# Regulation 9 (Management and Recruitment) — non-compliances in Laois > What inspectors found under Regulation 9 (Management and Recruitment) at 20 early years services in Laois, with providers' responses. ## Regulation 9 in Laois Management and Recruitment: **20** non-compliance(s) in the latest reports we read. An inspection records what inspectors saw **on one day**; services respond with corrective actions — [how to read this](/methodology.md). 15 June 2026 ##### [The Ferns Preschool](/creche/the-ferns-preschool-portarlington.md), Portarlington · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - • One written validated reference from a past employer or from a source other than a previous employer in respect of one student was not available. • One written reference from a previous employer was not validated, in regard to one staff member. • Two written references from a source other than a previous employer, were not validated in regard to one staff member - The procedures in respect (2)(a)(b) were not carried out by the registered provider prior to the employment of staff in the service and the commencement of a student - Outstanding validated references received. Prior to reopening for 26/27 school year, the registered provider will go will through staff files with staff members and ensure everything is in check 27 April 2026 ##### [Jelly Tots Community Creche and Playschool](/creche/jelly-tots-community-creche-and-playschool-abbeyleix.md), Abbeyleix · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - The two references available in respect of one staff member were deemed not appropriate as both references were not from a reputable source - The person in charge stated in the response that two additional appropriate references have been obtained in respect of the staff member, reviewed and validated. An induction form will be used to ensure all references are on file and checked as being from reputable sources. (Two references and new induction form included). 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 19 March 2026 ##### [Darling Buds Montessori & Daycare](/creche/darling-buds-montessori-daycare-portlaoise-2.md), Portlaoise · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - One staff member employed to work with the children did not have a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications or an equivalent. The staff member advised the inspectors that she was employed to work with the children as was recorded on the roster as working in the ECCE 1 room. It is acknowledged that this staff member was working in the kitchen on the day of inspection and was not involved in the direct care of children - The staff member is on Kitchen duties until she has completed her Level 5 qualification. The service will ensure that all staff employed hold a full Qualification and will ensure all certificates are presented before commencing employment 13 March 2026 ##### [Baby Bear's Pre-School](/creche/baby-bear-s-pre-school-portlaoise.md), Portlaoise · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - Two written validated references were not in place in respect of one of the emergency contact persons. (d) Police vetting was not available in respect of one emergency contact person - The registered provider has received and validated two references for the emergency contact person. The registered provider will ensure all relevant paperwork is in place for the emergency staff and will review file every 6 months. (d) The registered provider has received policy vetting for the emergency contact person. The registered provider will ensure that should vetting be needed from another country it will applied for it as soon as possible 24 February 2026 ##### [Portlaoise Nursery and Montessori School](/creche/portlaoise-nursery-and-montessori-school-portlaoise.md), Portlaoise · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - There was no named person to deputise in the absence of the person in charge or the registered provider. (9)(2)(b) One written reference from a reputable source were not validated in respect of one staff member employed in the service - The procedures specified in paragraph (2) had not been completed prior to one staff member being appointed, assigned or allowed access to or contact with children - The deputy person in charge has been appointed in the event of absence of the owner or manager - Staff references have been validated. The registered provider or person in charge will make sure that all references are validated prior to staff commencing employment - The service will adhere to their procedure as per the Staff Recruitment Policy that states ‘All staff must have cleared written references (at least two) and have Garda Check completed’ 10 February 2026 ##### [The Den Community Childcare](/creche/the-den-community-childcare-carlow.md), Carlow · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - (9)(2)(a) Six written references from a previous employer were not validated in respect of four staff members employed in the service. One written validated reference was not available in respect of one student - Three written references from a reputable source were not validated in respect of two staff members employed in the service - 10 written references have all been validated by the registered provider. All new staff and students must provide two written references before employment, and these will be validated prior to staff commencing working with the children. The services Recruitment Policy has been updated 5 February 2026 ##### [Early Learning Montessori](/creche/early-learning-montessori-stradbally.md), Stradbally · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - There was no designated person in charge or deputy appointed for duty between the hours of 13:30 and 15:30. The registered provider was not present in the service and the person in charge who facilitated the inspection was due to take up duty in the premises which provided a school age service at 13:30. It is acknowledged that the designated person in charge arranged additional cover in the school age service to remain on site to facilitate the closing meeting - Police vetting was not available in respect of one staff member who had lived outside the state for a period of longer than six consecutive months - The registered provider stated in the response that a person in charge and two deputies have been appointed and the rota has been amended to ensure that a person in charge is always onsite during the daily opening hours of the service. (Roster submitted) - The registered provider stated in the response that police vetting has been applied for in respect of one staff member and that induction checklists for staff files now include police vetting requirements where a person has lived outside of the state for a period of longer than six consecutive months. (Police Vetting application and induction checklist submitted). 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 - The non-compliance remains outstanding until the registered provider submits the required police vetting 29 January 2026 ##### [Tiddlywinks](/creche/tiddlywinks-athy.md), Athy · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - (2) (a) One written reference from a previous employer in regard to one staff member was not validated. (b) One written reference from a reputable source in regard to one staff member, was not validated - The dates that staff references had been verified were recorded. References for new staff will be verified and recorded, as per the services recruitment policy 22 January 2026 ##### [Tir na nÓg Playschool](/creche/tir-na-nog-playschool-clonaslee.md), Clonaslee · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - (7) (a) The person in charge advised the inspector that staff receive supervision, however no written evidence to indicate that individual staff supervision meetings were completed between the person in charge and staff members were maintained. This does not align to the Supervision of Staff policy which states that “A supervision program will be agreed between each individual staff and management. Support and Supervision form will be completed” - The person in charge has purchased a one-to-one meeting record book to record all support and supervision meetings with staff. The Manager will schedule a support and supervision meeting with each staff member each term 21 January 2026 ##### [Classy Kidz](/creche/classy-kidz-ballylinan.md), Ballylinan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - (9)(2)(a)(b) Two written validated references were not available in respect of one staff member. Two written references from a previous employer were not validated in respect of one staff member employed in the service - References have been obtained for one staff member who did not have any on file, and have been validated. Two references which were not validated have been validated by the registered provider 14 October 2025 ##### [Iosa Linn](/creche/iosa-linn-portlaoise.md), Portlaoise · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - (2) (a) One written reference from a previous employer was not validated in respect of one staff member employed in the service. One written validated reference was not available in respect of one staff member. (2) (b) One written reference from a reputable source was not validated in respect of one staff member employed in the service - (2) (a) (b) Outstanding written references were obtained and validated 3 October 2025 ##### [O’Moore Place Childcare](/creche/o-moore-place-childcare-portlaoise.md), Portlaoise · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - Five written validated references were not available in respect of four staff members (2) (a) Three written references from a past employer were not validated in respect of two staff members. (2) (b) One written reference from a reputable source was not validated in respect of one staff member - One staff member working directly with children did not have evidence of a recognised qualification on their file - All outstanding written validated references for staff have been obtained - Staff files have been updated with staff qualifications. The registered provided has implemented a checklist system whereby all new staff to the service will have the required documentation on file prior to employment 25 September 2025 ##### [The Stables@Maples](/creche/the-stables-maples-portlaoise.md), Portlaoise · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - (2) (a) (b) 1. One written reference from a past employer in respect of one staff member was not validated. Four written references in respect of three staff members from a reputable source were not validated. (d) 2. Police vetting was not available in respect of two staff members who had lived outside the state for a period of longer than six consecutive months - 3. The procedures in respect (2)(d) were not carried out by the registered provider/person in charge prior to the employment of staff in the service - 1. Five written validated references were updated and placed on staff files. 2. Police vetting for the two staff members was applied for and returned. 3. The registered provider will ensure required validated references and police vetting are on file prior to staff commencing in the service 4 September 2025 ##### [Magic Moments Montessori](/creche/magic-moments-montessori-portlaoise.md), Portlaoise · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - (2) (a) Two written references from a past employer were not validated in respect of two adults employed in the service. (2) (b) Two written references from a reputable source were not validated in respect of two adults employed in the service. (2) (c) A garda vetting disclosure was unavailable for one adult employed by the service. An immediate action notice was issues on 05 September 2025 in response to breach of regulation (9)(2)(c) - The procedures specified in paragraph (2) had not been completed prior to one staff member being appointed, assigned or allowed access to or contact with children. Garda Vetting was not available for one staff member and four references had not been validated - (2) (a) (b) Outstanding written references have been obtained and verified. The registered providers will ensure all required documentation is on file prior to staff commencing work in the service. (2) (C) The outstanding Garda Vetting was returned on 15 September. The registered providers will ensure Garda Vetting is received prior to new members of staff commencing employment - The Garda vetting application had been made for the relevant staff member on 14 August 2025 prior to the staff member commencing employment. The Garda Vetting was returned on 15 September. The staff member was absent from the service from 05 September to 15 September awaiting their Garda Vetting 1 September 2025 ##### [Happy Days Creche Durrow Limited](/creche/happy-days-creche-durrow-limited-durrow.md), Durrow · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - Police vetting was not available for one staff member working in the service - The registered provider stated in the response that the staff member applied for the police vetting. (Police vetting 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 21 August 2025 ##### [Sonas Mountmellick Community Childcare Ltd](/creche/sonas-mountmellick-community-childcare-ltd-mountmellick.md), Mountmellick · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - (2) (a)(b) Fifteen written validated references from a past employer or from a source other than a previous employer in respect of eight staff were not available. Two written references available for two staff members from past employers were not validated - All outstanding written validated references have been received. The service has updated their recruitment policy to include ‘no future employees will be allowed to start their employment without written references’ 14 July 2025 ##### [Laois International School](/creche/laois-international-school-portlaoise.md), Portlaoise · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - The person in charge and deputy person in charge were not available in the service upon the inspectors’ arrival to the service at 10:20. The staff member indicated to the inspectors that she was unable to facilitate the inspection. The person in charge who is the registered provider and deputy person in charge were contacted by the staff member who later arrived at the service at 10:50. The staff roster indicated that the person in charge and deputy person in charge were to commence work at 08:00 on the day of the inspection - Provider will ensure to roster at least one deputy person in charge at any operating times. Any deputy person will be trained to facilitate the inspections. Please, see the attached updated roster, the top part with the deputy names provided. Provider will ensure the roster includes at least one person in charge at any time during operating hours 1 July 2025 ##### [The Rainbow Castle Ltd.](/creche/the-rainbow-castle-ltd-portlaoise.md), Portlaoise · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - • Two written validated references from a past employer or a source other than a past employer were not available in respect of one staff member. • One written validated reference from a past employer or a source other than a past employer was not available in respect of one staff member. • Two written references were not validated in respect of one staff member - Written references were obtained and validated. The service will ensure new staff members have two validated references 14 February 2025 ##### [Darling Buds Montessori & Daycare](/creche/darling-buds-montessori-daycare-portlaoise.md), Portlaoise · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - Police vetting was not translated into English in respect of two staff members - The registered provider stated in the response that staff were immediately asked to have their vetting translated into English. Going forward the service will ensure that translation of police vetting will be done before the start date for the employment of new staff. (translations included). 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 2 December 2024 ##### [Superkids Childcare Centre](/creche/superkids-childcare-centre-portlaoise.md), Portlaoise · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment - A second written reference was not available in respect of one staff member. Two written references were not available in respect of the two students on work experience in the service. (d) Police vetting was not available in respect of one student on work experience - All staff files were checked and updated with vetting’s and written references, including work experience staff. The service will ensure that all applications will have two written references and police vetting if required when submitting to the service for vacant positions. (References and police vetting 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 ### Regulation 9 in other counties - [Carlow](/regulation/9/carlow.md) - [Cavan](/regulation/9/cavan.md) - [Clare](/regulation/9/clare.md) - [Cork](/regulation/9/cork.md) - [Donegal](/regulation/9/donegal.md) - [Dublin](/regulation/9/dublin.md) - [Galway](/regulation/9/galway.md) - [Kerry](/regulation/9/kerry.md) - [Kildare](/regulation/9/kildare.md) - [Kilkenny](/regulation/9/kilkenny.md) - [Leitrim](/regulation/9/leitrim.md) - [Limerick](/regulation/9/limerick.md) - [Longford](/regulation/9/longford.md) - [Louth](/regulation/9/louth.md) - [Mayo](/regulation/9/mayo.md) - [Meath](/regulation/9/meath.md) - [Monaghan](/regulation/9/monaghan.md) - [Offaly](/regulation/9/offaly.md) - [Roscommon](/regulation/9/roscommon.md) - [Sligo](/regulation/9/sligo.md) - [Tipperary](/regulation/9/tipperary.md) - [Waterford](/regulation/9/waterford.md) - [Westmeath](/regulation/9/westmeath.md) - [Wexford](/regulation/9/wexford.md) - [Wicklow](/regulation/9/wicklow.md) --- Página: https://creche-inspection-reports.pages.dev/regulation/9/laois/ Fonte: Tusla Early Years Inspectorate Recolha: 2026-09-11