Regulation 9 in Clare
Management and Recruitment: 25 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.
24 June 2026
Naionra Ceimeanna Beaga Teo, Inis · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- See Statutory Notice section in relation to Immediate Action Notice IAN 2981 served
- The vetting procedures outlined in paragraph (2) were not carried out prior to all adults commencing in the service. This posed a potential risk to the safety of children attending the service
Provider's corrective action:
- Immediately following the inspection, the service ensured that the staff member concerned had no access to, or contact with, children pending completion of the required overseas police vetting process. The Police vetting was applied for on 24 June 2026. The Police vetting certificate was received on 26 June 2026 and reviewed by the registered provider. The certificate has been placed on the staff member's personnel file in accordance with the Early Years Regulations
- The service has reviewed and strengthened the Recruitment and Garda Vetting Policies. A revised Recruitment & Vetting Checklist is now used for every new employee. This checklist requires confirmation of • all Garda Vetting requirements; • any periods of residence outside Ireland; • whether overseas police vetting is required; • receipt and review of all overseas police disclosures before employment commences; and • final approval by the Registered Provider before any staff member is permitted to have access to children. The updated policy and checklist will be applied to all future recruitment to ensure continued compliance with Regulation 9(3)
21 April 2026
Lifford Childcare Centre, Ennis · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a)(b) Two references with evidence of validation were not available onsite in respect of one adult. (d) International police vetting with evidence of translation was not available onsite in respect of one adult present in the service who had lived in two countries for a period longer than six months as an adult. It is acknowledged the registered provider ensured that the adult does not have access to children until the police vetting certificates are received and assessed
- The vetting procedure outlined in paragraph (2) w as not carried out prior to an adult commencing in the service. An adult was allowed access to and contact with children attending the pre -school service. This posed a potential risk to the safety of children attending the service
Provider's corrective action:
- Validated References are now available for all employees. The service has implemented the Staff Induction and Staff Validation books. The service has updated the recruitment policy . All students and staff have to have validated references on file before commencing in the service. (d) The adult in question will no longer attend their work experience in the service until such time as Police Clearance has been obtained. Once Police Clearance has been obtained and assessed by the registered provider, a copy of the documentation will be forwarded to TUSLA. Going forward police clearance will be sought for students on work placements. The service’s student placement policy has now been updated to ensure that all Police Clearance, Garda Clearance and Reference Validations are submitted, assessed and validated before a student can commence their placement
- The service’s student placement policy has now been updated to ensure that all Police Clearance, Garda Clearance and Reference Validations are submitted, assessed and validated before a student can commence their placement. The service has updated our student placement Policy to ensure that all student files are completed before the student begins their placement
21 April 2026
Obair Community Creche, Newmarket-On-Fergus · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Two references from a past employer or a source other than a past employer were not available in respect of one adult. (d) See Statutory Notice section in relation to Immediate Action Notice IAN0181 served
- The vetting procedures outlined in paragraph (2) were not carried out prior to all adults commencing in the service. This posed a potential risk to the safety of children attending the service
Provider's corrective action:
- Two validated past employer references have been located and submitted. The verification of references took place at the time of employment; however the forms were missing from the employee file. They have been located and notes of verification are on the reference. (d) Police vetting documentation for both staff have been received
- The service will have tighter organisation of personnel information and filing
24 March 2026
Play & Learn Preschool, Broadford · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- A written reference in respect of one adult was deemed unsuitable , as the employee had three past employer referees detailed on their employment history record and the available reference was not provided by any of the three identified referees
Provider's corrective action:
- Upon being informed that the original written reference was not suitable, management immediately sought and obtained an additional written reference from a previous employee of the service provider, confirming the staff member’s employment history. This wa s then followed by a telephone validation of the reference to verify its authenticity and content. Copies of the written reference and record of the telephone validation are being submitted to Tusla. From now on, management will check all of the staff references before a file is marked complete, using a recruitment checklist to confirm that each reference meets Tusla requirements and has been validated where necessary. This check will be carried out immediately upon receipt of references and recorded on the staff file to prevent recurrence of the issue
18 March 2026
Redeemers Preschool, Ennis · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Evidence of validation was not available in relation to two of the eight past employer references. (b) Evidence of validation was not available in relation to two of the eight references from sources other than past employers. (d) Evidence of translation of international police vetting was not available in respect of one adult who had lived outside of the jurisdiction for a period of time longer than six months. The potential risk of not having adults appropriately vetted may allow adults who are inappropriate to have access to children
- Four adults were appointed and allowed access to the children attending the pre-school service prior to the required references being validated and assessed by the service. Not appropriately vetting all adults prior to being assigned or allowed access to or contact with children, could impact the health and safety of children in their care
Provider's corrective action:
- The adult whose past employer references were not validated is no longer employed in the service. (b) The two references from sources other than past employers have been validated. (d) The police vetting document has been translated
- All adults will be appropriately vetted prior to commencing in the service. Staff documentation is reviewed and verified and documented and also the registered provider stated that she briefed all staff concerned to submit remaining documentation. Recruitment procedures have been put in place and will be implemented going forward
2 March 2026
Cois Ceim Creche, Lisdoonvarna · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Police vetting was not available for three adults who had resided outside of Ireland for longer than six consecutive months as an adult. The safety of children attending the service cannot be ensured, when all vetting procedures are not carried out prior to allowing adults access to the children
Provider's corrective action:
- All relevant staff members are in the process of obtaining the required international police vetting, and the service is actively working to ensure that all staff vetting is completed as soon as possible. Two staff members are currently following up on their applications, and one staff member is in the process of finalising and submitting the application. Going forward, the service will ensure that all vetting requirements, including international police clearance are fully completed and received before any adult is permitted access to children in the service
25 February 2026
Cairde Early Learning Centre, Clarecastle · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The registered provider did not ensure that the following recruitment procedures were completed prior to the adults commencing in the service in accordance with the service’s recruitment policy: 1. Two references with evidence of validation were not available in respect of two adults working in the service. 2. Eight written references were not validated in respect of adults working in the service. A non-compliance under Regulation 9 (2)(a)(b) was found on last inspection 15 April 2025
- Six adults were appointed and allowed access to the children attending the pre-school service prior to the required references being available and assessed by the service. Not appropriately vetting adults prior to being assigned or allowed access to or contact with children, could impact the health and safety of children in their care
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a)(b) (3) The references are now on file, and both validated for these two staff members. The eight references have also been validated since. Evidence of all of the above has been sent to the inspectorate. A check list has been put in place to ensure validations have all been completed prior to commencing in the service. The manager has also since been trained on this procedure
23 February 2026
Mother Goose Creche, Killaloe · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- International police vetting was not available in respect of one adult working in the service who had lived in another state for a period longer than six months as an adult
Provider's corrective action:
- The International Police vetting certificate for the adult has been obtained. New staff induction check list books have been ordered to ensure the requirement for police vetting for any new staff members is not missed going forward
28 January 2026
Curious Minds Kilmurry McMahon FDC, Drumdigus · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- International police vetting was not available in respect of one adult working in the service who had lived in another state for a period longer than six months
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective and Preventive Action The Police Clearance Certificate was located and obtained. The certificate has now been placed in the staff member’s personnel file. All current staff files have been reviewed to ensure compliance. Management has been reminded of regulatory requirements relating to Garda Vetting and International Vetting
28 January 2026
Ruan Community Childcare Ltd., Ennis · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- International police vetting was not available in respect of one adult working in the service who had lived in another state for a period longer than six months
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider provided the following response: Corrective and Preventive Action
- The adult applied for the police clearance on the 28 January 2026. The police clearance certificate has now been obtained, the service has a certified translated copy and a copy was submitted to the Inspectorate . This copy has also been placed on file in the service. Going forward at interview stage the service will ensure there is Police Clearance for any new employees who have lived outside of Ireland for more than six months
13 January 2026
Stepping Stones Montessori, Clare · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- A mandatory Garda vetting disclosure was not available in respect of one adult who was present in the service contrary to the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012. On the 13 January 2026 an immediate action notice was issued to the registered provider. Details outlined in the additional information section
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider submitted the following response and submissions: Corrective and Preventive Action
- Garda vetting has been applied for the adult that required a vetting disclosure. Once received a copy of the Garda vetting disclosure will be submitted to the Inspectorate. The registered provider has undertaken training in relation to Garda Vetting. The registered provider has contacted the vetting unit to follow up on the vetting disclosure. All staff will have garda vetting prior to commencing in the service. A response was received in relation to the immediate action notice issued refer to additional information for further information
26 November 2025
Ms. Grainne's Childcare Centre LTD, Ennis · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- 1. A written and validated reference in respect of one adult was not available. 2. Three past employer references in respect of two adults were not validated. 3. Two references obtained from a source other than a past employer in respect of two adults were not validated. (d) The police vetting in respect of one adult was not translated by a certified translator and the outcome could not be determined
- The vetting procedures required from paragraph (2) were not carried out on all the adults working in the service prior to adults commencing in the service. The adults were appointed, assigned or allowed access to or contact with a child attending the pre -school service. This poses a risk to the safety and wellbeing of children att ending the service. The registered provider did not ensure that each employee and unpaid worker were deemed suitable and competent prior to the adults commencing in the service by not obtaining and validating the required references. Not having all employees appropriately vetted may pose a risk to the safety and wellbeing of children attending the service. These on-compliances were found under Regulation 9 on last inspection 23 and 24 November 2023
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a) (b) Corrective Actions 1. A written and validated reference in respect of one adult is now available. A copy of the reference is now available and has been validated using the Telephone Reference Validation form. 2. Three past employer references in respect of two adults are now validated. 3. The two references obtained from a source other than a past employer have now been validated. Copies of the references are now available and have been validated using the telephone reference validation form
- The available police vetting was translated by an independent certificated translator. A copy of the translated police vetting has been submitted to the inspector following the inspection
- Vetting and International vetting is available for all staff members and the manager. A copy of all vetting is available in the service. Preventive Actions:
- 1. Going forward a written and validated reference will be available for all staff members and any person in the service. This will be reviewed by the manager before the person commences work in the service. 2. Going forward all past employer references will be validated. The references will be validated by the manager before the person commences in the service. 3. Going forward all references obtained from a source other than a past employer will be validated by the manager before the person commences work in the service. (2) (d) Going forward all police vetting required will be obtained prior to the staff commencing in the service. The recruitment policy is updated to include this practice
- Going forward, all vetting procedures will be completed before the person commences in the service. The process of vetting and updating each stall member prior to commencing in the service for new and existing staff members
14 November 2025
Naíonra Dun Beag, Doonbeg · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Two written references with evidence of validation in respect of one adult were not available. (d) It could not be determined whether one adult required international police vetting, as an employment history record was not available and the adult was not present to confirm these details
Provider's corrective action:
- References from the adult’s past employers were submitted to the inspectorate. (d) The employment history record indicated that police vetting is not required, the adult had not lived outside Ireland for a period longer than six months as an adult. The staff file will be available in the service going forward
10 October 2025
Burren Sonas, Kilfenora · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- International police vetting was not available in respect of one adult who had resided outside the state for a period longer than six consecutive months as an adult
Provider's corrective action:
- The relevant police vetting disclosure has been applied for and when received it will be reviewed and filed in the staff folder. The adult will not be left unsupervised with the children until the police clearance has been received. A staff compliance checklist has been put in place to ensure all future employees provide required vetting before commencing unsupervised duties
9 October 2025
Naíonra Ui Choimin, Kilrush · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- 1. Two references with evidence of validation in respect of one adult were not available. 2. Two references for a second adult had not been validated
- The procedures outlined in paragraph (2) were not carried out prior to an adult being appointed, since August 2025. Not carrying out all vetting procedures prior to allowing sta ff access to children could pose a potential risk to children’s wellbeing
Provider's corrective action:
- The required references for the adults have been obtained and validated. A copy of the references and validation forms have been provided to the Inspectorate. All recruitment procedures have been followed and implemented in service
- All policies in relation to validation of references have been implemented and followed in service. The policy will be reviewed on an annual basis, and all vetting procedures will be followed going forward as per policy
30 September 2025
Loughgraney Kids Corner, Feakle · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- International police vetting was not available in respect of one adult working in the service who had lived in another state for a period longer than six months. Evidence of application for this vetting was submitted to the early years inspectorate on 3 October 2025. Not carrying out all vetting procedures prior to allowing staff access to children could pose a potential risk to children’s wellbeing
Provider's corrective action:
- A number of relevant authorities and organisations have been contacted in an effort to achieve the International police clearance. The service will ensure that police clearance is received for all relevant employees prior to commencement of employment
16 September 2025
Corofin Little Explorers Preschool, Corofin · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a) One reference with evidence of validation was not available in respect of one adult. (d) International police vetting was not available for one adult who had lived in another state for a period longer than six months as an adult
Provider's corrective action:
- The manager made contact with the previous employer in question to verify employment and reference validation. The procedure to have references validated prior to staff commencing in the service is detailed in the recruitment policy. (d) The application for police vetting and a copy of communications with the Embassy with appointment to complete process on the 29 October 2025. The original disclosure will be submitted to Tusla upon receipt by the service. The procedure for staff to have police vetting prior to commencing in the service is detailed in the recruitment policy
17 June 2025
Sunrise Childcare, Milltown Malbay · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (1) (a) The service did not have a named person available to deputise as required
Provider's corrective action:
- (1)(a) A childcare worker has been employed to be the named person who is able to deputise as required
12 June 2025
Little Deers, Ennistymon · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a)(b) Three references with evidence of validation from a referee in respect of two adults were not available
- International police vetting with evidence of translation to English was not available in respect of an adult working in the service who had lived in two States for a period longer than six months
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective and Preventive Action (a)(b) The service received the two references required for this staff member. The service has received the references for this staff member (d) The service has submitted police vetting for both countries for this staff member. A copy of the police vetting clearances were submitted. The police vetting clearances submitted to the inspectorate and assessed by the service
9 June 2025
Little Buds Pre-School, Shannon · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) Police vetting was not available for one adult working at the service who had lived in a country other than Ireland for a period longer than 6 consecutive months
Provider's corrective action:
- The outstanding police clearance document has been applied for, and the service will ensure that all adults have the required documentation in place going forward
28 May 2025
Toddle Inn, Shannon · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) There were only one reference each available for 2 adults working at the service. A second written and validated reference was not available. (4) Three of the adults who worked directly with the pre-school children during the inspection did not hold an Early Childhood Care and Education qualification at a minimum of Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications or a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a) All staff files have been updated ensuring that two validated references are in place on each file. The registered provider stated that the service will ensure all staff files are maintained up to date. (4) Two of the staff members are no longer working in the service. Evidence of qualification for the third staff member has been forwarded. The registered provider stated that all staff will have appropriate qualifications before hiring
20 May 2025
Pack of Rogues Community Playschool, Ennis · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) Police vetting was not available for one adult who had resided outside of Ireland for a period longer than six consecutive months
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(d)Police Vetting has been applied for in relation to the relevant staff member. Once our staff member has received it, it will be kept on file. We will ensure that any new staff members, who may have worked outside of Ireland for longer than 6 months, have their police vetting before commencing work
28 April 2025
Páistí Beaga Creche & Montessori, Quin · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a)(b) A second reference from a past employer or reputable source was not available in respect of two adults employed in the service
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a)(b) The registered provider has furnished the reference for both the staff members. The registered provider has also submitted 2nd reference for one of the staff which was found from other file after the inspection. Staff Recruitment checklist form is now in place, and it is used for each staff member. A detailed telephone reference check form is in place and template of the same is attached
8 October 2024
Ennis Montessori School, Ennis · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- An adult working directly with the children did not hold an Early Childhood Car e and Education recognised qualification or a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective and Preventive Action The service hired a new staff member with a QQI level 5 in Early Childhood Care and Education. The staff members qualifications and a letter of recognition from DCEDIY were submitted to the Inspectorate. In future the service will be more vigilante about the QQI equivalent qualifications
9 January 2024
Little Dreamers Pre-school, Clonlara · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- 1. A written reference from a past employer was not available in respect of one adult working in the service. 2. A written reference in respect of one adult working in the service was not validated. (c) The Garda vetting disclosures in respect of two adults working in the service w ere out of date. The Garda vetting disclosures were sourced respectively in 2016 and 2018. Re-vetting of employees is required every three years
Provider's corrective action:
- Both references have been completed. Verified references will be available going forward. (c) Up to date Garda Vetting disclosures are available