Staff will have room to reconfigure the cots and ensure the require space is between them. Safe Sleep: 4. The room temperature in the sleep rooms is now being maintained at the required temperature for sleeping children. Staff have received training on the use of the air conditioning unit in the sleep room

24 February 2026

Cappoquin Childcare Facility, Cappoquin · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

Safety: 1. Garda vetting for 10 staff members whose disclosures were identified as due for renewal were requested for review and of these 3 these 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. Children’s soothers were not stored in clean labelled containers as per the service’s infection control policy. Staff in the Daisy room left the children’s soothers in their individual cubbies or on open shelving during the day. 3. A child’s bottle of milk was stored on the child’s shelf in the Daisy room during the day. This is not in line with the service Infection Control policy which stated that perishable food will be stored in the fridge and not in room temperature for longer than two hours. 4. Staff were observed to prepare powdered infant formula (PIF) in the baby room. It is not recommended that early year’s settings prepare PIF for children in their care. Safe Sleep: 5. There was inadequate supervision of some children while they slept. At 13:51, 3 children over the age of 2 were observed to sleep on low beds with 5 children under two sleeping in cots. Staff completed 10- minute checks however, children sleeping on low beds require constant supervision which sleeping. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

Safety: 1. The registered provider stated that Garda vetting has been applied for. They stated that to prevent further non-compliance they have developed a spreadsheet to record Garda vetting and expiry dates as required. Infection Control: 2. Containers have been supplied for individual children’s soothers. 3. Staff have informed parent that all children’s bottles must be stored in the fridge. 4. Parents have been informed that baby’s bottle must be prepared at home Safe Sleep: 5. The registered provider stated that a staff member will stay in the room while children are sleeping. The staff rota has been revised to accommodate extra staff to be available at sleep time

12 February 2026

Tip Toes Community Childcare Centre, Waterford · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: Garda vetting disclosures available for two staff members were not dated within the previous three years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: Garda vetting renewal has now obtained for the one staff member, while the renewal for the registered provider through Tusla, is in progress. We will ensure garda vetting is applied for a few months in advance of expiry dates

28 January 2026

Kilmacthomas Montessori School, Kilmacthomas · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: 1. The children’s attendance record was not completed accurately. For example, • there were 21 children in attendance during the morning of the inspection however only 19 children were signed in on the attendance book, • the record of the children in attendance on the previous day did not include the time the children left the premises. This posed as risk to children’s safety in the case of an emergency evacuation where there was no accurate record of attendance. 2. The accident and incident book were not completed correctly. Of the three records reviewed the parental signatures were absent. As a result, the inspector could not be assured the parents had been informed of incidents or accidents which had happened during the day. Infection Control: 3. Procedures regarding the management of cross-contamination were not thorough as the staff toilet is used for the temporary storage of floor mats, toys, and boxes. This was a previous non-compliance on the last inspection in April 2025. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: The registered providers stated that: 1. All children have been included in the attendance book, and they will ensure the book is kept up to date as children arrive and leave the service. They stated that the book will be kept at the main door of the service for ease of use. 2. Staff have been reminded that of the requirements of completing incident and accident reports correctly. The registered provider stated that all staff have been informed of the above requirements and these were discussed the staff meeting. Infection Control: The registered providers stated that: 3. The staff toilet has been cleared mats, toys and boxes. Staff have been remined that this room is not to be used for storage

26 January 2026

Our Little Treasures LTD, Waterford City · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: 1. A radiator cover in the Pre Montessori room was broken and posed a pinch risk to children. 2. The flooring in the Montessori room was worn at the seams and had some holes which created a risk of a child tripping. Infection Control: 3. Cots in the baby room were not positioned 50cm apart to reduce the risk of cross infection. Administration of Medication: 4. Medication records were not completed, children’s identifying information had not been completed on some forms – for example, of the 10 forms sampled 8 did not include the child’s surname or date of birth. Two forms did not have all the required signatures, and the inspector could not be assured that the registered provider had ensured that parents had been informed of any medication which had been administered during the day. Safe Sleep: 5. Sleep records were not consistently updated every 10 minutes as required by the service’s sleep policy. For example, at 14:05 two children were sleeping in cots and however the sleep record had been completed up until 13:30. 6. At 13:03, three children were observed to sleep on low beds with four children sleeping in cots. Staff described how they do not stay in the room with the sleeping children but check them every 10 minutes. A staff member is required to be present in a room where children are sleeping on floor beds at all times. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: 1. The registered provider stated that radiator cover has been replaced with additional ones on storage if required. 2. A tradesman is booked over the mid -term break to address the flooring in the Montessori room. Infection Control: 3. The sleep room has been rearranged creating 50cm space between the cots. This will be reviewed regularly to ensure the space is maintained. Administration of Medication: 4. The registered provider stated that each form was checked and all details required were completed on these forms, Details regarding the time the parents are contacted at either by phone call or text message will be recorded along with the dose of medicine and parents’ signature along with two staff members will be completed going forward. All staff have been informed of this requirement. Safe Sleep: 5. The registered provider stated that sleep records are completed every ten minutes and going forward all staff have been made aware of this requirement. 6. The registered provider stated that a staff member will be designated to stay within the room with sleeping children to supervise

23 January 2026

Discovery Bay Preschool, Dunmore East · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: 1. Adult chairs were stored in the shared community hall; however the chairs were stacked with the legs protruding from the frame, which posed a risk of a child injuring themselves if they fell on them. 2. The drawer of a unit in the entrance hall was broken and posed a risk of injury to a child if they tried to open it. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: The registered provider stated that: 1. The adult chairs have been removed from the care room. 2. The drawers have been repaired. They stated that daily site inspection checklist has been developed

22 January 2026

Passage East Childcare Initiative, Passage East · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: 1. An Immediate Action Notice was issued to the service on the day of inspection as on the inspector’s arrival, the entrance door to the classroom was unlocked and the inspector was able to gain unauthorised access to the room. It was observed on several occasions throughout the day that the door was unlocked. Infection Control: 2. Perishable foods were stored in children’s bags, stored at floor level in the classroom. They remained in bags for the duration of the inspection and on discussion with staff members, this was the practice daily in the service. This is contrary to the service policy. 3. Nappy changing practices observed were at variance with the services nappy changing and infection control policy. The following were observed: o Staff and children’s hands were not washed after nappy changing. o Plastic gloves and apron worn by staff were not changed between individual children and the nappy changing mat was not cleaned. 4. There was no bed sheet provided for children to sleep upon, children were observed to be placed directly on the plastic surface of the low-level beds. Safe Sleep: 5. While staff members were observed to complete sleep checks, the child’s position, colour, breathing and room temperature were only recorded when the child initially went to sleep. No further checks were documented. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: 1. We have ensured that the door is locked at all times also we have put a sign to alert staff of their obligation to secure the room. All policies and procedures will be implemented; the service will monitor staff and staff habits on a regular basis. Infection Control: 2. Perishable foods are removed from children’s bags on arrival every morning and are now stored in the larger fridge in the kitchenette. All policies and procedures will be implemented; the service will monitor staff and staff habits on a regular basis. 3. Staff and children’s hands are being washed after every nappy change. Plastic gloves and aprons worn by staff are now changed and disposed of after every nappy change. The changing mat is cleaned after every nappy change also. All policies and procedures will be implemented; the service will monitor staff and staff habits on a regular basis. 4. We have purchases new bed sheets and these are now in use. All policies and procedures will be implemented; the service will monitor staff and staff habits on a regular basis. Safe Sleep: 5. Policy has been drawn up to include recommended changes and will be adhered to at all times. All policies and procedures will be implemented; the service will monitor staff and staff habits on a regular basis

15 January 2026

Co. Waterford Child Care Centre T/A Le Cheile, Dungarvan · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: 1. Current Garda vetting was not available for one staff member. Thus, the service was not compliant with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice requiring services to renew Garda vetting every 3 years. 2. Staff personal belongings, including open handbags, were stored on a low windowsill and were accessible to the children. Staff handbags may contain hazardous items which could pose a risk to children and as such should be kept out of reach. 3. Cleaning products were stored on a low windowsill which was accessible to the children posing a risk of injury. 4. Children could access an unused area of the outdoor garden as the gate was broken and not closed on both days of inspection. This area housed the utility piping for the heating system which posed a risk of injury to children. Infection Control: 5. Children’s soothers in the Wobbler room were stored loosely in shared baskets and not in the individual containers as required by the service’s sleep policy. This created a risk of cross infection. 6. The children’s low couches in the Dolphin room and Starfish rooms were torn with the foam visible so could not be cleaned effectively thus posing a risk of cross infection. Administration of Medication: 7. On a review of the medication policy, and template forms in the children’s registration folders there was no evidence in three instances of parents written consent for the administration of medication as per the service policy. Sleep: 8. Two children, aged 2 years and 11 months and 2 years and 3 months were observed sleeping on low beds unsupervised in the Toddler sleep room at 13:45. Staff stated that they complete 10-minute checks on sleeping children. Sleeping children who are accommodated on floor beds must be fully supervised in in- room supervision in place. 9. Adequate sleep checks and records were not maintained during the day. The service policy stated that each child’s colour, positions and breathing would be checked every 10 minutes. However, sleep records on the day of the inspection only recorded the date, child’s name and the time they were going for a sleep and times checked thereafter. The sleep room was too dark for staff to be able to monitor children’s breathing and colour while sleeping. This created a risk of a child being unwell while sleeping, as the staff member's practice did not include physically checking the children. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: The registered provider stated that: 1. Garda vetting has been received for this staff member and is on file. New staff will not commence in the service without up-to-date garda vetting. 2. Staff have been informed to store their personal belongings in the staff cloak room & lockers. All rooms have been given storage boxes with lids where they can store their coats if they wish. Daily checks will be carried out to ensure that personal belongings are not being stored in the care rooms. 3. Staff were given written notice reminding them again to store all cleaning products on the upper shelves provided in the classrooms and out of reach of children. 4.The gate has been replaced, and all gates have been fitted with combination locks. New fencing & gates have been ordered for the garden area. There will be a daily walk through of both internal & external reas and this will be recorded and signed. Infection Control: The registered provider stated that: 5. All children have individual baskets, clearly labelled and all soothers have their own containers again clearly labelled. 6. The Dolphin couch had a pencil hole which as taped. A cover has since been sourced and is now in place on this couch. A new couch has been purchased for the Starfish room. Also, a temporary cover has been placed over the Star Fish couch. Staff will be monitoring all of their room contents and if there is a defect they will inform management immediately, who will in turn have these items repaired or replaced. Administration of Medication: The registered provider stated that: 7. Medication parental consent was recorded in a daily logbook in our office when over the phone permissions was granted. Management always rings for parental consent to double check that the child has not already received medication prior to their child attending our service that morning. Parental consent is also recorded on the child’s registration form when commencing in our facility. Going forward, the service will be using the Tusla sample mediation form and completing it in detail for each individual child. The compliance officer will be checking and filing all these forms on a weekly basis and recording & signed record of these checks. Safe Sleep: The registered provider stated that: 8. The sleep room records have been edited to reflect 10-minute sleep checks & physical checks. 9. The floor beds have been replaced with cots and floor beds will no longer be in use in sleep rooms. The lighting will be improved to allow for ambient lighting facilitating observations in greater detail along with glass panel doors to also allow extra light

4 December 2025

Little Buddies Creche, Portlaw · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

Infection Control: The couch in the children’s cosy area had a tear and the foam was evident. This could prevent effective cleaning and may cause a risk of cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

Infection Control: The registered provider stated that all torn couches have been removed from the children’s room and a new couch has been purchased. Staff are now aware that if a couch is torn or damaged going forward, it is to be removed immediately

27 November 2025

Waterford Women’s Centre, Waterford City · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

Infection Control: 1. Nappy bins used in the service were hand operated which is at variance with the Early Year Inspectorate Regulatory notice on the use of nappy storage and disposal bins in Early Years Services. 2. Staff members did not use disposable plastic aprons during nappy changing. When queried by the inspector, aprons were retrieved from a storage press. 3. The service nappy changing and toileting policy and procedure did not state that the use of aprons was required during nappy changing. Administration of Medication: 4. Administration of medication digital records did not contain information that a second staff member witnessed the medication which had been administered to children in the service. This was at variance to the service policy on the administration of medication which stated that the record was to be signed by both staff members. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

Infection Control: 1. Pedal bins have been purchased and are in use. Pedal bins will always be available in the nappy room and re-purchased if necessary. 2. All staff members have been notified that they must wear plastic aprons when nappy changing. This will be monitored by the manager and assistant manager 3. The use of aprons during nappy changing by staff been added to the Nappy changing and Toileting Policy. Monitoring policies and procedures and ensuring they are kept up to date. Administration of Medication: 4. Administration of medicine by two staff members has been added on our communication application and all staff notified of the change. Policies and procedures will be monitored and kept up to date

2 October 2025

FerryFun Childcare & Afterschool Centre, Ferrybank · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

The service did not demonstrate compliance with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice requiring services to re-new Garda vetting every 3 years. There were Garda vetting disclosures on file for all staff members, however the vetting disclosures for four staff members were not dated within the previous 3 years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting

Provider's corrective action:

The renewed garda vetting disclosures for all four staff are now available on file in the service in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting. The manager will ensure all staff files are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure compliance with the requirement to renew Garda vetting for all staff working directly with the children every 3 years

24 September 2025

Sunny Days Montessori School, Tramore · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

Administration of Medication: 1. The individual details relating to a diagnosed medical condition for two children attending the service was not known. Both children required auto-injector medication in the event of an emergency. While it is noted that there were two displays with the name of the child and the named allergen in place. The displays contained identical information and the information was not specific to the individual children. While staff members were familiar with the displays, in discussion, the symptoms which the individual child may display in the event of potential contact with the allergen was not known. Through further discussion, the medication requirements prior to administering the auto-injector, was not familiar to the staff and the information relating to the individual child was not available within the service at the time. The registered provider was requested by the inspector to contact the children’s parents and/or guardians to obtain the information. It is acknowledged that the registered provider obtained the information on the day of the inspection and submitted the documentation relating to the two children to the inspectorate. 2. Emergency medication was found by the inspector in a bag containing other emergency medication for one child attending the service. In discussion with staff members and the registered provider, the presence and the purpose of the medication was not known. The registered provider was requested to contact this child’s parent and/or guardian during the inspection to gather further information regarding the child’s medical needs. This practice posed a risk to the child in the event of an emergency as their medical needs were not known. Infection Control: 3. Effective measures were not in place to reduce the likelihood of the spread of infection. The sanitary area in the room 2 was open plan. The two toilets which were separated with a low-level partition and doors were not in place on the two toilets. This posed an increased likelihood of the spread of infection. 4. Play equipment and other items were stored in the children’s sanitary facilities in Room 1 and in Room 2. Items including a ladder and mop bucket were stored in the staff sanitary facilities. This did not provide a clear environment for effective cleaning and posed a risk of the spread of infection. 5. The sanitary area in Room 2 was not enclosed to reduce the likelihood of the transmission of infection. The sanitary area was adjoining a storage area where there was two sleep beds, blankets, children’s books and play equipment. This posed an increased risk of the spread of infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

Administration of Medication: 1. An emergency action plan has been put in place for both children who may require the use of an auto- injector. These have been placed on a prominent place on the walls of both rooms and all staff are now aware of where these are and exactly what to do in an emergency. All staff with us longer than two years have full First Aid Training and there are always first aid trained personnel on site. 2. Medication is now stored in clear plastic box clearly labelled and all staff know of its location. The inhaler in the bag of one child was removed by the child’s parent. The service have discussed that going forward, prior to a child starting school with us, all medications will be appropriately stored, labelled and contain an emergency action plan. The registered provider takes full responsibility and as a preventative measure going forward a senior member of staff and the registered provider will take responsibility to ensure the service are fully compliant and fully ready to respond to any medical emergency the service may face. Infection Control: 3,4 & 5. The registered provider outlined that they made efforts to secure the services of 3 different carpenters to re-fit the toilet and carry out the works on the adjoining hallway. The registered provider stated that they hope to have this work completed by no later than re-opening in January and as it’s a structural issue there shouldn’t be any issue going forward. This includes works to the doors to assist with privacy for children using the two toilets and to create a press for storage in the hallway

30 July 2025

Bizzykids Ltd, Tramore · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: 1. The service did not demonstrate compliance with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice requiring services to re-new Garda vetting every 3 years. There were Garda vetting disclosures on file for all staff members, however the vetting disclosures for 2 staff members was not dated within the previous 3 years in adherence to with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda vetting. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

Garda vetting has been submitted for both staff members whose current Garda vetting has passed the 3-year period. This will be completed prior to the staff members returning to Bizzykidz for the new school term. Management has complied new documentation for Garda vetting expiry dates to make expiry dates clear when updated Garda vetting is required for each staff member

28 May 2025

Naíonra na nDéise, Phort Láirge · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: Garda vetting was available for five staff members. However, one of these vetting disclosures was not dated within the previous three years in adherence to the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: The registered provider stated that Garda vetting has been applied for and is being processed. They stated that a yearly check will be scheduled to ensure all Garda vetting remains up-to-date

22 May 2025

Small Talk Pre-school and Creche, Dungarvan · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: 1. All the children move between both buildings to access the outdoor areas. In discussion with staff, there was no assessment of risk or written safety procedures in place to minimise the probability of children accessing the car park or road. 2. The doors of the cupboards under the fridge in the Wobbler room and under the sink in the Senior pre- school room were not flush and created a risk of pinching. 3. There was a damaged socket in the Toddler room, creating a risk of electrical faults. Infection Control: 4. The children’s snacks in the Wobbler rooms were prepared on the changing mat, creating a risk of cross- infection. 5. Some of the furniture and windowsills were worn and were not wipeable, which created a risk of cross- infection. 6. The Wobbler nappy changing unit was in the care room, creating a risk of cross-infection. Nappy-changing areas are required to be separate from occupied rooms. 7. The nappy changing procedure was not followed, creating a risk of cross-infection. The inspector observed three nappy changes where a staff member did not remove gloves used when changing the child’s nappy and before cleaning the child’s face with a wipe. This contravened the services' nappy changing policy. 8. The purple couch in the Wobbler room was torn and had foam protruding, which prevented effective cleaning practices and posed a risk to infection control. Safe Sleep: 9. Sleep mats in the Toddler room were not 50cm apart and created a risk of cross-infection. This was not in line with the service’s sleep policy. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: 1. The registered provider stated that they have now implemented the actions from the risk assessment. All staff have been requested to highlight any areas where they have concerns and going forward, the risk assessment be updated and maintained. 2. The registered provider stated that the lock will be replaced in the Wobbler room and a new door fitted in the Senior pre-school room. These will be monitored as part of the ongoing health and safety review. 3. The registered provider stated that a cover will be placed on the damaged socket, which will be monitored as part of the ongoing health and safety review. Infection Control: 4. The registered provider stated that the changing unit will be moved to a different location in the building and a shelf area beside the fridge has been made available for food preparation. 5. The registered provider stated that the tables and chairs will be replaced and the area which need a touch-up of paint are scheduled for when other remedial work is completed. This will enable the registered provider to ensure cleaning is more effective. 6. The registered provider submitted the plan to move the nappy changing unit from the Wobbler room to the main sanitary area. This work will be completed by September 2025. The registered provider outlined the short-term plan while the works are being carried out. 7. The registered provider stated that all staff have been trained in the nappy changing procedure. 8. The registered provider has stated the torn couch has been removed and a temporary rest area of cushions has been set up until the review of the classrooms is complete. Safe Sleep: 9. The registered provider stated that the sleep mats will be placed 50cm apart, and if necessary, they will use the Toddler room for additional space

25 March 2025

Scallywags Lismore Community Childcare Centre Ltd., Lismore · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: 1. There was a trampoline in the Caterpillar room; this is not suitable in a pre-school setting due to the risk of injury. Infection Control: 2. The material on the large soft floor mats was torn, and the foam was evident meaning it could not be cleaned effectively. 3. The sanitary areas in the Caterpillar room and the Butterfly room were used for storage for space furniture and staff items. This created a risk of cross-infection. 4. The children’s low beds in the Butterfly room were not 50 cm apart, which created a risk of cross infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: 1. The registered provider stated that the trampoline had been removed on the day of inspection. Management will ensure that the equipment available to the children is suitable for their age and stage of the children. Infection Control: 2. The registered provider stated that they are in the process of purchasing soft floor mats for both Butterfly and Caterpillar rooms and are awaiting a stock alert. 3. The registered provider stated that staff have been provided with a space to store personal items. This will be highlighted at the next staff meeting. 4. The registered provider stated that the team are reviewing the number of toddlers who may need naps and will organise the sleep room accordingly, with children’s beds placed 50cm apart

20 March 2025

Waterford Montessori, Waterford City · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

Fire Safety: The second emergency exit from the room was locked with a key, this created a risk of a delay in an evacuation from the room if required. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

Fire Safety: The registered provider stated that they have changed the type of lock on the door to make it easier and faster to evacuate if required

27 February 2025

Little Einsteins Pre-school, Butlerstown · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety 1. The linoleum flooring within the Senior and Junior room posed an increased trip hazard for the children and staff. The flooring had visible cracks and the heavy-duty tape which was placed on numerous areas of flooring was observed to be peeling. It is acknowledged that the named person outlined that works were due to commence on replacing the flooring in both of the care rooms. Infection Control: 2. Children were not provided with warm water to wash their hands in the sanitary areas in the Junior and Senior room. The water was cold to touch. This was at variance of the service’s infection control policy which stated thermostatically controlled water is available for handwashing. 3. The children in the Junior and Senior rooms were provided with communal handtowels in the sanitary areas. This practice was at variance of the service’s infection control policy which stated disposable paper towels are provided for washing and drying of hands. This practice posed a risk of the spread of infection. 4. Children’s lunches were not refrigerated and were stored within the care room. At snack time, perishable foods including cooked meats, yogurts and cheese were observed to be within the children’s lunchboxes. This practice posed an increased risk of infection. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: 1. The new linoleum flooring is scheduled to be laid during the summer holidays when the preschool is closed. A photograph will be submitted when it has been done. Infection Control: 2. Warm water is available in both rooms. Both of the rooms have a controlled unit which re-heats the water when used. The water temperature has been increased on the unit in the senior room. 3. The handtowels have been removed and new paper dispensers have been placed in both of the rooms. 4. Lunches are now placed into sandwich bags and placed into the fridge in the Junior room. A new fridge has been ordered for the Senior room

12 February 2025

H & H Ladybird Daycare Limited, Tramore · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: 1. There was no written care plan for a child with medical needs. It is acknowledged that the staff discussed the initial procedures and actions required. However, the information was inadequate and posed a risk to the child in case of an emergency or escalation of the child's condition. Infection Control: 2. There was no hot water in the toddler's sanitary area. As a result, effective hand washing could not take place after the children used the toilet or after staff had changed nappies. 3. The storage of soothers did not support infection control measures. Two soothers were observed at the side of a mattress in an empty cot, and one child was seen taking a soother off the floor and putting it in their mouth. 4. The radiator cover in the preschool sanitary area had peeling paint and was rusty. This did not allow for effective cleaning. 5. The cots and low beds were not placed 50 cm apart. Safe Sleep: 6. The cot mattresses were old and worn. The washable cover on one mattress was torn, exposing the foam, and the mattresses did not fit snugly in the cots. 7. The temperature of the cot room adjacent to the baby room was recorded at 21.3⁰C while one child under 12 months slept. This exceeded the recommended temperature of 16⁰C to 20⁰C. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: 1. An updated care plan was submitted. The registered provider stated that this plan was developed in collaboration with the parents. They stated that all staff members have received a copy of the plan. Infection Control: 2. The registered provider has stated that the plumber has been contacted to adjust the water heater to cover the control so children cannot access it. In future, all heaters will have controls not accessible to the children. 3. The registered provider stated that new procedures have been put in place regarding the storage of soothers. 4. The radiator and cover have been cleaned and repainted. 5. The registered provider has stated that the sleeping accommodation has been re arranged to allow adequate space between sleeping children. Safe Sleep: 6. The registered provider has stated that new cot mattresses have been purchased to replace the old, worn ones. They stated that staff have been reminded to contact management if material or equipment require replacing. 7. The registered provider stated that the heating in the cot room has been adjusted to ensure the room temperature does not exceed 20⁰C. Staff have been reminded to regularly check the temperature and adjust the heating and open the window if required

6 February 2025

Play Together Creche, Waterford City · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

Fire Safety: Fire drills were not carried out monthly. This creates a risk of a delay in evacuation in case of an emergency. On a review of the fire drill records, drills were carried out on the 16th of September 2024, the 13th of November 2024 and the 15th of January 2025. The fire safety policy stated that fire drills would be carried out monthly. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

The registered provider has stated that a copy of the fire policy has been posted on the employee portal and the management team will ensure that fire drills will be carried out monthly

22 January 2025

Little Stars Preschool, Waterford City · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: 1. An Immediate Action Notice was issued to the registered provider on 24 January 2025 due to a potential immediate safety risk posed to the children. The registered provider did not ensure reasonable measures were in place regarding the safety of the blind cords in the service. There were two unsecured blind cords in the large room and one unsecured blind cord in the small room. These were in reach of the pre-school children and posed a risk of strangulation. The registered provider was made aware of the risk during the inspection and remedial action was taken. 2. The registered provider did not practice their own healthy eating policy which stated that whole grapes were not permitted within the service. At snack time in the large room, there were two children aged 3-5 years with whole grapes in their lunchboxes. This practice posed an increased risk of a child choking. The registered provider was made aware of this by the inspector and carried out remedial action. Fire Safety: 3. The attendance records within the small room were not reflective of the children present within the service. The attendance record had eight children’s names recorded and the following was noted at 11.40am. a. Three children aged 2 to 3 years who were present within the service were not recorded on the attendance record. b. One child was marked in and was absent on the day. This practice was at variance of the service’s fire safety policy which stated the attendance record must be up to date as it was used for fire drills. This posed an increased risk in the event of an emergency evacuation as a child may be unaccounted for. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: 1. The registered provider provided a response to the Immediate Action Notice (IAN) on 24 January 2025. The response outlined that action to secure the blind cords was taken and that the registered provider would contact a competent person to carry out works to secure the blind cords. Further actions were submitted by the registered provider on 27 January 2025 outlining that the works had taken place to secure the three blind cords. In response to the CAPA, the registered provider stated that the cords were reinstated at a height whereby they are inaccessible to children and were fitted by a professional installer. The c ords were secured through a loop affixed to wall. Training was delivered to staff relating to safety of roller blind cords and requirements to report any broken or unsecured cords. 2. Immediate remedial action was taken to remove and cut the grapes as is required by policy of the preschool. Verification checks were performed on all other lunchboxes within the service. The service issued a reminder to all parents and guardians regarding the service’s healthy eating policy. Staff were retrained in relation to the service’s healthy eating policy and daily checks will be performed on the children’s lunchboxes. Fire Safety: 3. The service’s attendance record was updated to reflect actual attendance within the room. There is now a room specific register, this will capture the children attending the service on the specific day as attendees vary. Staff were retrained in relation to maintaining accurate records as related to the fire safety policy. There will be verification checks carried out by preschool manager of preschool attendance records

12 September 2024

Little Stars, Tramore · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: Garda vetting was available for all 19 staff working in the service, and 11 Garda vetting disclosures had been re- vetted in the last 3 years. The remaining 8 of the Garda vetting disclosures had not been re-vetted in the last 3 years in accordance with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice EYI-RN12.3 issued by the Tusla inspectorate on the renewal of Garda vetting. It is acknowledged that the registered provider was aware of this requirement and had sent all 8 Garda vetting for renewal, of which 6 of these were out by 3 months. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

The registered provider stated in the response that on the day of the inspection almost all staff had been re- vetted in the last 3 years

11 June 2024

The Children's House Montessori, Waterford City · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

There were no single use disposable hand towels in the service for children to use after washing their hands. There was a towel in communal use which staff said was washed daily. Best practice in a preschool setting requires children to use single use disposable hand towels after washing their hands to prevent cross infection in a preschool setting
The warm water flowing from the hot water tap in the children’s toilet was not thermostatically controlled. The water was cold when checked by the inspector. When the hot water system was turned on after five minutes the water flowing was too hot for the inspector to touch. Staff who spoke to the inspector said they turned the water on first thing and waited for it to cool down before the children used it. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

As per best practice the service is now providing single use disposable hand towels in all bathrooms
The thermostat has been adjusted by the plumber to allow for warm water to be thermostatically controlled during the preschool hours. 1

29 May 2024

Naionra Na Tsean Phobail, Dún Garbhán · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: The main playroom had double doors that opened on to a path which surrounded the building. From the path, a gate opened into a play area secured with high level wire fencing. For children to have seamless access from the indoor playroom to the outdoor environment these doors and gate were left open. However, off the path there was no permanent safety gate to ensure that children had restricted access to the carpark and subsequently the road. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

The registered provider stated in the response on 5 July 2024 that a new gate has been hung

21 March 2024

The Childrens Playroom, Tallow · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: The new entrance developed for the service had an extensive low gradient wheelchair ramp that extended into the carpark for the community building. The practice at hand over time at the end of the session was for parents and guardians to wait in the carpark. Parents waited at different points in the carpark and children were released according to the visibility of the parent/guardian in the carpark. Children ran down the ramp to be greeted by their parents/guardian on arrival into the carpark. The hand over of the child was not directly to the parent and could pose as a safety risk as cars were observed coming and going and reversing during this period. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: The manager stated in the response that a letter was issued to all parents/guardians the day after the inspection regarding safety re drop/collection of their children. The manager stated in the response that the implementation of the new protocol for parents come to the door for handover was proving successful

26 January 2024

Mount Sion Playschool, Waterford City · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: However, both of the entry doors that gave access to the pre-school rooms had twist thumb locks that were at an accessible height to the children in the rooms. Therefore, children could open these doors and exit the service unsupervised on to the school complex grounds. Action submitted by the Registered Provider

Provider's corrective action:

General Safety: The registered provider stated in the response that locks have been fitted at a height which the children cannot reach at the entry/exit doors. Therefore, children can’t exit the service unsupervised onto the school complex grounds

4 April 2023

Home From Home, Waterford City · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child

General Safety: The nappy changing unit had built in pull-out steps. However, these steps were unable to be opened fully due to the wooden encasement for water pipes. Therefore, as the pull-out steps could not be fully opened children could not safely mount the steps of the nappy changing unit for nappy changing. Infection Control: The hot water tap at the wash hand basin in the nappy changing room was leaking and broken and was proving difficult to turn off and on. General Safety: Corrective Action The registered provider stated in the response on the 16 May 2023 that the builder redirected the wastepipe in order for the steps of the nappy changing unit to extend fully down and thereby allowing children to safely mount these steps for nappy changing. Infection Control: Corrective Action The registered provider stated in the response on 8 May 2023 that tap was repaired and washers replaced. The tap no longer drips and is now easier to turn on and off. Evidence Submitted On 18 May 2023 the registered provider submitted photographic and video evidence demonstrating the corrective actions for the plumbing issue and the problems with the nappy changing table. Summary Comment The requirements for the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 had been met

Regulation 23 in other counties