Regulation 29 in Carlow
Premises: 4 non-compliance(s) in the latest reports we read.
An inspection records what inspectors saw on one day; services respond with corrective actions — how to read this.
27 February 2026
Ballon Rathoe Community childcare Facility LTD, Ballon · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (e) 1. The inspectors observed that the water from the taps in both children’s toilets for the preschool classrooms, on the first floor of the main building was cold and not comfortable for the children to wash their hands. 2. On the first floor there were only 2 children’s toilets provided for the total of 26 preschool children on day 1 and 25 preschool children on day 2 of the inspection which is not in line with infection control guidance for pre-schools. It is acknowledged that an additional 2 children’s toilets were located further down the corridor, however access to these toilets by the children was blocked by a secured metal gate
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. The observations made during inspection have been addressed, and staff ensure that water is run prior to use so that children have access to warm water for handwashing. Water is checked throughout the day as part of normal routines to ensure it remains suitable for handwashing. 2. The gate is part of the building safety layout and remains in place due to the presence of stairs in the corridor area. Access is not restricted in practice. When children require the use of the additional toilets, staff supervise and escort children to ensure safe and timely access. Staff support children in accessing the additional toilet facilities as part of the daily routine, ensuring safe and timely access when required
20 August 2025
Absolute Beginners Crèche, Tullow · Regulation 29 — Premises
- The metal on the taps in the preschool room was corroded
- The water for hand washing was not thermostatically controlled throughout the service. The water remained cold throughout the day in all the warm water taps in the service. A staff member told the inspector that the water heater in the preschool room was not turned on as it was too hot for the children to use
Provider's corrective action:
- The taps have been replaced
- The water heater was reset to ensure thermostatically controlled water is always now available for handwashing in the service. The immersion in the service has been repaired by an electrician. Staff have been reminded to immediately report any issues with water temperature or maintenance requirements to management so that repairs can be carried out promptly
10 April 2025
Dolmen Nursery and Montessori School, Carlow · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (e) 1. The nappy changing area was not suitable as it posed a risk of injury to the children and staff members. The nappy changing unit was in the staff sanitary area and located within a shower unit. The following was observed on the day of inspection; a. A shower hose and water dial were within reach when a child was lying on the nappy changing mat. b. Staff were observed to lift the children onto the nappy changing mat and manoeuvre the children between a tile intersection of the shower and a shelving unit onto the nappy changing unit. c. Staff were observed to stand on the raised frame of the shower tray when carrying out nappy changes. d. Nappy changing for some children was observed to take place on the floor of the sanitary area due to the absence of steps for children to access the nappy changing area. 2. Based on the age and stage of development of the children within the service, t he nappy changing facilities available did not support the needs of all children requiring a nappy change. Staff members were observed to carry out nappy changes for their group of children at set times during the day, and as required. At 12pm, a staff member identified a child aged 1 to 2 years required a nappy change. When the staff member went to the nappy changing area, the area was occupied with a staff member and child from another room. The staff member returned with the child to the nappy changing area on three occasions, however the nappy changing area remained occupied. This child remained unsettled until their nappy was changed at 12.25pm. There were inadequate facilities available to support the age and stage of the children
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. The changing area has been renovated. 2. A change in circumstance form was submitted to the Inspectorate on the 11 July 2025 outlining that the baby room ceased operation. This now reduces the pressure on the nappy changing area
26 July 2024
Little Trinity Creche & Montessori, Carlow · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) 1. The ventilation grill on the wall of the upper right corner of the sleep room was observed to be covered in grey dust along the rows of the vent. 2. The inspector observed that there were tiles missing from the backsplash of the hand wash basins in the main sanitary facilities provided for the children
Provider's corrective action:
- (d) 1. Ventilation grill was cleaned. Ventilation grill will be cleaned weekly by staff. 2.Hand wash dispenser was refitted. Management will ensure that maintenance is always kept up to date