Regulation 23 in Westmeath
Safeguarding Health, Safety and Welfare of Child: 17 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.
22 May 2026
Giggles Pre-School & Childcare CLG, Streamstown · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: The most recent Garda vetting disclosure presented in respect of one staff member was not dated within the previous three years in adherence 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: The registered provider stated in the response that the garda vetting disclosure for this staff member was applied for prior to the inspection and has recently returned. (garda vetting disclosure included). The service has made a change to the procedure on addressing staff garda vetting needs and highlighted that any vetting renewals will now be applied for a minimum of 12 weeks in advance of the renewal date. Summary Comment In respect of the corrective actions taken documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement
16 February 2026
Mullingar Montessori & After School Care Ltd, Mullingar · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. In Room 1 , the entrance door from the outdoors was not secured throughout the morning. The door handle was loose and did not latch correctly . This created a potential risk of the unsupervised exit of a child from this room. 2. In Room 1, six children aged 2-3 years were unable to place their feet on the ground for stability as the chairs they were sitting on were too high for the children. This created a risk of injury to a child if they were to become unbalanced and fall off a chair. 3. In the lobby area of Room 5, a fire extinguisher was observed on the floor as the fixings and bracket had come away from the wall. This created a risk of injury to a child if the extinguisher fell against them. Infection Control: 4. Four nappy changes were observed on the day of inspection in two of the nappy change areas; the following practices were observed w hich were not in line with the nappy change policy of the service and were an infection control risk to children and staff in the service: • Both staff members did not re-wash their hands prior to commencing each new nappy change. • Both staff members kept the soiled gloves and apron in place when securing the fresh nappy and adjusting each child’s clothing; the soiled items should have been removed before replacing the fresh nappy/clothing. • One staff member was unfamiliar with correctly wearing and tying the plastic apron in place , as a result, the apron was not covering their clothing sufficiently to create a barrier; the inspector advised the staff member how to wear the apron correctly. 5. The toilet roll holder had detached from the wall in one of the cubicles in the sanitary area of Room 4 and the toilet roll was observed on top of the toilet cistern, this was an infection control risk. 6. The foot pedal was not functioning on the waste bin in Room 4 therefore, the lid had to be handled to open it, this was an infection control risk. Safe Sleep: 7. At 14:20 hours, it was observed that the sleep needs for two children were not met in Room 3 as evidenced by the following observations: • At 14:20 hours, a child aged 3 years attending on a full day care basis was observed asleep in the rest area on the floor. The child was not placed in a sleep bed and sleep observations were not completed. The inspector requested that the child was provided with sleep facilities and sleep observations commence. • At 14:20 a second child aged 3 years attending the room, was lying on the floor and while dressed for outdoor play was observed displaying obvious signs of tiredness; this was not recognised by the staff member, and the child was moved to the outdoors with a group of other children. This practice did not align with the safe sleep policy which stated, “Children needing sleep during the session have access to a low -level bed or mat……If children fall asleep within our setting ………. we will record a written check every 10 minutes.” This was an area of non -compliance following an inspection conducted on 7 July 2025. The corrective action submitted by the registered provider following the inspection failed to prevent recurrence of this non-compliance. Fire Safety: 8. There was one fire evacuation route for the service to the car park located at the front of the service . There were no alternative fire evacuation routes available in the event of a fire at the front of the service. On the day of the inspection there w ere 83 children aged 2 -6 years (pre-school care) present in the morning; 62 children aged 2-6 years and 65 children aged 4 - 12 years (School aged care) in the afternoon. 20 adult staff were also present. The service is registered to accommodate a maximum of 1 18 children aged 2 -6 years attending on a full day care / part-time care basis. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. The door with the raised issues has been repaired. In room 1, an air conditioner has been installed to help control the temperature in the room. 2. New tables were purchased with telescopic adjustment that the height of the table can be adjusted for different age children. New chairs were also purchased. There are now different chairs for afterschool care children and children between the ages of 2-3 year olds. 3. The fire extinguisher was re-attached to the bracket and put back on the wall. We developed a maintenance log that we fix as quick as possible. Infection Control: 4. Following the inspection, the registered provider carried out an immediate review of the nappy changing procedures, and the following corrective actions have been implemented: • All staff have been reminded of the service’s nappy changing policy and infection control procedures, with particular emphasis on proper hand hygiene and the correct use and removal of personal protective equipment (PPE). • Training video was created with the appropriate nappy changing procedure, all relevant staff have watched the video and been retrained. • Staff have been instructed that hands must be washed before and after each individual nappy change, in line with best practice infection control guidelines. • Staff have been reminded that soiled gloves and aprons must be removed and disposed of appropriately before securing a clean nappy and adjusting the child’s clothing, and that hand hygiene must be completed before proceeding. • Practical refresher guidance and demonstrations on correct nappy changing procedures and the correct use of PPE, including the proper wearing and tying of aprons, have been provided to all staff. • Visual step-by-step nappy changing procedures have been displayed in all nappy changing areas to support staff in consistently following best practice. • Management will carry out regular monitoring and spot checks of nappy changing practices to ensure infection control procedures are consistently followed. 5. The toilet roll holder was attached back to the wall. 6. A new foot pedal has replaced the other unit. Safe Sleep: 7. Following the inspection, the service reviewed its sleep and rest procedures, and the following corrective actions have been implemented: • Staff have been reminded of the service’s Sleep and Rest Policy, including the requirement that children who fall asleep are placed in an appropriate sleep bed and that sleep observations must be carried out and recorded at regular intervals. • Staff have been reminded of the importance of recognising children’s cues of tiredness and responding appropriately to support their rest needs. • Re-training of all staff was completed on the above area. Fire Safety: 8. A secondary emergency fire evacuation point has been implemented in the outdoor area in the Creche. We have introduced a gate onto a safe laneway which is in a position that every child is moving away from a fire, if there was a fire. It is in a location which is quickly accessible for both children and staff
28 January 2026
Bright Star Academy, Mullingar · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: The most recent Garda vetting disclosure presented in respect of a staff member was not dated within the previous three years in adherence with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice ‘EYI-RN12.3 Renewal of Garda Vetting’. Infection Control: 1. The straps and the surface material of the highchair were soiled and stained which was inadequate for infection control purposes. 2. The aprons used for nappy changing were faulty and not fit for purpose as they came to waist level and had no strings to tie the apron onto the staff member. This provided an inadequate barrier to protect the staff members clothes against fluid or soiling whilst nappy changing. Outing: 1. There were no risk assessments in place for local outings from the service. The outings checklist reviewed had inadequate detail to ensure children’s safety on outings. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: The service immediately applied for new Garda vetting for all members of staff and the provider to ensure full compliance with Regulation 23 and to confirm that all personnel working in the service are appropriately vetted in line with current requirements. To prevent this from reoccurring the service will implement a system to regularly monitor and review Garda vetting expiry dates for all staff and the provider to ensure applications are submitted in advance of that expiry and that all vetting remains valid and up to date at all times. Infection Control: 1.The highchair was removed from use and replaced to ensure that all baby equipment is safe, clean and suitable for use. The service will ensure that all baby equipment including highchairs are cleaned and washed regularly and checked before use so that any wear, damage or hygiene concerns are identified and addressed promptly as part of our infection control procedures. 2. New aprons were purchased immediately to ensure that appropriate protective clothing is available for staff in line with infection Control requirements and to maintain high standards of hygiene within the service. The service will ensure that the quality and condition of aprons are checked regularly and that adequate supplies are maintained at all times so that any worn or damaged items are replaced promptly as part of our infection control procedures. Outing: A detailed risk assessment of the local area was developed and documented to ensure that all potential hazards are considered and managed appropriately before outings take place. A specific risk assessment will be completed and reviewed before each outing and that staff follow established procedures to identify and manage any potential risks to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children during outings
20 January 2026
Waddlers and Toddlers, Rathowen · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. It was observed there was potential for unauthorised access to the rear of the premises on one side of the building, leading to the play areas as the the high-level perimeter fence ended and there was a low -level gate, easily opened from the outside in place. 2. At 12:05pm and 12:17pm, the inspector noted as staff left via the back door of the service for lunch break, they failed to secure the door thus leaving the potential for unauthorised access to the premises at those times. The inspector secured the door on both occasions and brought it to the attention of the registered provider. Safe Sleep: 3. Ten-minute sleep observations were not recorded for sleeping children in Toddler / Junior Preschool which was not consistent with the sleep policy for the service and not appropriate practice to ensure the safety of the children while asleep . It is acknowledged that staff members remained with the children during the sleep period. 4. Three children aged under 24 months were observed to be sleeping on low beds rather than floor beds in the Baby/Wobbler room. This did not align with the ‘Early Years Inspectorate Guidance for the Early Learning and Care sector on sleep provision for children under 24 months’ requirement. 5. Four sleep plans were available for children aged under 24 months who were assessed as not been suitable to sleep in a cot. The four sleep plan records were assessed to be incomplete as evidenced by the following observations: • One plan did not have a parental signature, the staff members signature and the date that the plan was completed. • There was no staff signature or date completed on a second document. • The date and role of the staff member was not completed , and the date of the parental signature was missing on another plan. • The role of the staff member completing a plan and date was not completed on another document. 6. There were no blankets provided for the sleeping children on low level beds in Baby / Wobbler and Toddler / Junior Playschool rooms. 7. In the Toddler / Junior Playschool room, the children’s shoes were not removed for sleep. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. The high-level perimeter fence has been extended and a gate fitted. 2. The back door is now only used as a fire exit, and all staff must use the front door for entry and exit. An updated daily outdoor risk assessment has been created. Safe Sleep: 3. Ten-minute sleep observations are now taking place for all toddler junior preschool children. A daily sleep check folder has been implemented, and the manager will check weekly. 4. Low floor beds have been bought for the children transitioning from the cot to beds. When children transition from cots to floor beds we will ensure there is readily available floor beds for them. 5. The deputy manager will sign off on all sleep plans to ensure they are fully completed. Staff updated on procedure on completing the sleep plan and manager will sign off on completed plan. 6. Extra cellular blankets were purchased, and all children now have a sheet and blanket for sleep. 7. Staff updated on the policy for sleep to ensure shoes are removed. A set of spare blankets have been purchased
10 December 2025
Busy Little Bees, Mullingar · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. Fire safe window restrictors were not fitted to the windows in the care rooms and sanitary areas to prevent the unsupervised exit of a child or the unauthorised entry to the service. 2. There was a gap observed in the plasterboard at the top of the plug socket and electric switch socket located beside each other in Preschool room 2. These sockets were accessible to the children and required to be sealed to prevent a child trapping their fingers in the gap. 3. The door on cupboard under sink unit in the sanitary area used by Preschool room 2 was observed to be hanging by one hinge when opened. This could cause injury to a child if they opened the door and it detached from the remaining hinge. 4. The door on the cupboard under sink in the sanitary area used by Preschool room 2 was not secured . An unlabelled tub of cream and a container of mediated powder for nappy rash were a ccessible to a preschool child and could cause harm if ingested. Infection Control: 5. A roll of paper towel was placed on the sink in the sanitary area used by Preschool room 2 and on the work surface in the care rooms. They required to be placed in a dispenser for hygienic dispensing for infection control purposes. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. Fire safe window restrictions were fitted to all the windows in the facility. Check that window fittings are still in place on a daily basis. 2. All sockets were sealed to prevent any harm towards children and staff. 3. The door of the cupboard was fixed with immediate effect. 4. All tubs and creams are now on a shelf high up where children cannot reach with immediate effect. Infection Control: 5. Blue roll dispensers are supplied and fitted to all rooms and changing area
7 November 2025
Mullingar Academy of Childcare & Education, Mullingar · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: The most recent Garda vetting disclosure presented in respect of one of the staff members was not dated within the previous three years in adherence 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: The registered provider stated in the response that immediately upon identification the Garda vetting was applied for returned and reviewed. The registered provider will at the end of each month check staff files to ensure all staff vetting forms are in date. (Garda Vetting Disclosure included). Summary Comment In respect of the corrective action taken documentary evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement
6 October 2025
Cairdeas Childcare, Kinnegad · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: The nappy changing practices observed were inadequate for infection control purposes due to the following; • The adults did not wash their hands before nappy changing. • The nappy changing procedure displayed in the service was incorrect as it did not state staff are to wash their hands before nappy changing. • The child was redressed with the same gloves used for nappy changing. • The child’s nose was wiped with the same gloves worn for nappy changing. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- Infection Control: The service’s nappy changing policy has been updated. This outlines the process to be followed and includes handwashing and the changing of gloves. All staff involved in nappy changes have been retrained on the new policy
30 July 2025
Chatterboxes Childcare Ltd, Athlone · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: 1. In the nappy changing area attached to the baby room the mechanical ventilation was not operational to provide appropriate ventilation to the area. This posed a potential infection control risk. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- Infection Control: 1. The electrician has been contacted to fix the fan. Evidence will be sent in as soon as the job has been completed. In the meantime, manual ventilation (window to be opened during the day to help with circulation). Staff have been reminded to tell management when equipment is faulty. Summary Comment This non compliance remains outstanding until the evidence is submitted in respect of works carried out to fix the mechanical ventilation. The corrective action will be assessed on the next TUSLA inspection
5 June 2025
Scallywags Childcare Centre, Athlone · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: One staff member’s Garda vetting was not renewed within the required three-year timeframe as per Tusla’s regulatory notice
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective & Preventive Action General Safety: Applied for and received Garda Vetting for staff member. Will be keeping a close eye on Garda Vetting expiry dates and will apply for renewal in good time going forward
20 May 2025
Dunaree Childcare & Pre-school LTD, Tyrellspass · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. There was no documentary evidence available that indoor and outdoor risk assessments were completed daily. 2. The entrance gate in outdoor area was not adequately secured to prevent unauthorised entry to the outdoor area. A sliding bolt and a foothold were observed on the outer side of the perimeter fence in the outdoor area to the front of the service. 3. There were no fire safe restrictive opening devices on the windows in the Toddler room and sleep room. Infection Control: 4. The nappy change practices require to be reviewed as it was observed that the disposable apron and gloves used were not removed and disposed of after the used nappy was removed and bagged. This is not adequate for infection control purposes as it creates a potential risk of cross contamination. 5. There was a lack of clarity about the system in place for the management of mouthing toys in the Toddler room. There was no evidence that a container of sterilising solution, freshly made up daily was available in the service on the day of the inspection. It is acknowledged that there was a bottle of sterilising solution in the service. This area of practice need s to be reviewed, and a system put in place to manage the immediate sterilisation of shared toys, soothers and equipment in the Toddler room for infection control purposes. Safe Sleep: 6. At 12:40 hours, four children were observed lying on the soft mats in the rest area in the Toddler room. They were provided with a small cushion for a pillow and a blanket . The area was closed off by a divider partition. Two cots and two low level beds were available but not used. Th is is not appropriate sleep/ rest provision or care practice for children requiring rest / sleep. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. Indoor and outdoor risk assessments are completed daily. 2. A detailed risk assessment of the fence and gate of the front playground has been completed as well as the actions and procedures put in place to manage this risk as per the attached risk assessment. 3. Fire safe restrictive opening devices added to windows in toddler room and sleep room. Infection Control: 4. Inservice training was delivered to all staff on nappy changing procedure as per attached record. Ongoing monthly reviews of compliance with nappy changing procedure with all staff will be completed as per the attached record. The nappy changing procedure is printed and available next to the nappy changing area for staff members to review. 5. Inservice training on the sterilisation of mouthing toys completed as per the attached record. The procedure for the sterilisation of mouthing toys on display in the baby/toddler room for staff to reference. The process of sterilisation of mouthing toys has been added to our daily cleaning records to ensure on going compliance. Safe Sleep: 6. All rest and sleep for children will be accommodated in the sleep room
20 May 2025
MSR Childcare Services ltd, Kilbeggan · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Fire Safety: 1. The firefighting equipment was not serviced yearly as the last maintenance service was completed on 6 December 2023. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- Fire Safety: 1. The firefighting equipment was serviced on 04/06/2025
14 May 2025
First Class Montessori, Mullingar · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1. There were no visibility strips on the glass doors to outdoor area in the two pre-school rooms. This could cause a potential injury to a child if they failed to recognise the glass. Infection Control: 2. Open waste bins were observed in top room and sanitary areas . The contents were accessible to the children which was not appropriate for infection control purposes. This was a non-compliance following inspection conducted on 8 March 2023. The corrective action submitted by the registered provider following the inspection failed to prevent recurrence of this non-compliance. Fire Safety: 3. The smoke alarm was not serviced yearly as the last maintenance service was completed on 9 March 2023. This was a non-compliance following inspection conducted on 8 March 2023. The corrective action submitted by the registered provider following the inspection failed to prevent recurrence of this non-compliance. 4. Monthly fire evacuation drills, which are necessary to ensure that all children and staff can safely evacuate the premises in the event of a fire or other emergency were not completed monthly. The documentary evidence available showed that three fire drills had been completed since September 2024. This was a non-compliance following inspection conducted on 8 March 2023. The corrective action submitted by the registered provider following the inspection failed to prevent recurrence of this non-compliance. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. There are new bright visibility strips on the doors Infection Control: 2. New foot pedal bins were purchased and are in place. Fire Safety: 3. The smoke alarm has been serviced on 15 May 2025. 4. Fire drills will be completed and documented monthly
14 May 2025
Juniper Tree Autism Services Ltd T/A Sundancers, Castlepollard · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: An immediate action notice was issued under Regulation 23, in relation to the non compliance identified under Regulation 25, to the registered provider on the day of the inspection. A response was received from the registered provider which mitigated the risk. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- A FAR Course was immediately sourced for 1 staff member, starting on 16th May 2025 (two days after inspection) consisting of 3 Friday Sessions to end on 30th May 2025. A person trained in first aid for children was on site from 15th to 30th May inclusive. Management to ensure all staff are trained in First Aid for Children. Regular checks to be made to ensure all First Aid for Children certificates are up to date
16 April 2025
Ballymore Community Childcare Facility, Mullingar · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: The glazed doors in the Cherry Blossom and Laurel rooms which opened onto the staff car park were alarmed to give notice in the event of a child opening the door and exiting their assigned pre-school room since the last inspection on the 18 May 2023. It was observed on two occasions at 11:00 and 13:00 that the alarms were switched off which would mean that the alarm would not sound in the event of a child leaving their assigned room through the glazed doors in the Cherry Blossom and Laurel rooms. Infection Control: It was observed that the sanitary accommodation adjacent to the Cherry Blossom room was used as storage for equipment and materials including tables, chairs, a small shelving unit, a large shelving unit and a selection of toys which was a potential infection control risk. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: All staff have been informed of the importance of ensuring that the alarms remain turned on throughout the day. Stickers which have been placed upon the alarm boxes. Stickers which have been placed upon the alarm boxes and emails sent to all staff in relation to the alarms. Infection Control: All personal toys and play items have been removed from the sanitary area. The items will be stored elsewhere in the service. The personal toys and items will be stored elsewhere in the service
31 March 2025
Dunaree Childcare & Pre-school LTD, Rochfortbridge · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- Infection Control: 1. The smooth protective surface of the fixed n appy change unit had worn away in several area exposing the compressed inner wood which limited effective cleaning for infection control purposes. 2. The waterproof protective covering on a high chair used in the Toddler room was torn in several areas and prevented effective cleaning between uses for the purposes of infection control. Safe Sleep: 3. The sleep room attached to the Toddler room was used for storage of equipment and resources. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- Infection Control: 1. Surface area for nappy changing replaced with surface that complies with infection control measures. 2. Replaced highchair with new highchair that meets infection control standards. Safe Sleep: 3. The sleep room is not currently used for sleep as all registered children are above the age of two years and rest in the quiet area of the room. If a child requires the sleep room for sleeping, the room will be emptied and no longer used for storage
24 March 2025
Annie Apples, Mullingar · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: The most recent Garda vetting disclosure presented in respect of two staff members was not dated within the previous three years in adherence 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: The registered provider stated that the application for re-vetting of the identified staff members was submitted. A current garda vetting disclosure is now in place on the staff file for the identified staff members. (Photographic evidence included). The registered provider will ensure that vetting is checked and re done within the required timeframe. Summary Comment In respect of the corrective action taken photographic evidence was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate, reviewed by the Early Years Inspector and deemed to meet the regulatory requirement
20 June 2024
Grovelands Childcare, Athlone · Regulation 23 — Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child
- General Safety: 1.Two children were observed with whole grapes for their snack which posed a potential risk of choking. Upon the request of the inspector the staff member cut the grapes in half and gave them to the children to eat. 2. The emergency plan for children with a defined medical condition was not detailed enough as it did not outline the steps to be taken in using the auto adrenaline injector (AAI) and to contact the parents and the emergency services in the event of an anaphylaxis reaction. An anaphylaxis policy was not in place in the service. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- General Safety: 1. A reminder text message was sent to all parents regarding grapes. Management have attached our newsletter showing that all parents were and are constantly reminded to cut grapes. Reminder texts will be sent to parents on a regular basis regarding grapes by management. 2.A more detailed care plan has been put in place for the child with a severe medical condition and an anaphylaxis policy has been drafted for the service. A monthly check will be carried out on the care plan and auto adrenaline injector (AAI), management will do unannounced drills in relation to a child with severe allergies