Regulation 9 in Louth
Management and Recruitment: 37 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.
30 April 2026
Greenacres Playschool, Drogheda · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) and (b) • One staff member did not have their 2 written references validated. • One staff member did not have their 2nd written reference validated. • One staff member did not have a 2nd written and validated reference
Provider's corrective action:
- All references for all staff have now been sought received and reviewed and verified. All future references will be double checked and verified by registered provider
24 April 2026
ABC Childsplay Creche, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (d) See Statutory Notice section in relation to Improvement Notice IN1302 served
15 April 2026
Little Oaks Early Years Limited, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (d) Following receipt of the employment record for one staff member, a review determined that police vetting was required for two countries. Police vetting was available for one country, and a basic disclosure was available for the second country; however, the requirement for that country is an International Child Protection Certificate. (3) From review of documentary evidence, it was determined that one staff member had commenced working in the service before the required international police vetting was obtained
Provider's corrective action:
- (2) (d) and (3) The staff member had one form of an international police certificate on file. However, when it was brought to our attention that the requirements had changed. An International Child Protection Certificate was applied for by that staff member immediately after the inspection. A copy of the confirmation of application and subsequent completion certificate was sent to the inspector via email once it was received by our service. We believed that the need for an international police certificate would be flagged during the Garda vetting procedure carried out by the Irish Garda Vetting Bureau. However, we now know this is not to be a part of the vetting procedure. Should any future employees disclose employment outside the state, we will request an International Police Certificate as part of their consideration for employment
1 April 2026
Stepping Stones, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (4) Documentary evidence was not available for inspection for 1 staff member’s qualification to show equivalency to a minimum Level 5 qualification
Provider's corrective action:
- (4) The registered provider has given assurance by submitting photographic evidence to validate equivalency of Level 5 qualification for said staff member
11 March 2026
Pugwash Bay LTD, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The following files for the new staff that were presented for inspection did not have the following required documents available: (2)(d) Evidence of the required international police vetting was not available for 1 new staff member who had resided outside the Irish jurisdiction for a period of 6 months or more as an adult. (3) From the documentary evidence available for inspection, one new staff member had commenced working in the service prior to the required international police vetting being obtained. (4) Documentary evidence was not available to confirm that one new member of staff who works directly with the children held at least the minimum required level 5 childcare qualification on the National Framework of Childcare Qualifications or a qualification deemed equivalent. The non-compliances identified are recurring from the previous inspection that was carried out on 06/03/2025. The previous corrective and preventative actions submitted stated “A strict policy is in place to ensure that no staff member will commence work until official documentation confirming full qualification has been received and verified. This includes a certified letter or certificate explicitly stating that the individual is fully qualified and has successfully completed their training. A monthly internal audit will be carried out by the manager to ensure compliance with documentation requirements. A quarterly audit will be conducted by the area manager to provide an added layer of oversight and accountability”. These actions did not prevent the non-compliances reoccurring
Provider's corrective action:
- (2) (d) The staff member submitted an application for the required international police clearance immediately upon identification of the issue. Only manager and higher management will ensure staff members can’t commence work until all the correct documentation has been provided and signed off by both staff and Manager/Area Manager. Continuous audits to be completed on staff files to ensure all required vetting, including international police clearance where applicable, is obtained and verified prior to commencement of employment. (3) It was identified that the staff member had provided police clearance documentation; however, it did not meet the required standard. The staff member has now submitted an application for the correct international police clearance immediately. The service has strengthened its recruitment procedures to ensure that only valid and appropriate vetting documentation is accepted. A pre-employment verification process will be completed by management to confirm that all vetting meets Tusla requirements before a staff member begins work. Staff will not be permitted to commence employment until full compliance is confirmed. (4) A copy of the staff member’s diploma has been obtained and placed on file immediately. Only manager and higher management will ensure staff members can’t commence work until all the correct documentation has been provided and signed off by both staff and Manager/Area Manager. Continuous audits to be competed on staff files to ensure all required documentation is obtained and verified prior to commencement of employment. Continuous audits to be competed on staff files and ensure that at least level 5 certificate is on file while working directly with children
26 February 2026
Ladybird Lane Day Nursery & Montessori, Clogherhead · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The staff files for one new member of staff and 3 students that were presented for inspection did not have the following required documents available: (2) (a&b) • Documentary evidence of a 2nd written and validated reference was not available for one student. • No documentary evidence was available to indicate that the 2 written references available for one student were validated. (d) Documentary evidence was not available of international police vetting for 1 new staff member who had resided outside the Irish jurisdiction for a period of 6 months or more as an adult. (3) From the documentary evidence available for inspection, one new staff member and 2 students had commenced working in the service prior to the required written and validated references and international police vetting being obtained. (4) Documentary evidence was not available to confirm that one new member of staff who works directly with the children held at least the minimum required level 5 childcare qualification on the National Framework of Childcare Qualifications or a qualification deemed equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- s (2)(a)&(b) A second reference is now on file and attached as evidence. Going forward, all staff and students will have two written and validated references prior to starting in the service. Staff files will be reviewed on a bi-annual basis to ensure the necessary documents are held on file. (d)The member of staff has now left our service. International Police vetting, in so far is practical, is undertaken by the individual and given to the employer before commencing employment. (3)Going forward, all staff and students will have two written and validated references prior to starting work in the service. Staff files will be reviewed on a bi annual basis to ensure the necessary documents are held on file. (4)The awarded Level 5 Certificate is now attached. Documentary evidence will be sought and kept on file to confirm that staff who work directly with the children hold at least the minimum required Level 5 in Early Years childcare on the National Framework of Qualifications or a qualification deemed equivalent by the Department
29 January 2026
Footprints Preschool, Blackrock · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a&b) Documentary evidence was not available of a 2nd written and validated reference for the contracted music teacher who attends the service on a regular basis
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated that the contracted music teacher submitted an updated second written reference. Procedures have been reviewed to ensure that all required documentation for staff and contractors is maintained and readily available in advance of the school year and for inspection in the future
27 January 2026
Little & Big Rascals, Dunleer · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (1) (a) Whilst the inspector was informed that there was a named person to deputise this was not reflected in the roster provided to the inspector. (b) Following discussion with the person in charge, and a review of the staff roster the inspector could not confirm that when the preschool service was in operation, the designated person in charge or a deputy person in charge was on the premises. (c) The inspector could not confirm there was a clearly defined deputy person in charge to ensure lines of accountability. During the inspection staff named differing colleagues as the deputy person in charge. This did not always reflect the staff member named by the person in charge to the inspector. Some staff members also stated that they may contact the person in charge or the area manager should the person in charge not be on site
Provider's corrective action:
- (1) (a) The registered provider stated that the named designated deputy person in charge has been added to the roster to ensure all staff are aware of who it is when person in charge is not on the premise. This is available in the service. (b) The registered provider stated that there is a display of person in charge and deputy person in charge posted on the staff notice board. All staff will be told who is in charge when named person is not on the premises. (c) The registered provider stated that it has been made clear during a staff meeting who will be the deputy in charge going forward. This information will be displayed in the service
13 January 2026
Little Treasures Preschool, Drogheda · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a)(b) There was no evidence on the day of inspection that the two written references for one staff member had been validated. This was a non-compliance on the previous inspection in November 2023. The actions submitted following that inspection failed to prevent recurrence of this non-compliance. (c) The registered provider did not have a Garda Vetting disclosure available on the day of inspection for a staff member who had worked in a relief capacity in the service. An Immediate action notice was issued on the 14 January 2025
Provider's corrective action:
- (a)(b) The registered provider has stated the references have been validated. However, the registered provider has stated that the relief staff member is no longer involved in the service. An assurance was given that the Pre School Leader will ensure any new members to the team will have two validated written reference before they commence. (c) The registered provider responded to the immediate action notice. The registered provider stated that the relief staff member is no longer involved in the service and if relief staff are required this will be from another service owned by the registered provider. Summary Comment The registered provider has addressed the non-compliance as the staff member is no longer working in the service and assurances were given that steps are being taken to ensure these do no re-occur. This will be reviewed at the next inspection
9 January 2026
Scallywags Crèche, Drogheda · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a)&(b) The registered provider did not ensure that appropriate vetting procedures had been completed for all new staff. The following documents were not available and were not in place prior to the new staff members commencing in the service; 1. Documentary evidence was not available to confirm that 4 out of 6 references had been validated by the registered provider prior to the new staff members commencing in the service. (3) The registered provider did not ensure that appropriate vetting procedures had been completed for all new staff prior to them commencing in the service. (4) One staff member who provided relief in the Wobbler care room, on the 2 days prior to the inspection did not have the required minimum Level 5 childcare qualification or a qualification deemed equivalent by the minister. When discussed with the staff present in the service and the registered provider it was confirmed to the inspectors that this member of staff provided relief cover in the care room on the 2 days prior to the inspection between 08.00am and 09.00am. The non-compliances found in respect of Regulations 9(2)(a)(b) and 9(4) have been recurrent at previous inspections. Regulation 9(2)(a)(b) was non-compliant at inspection carried out on 15/5/2025 while Regulation 9(4) was found to be non-compliant on 15/5/2025 and on a previous inspection on 1/2/2024. The corrective and preventive actions previously submitted stated “All references and qualifications for the staff have been received. Going forward prior to a staff start date all the procedures will be carried out”. The actions outlined were insufficient to prevent reoccurrence of the non-compliances
Provider's corrective action:
- s The registered provider confirmed that on the day of inspection, a staff member from the creche management and admin office was asked to assist the creche supervisor as a competent adult to ensure 2 staff present, for safety reasons. A revised staff recruitment policy was submitted which indicated that all vetting documents would be obtained and references would be validated by the assistant manager prior to a staff member commencing in the service and that this would be double checked by administration staff and the registered provider. The CAPA response stated that unless adequate qualified staff were in place that no children would be permitted to enter the service. The service could not accept children until 9am when sufficient staff were in place. At the regulatory compliance meeting, the procedures followed by the service in the event of staff absences were discussed and the requirement to have a staff absence policy to cover such events. The current staff compliment was review and it was confirmed that the new manager was not allocated to a room and would be able to assist in rooms for breaks and act as a float. The registered provider advised that staffing issues would be the responsibility of the assistant manager who would then consult with him where difficulties arise
17 December 2025
Pugwash Bay LTD, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (4) Insufficient documentary evidence was available to determine that 1 staff member who was observed working directly with the preschool children held at least the minimum required level 5 childcare qualification
Provider's corrective action:
- (4) The staff member contacted the awarding body (QQI) to obtain official documentary evidence of their Level 5 Childcare qualification. The qualification documentation has now been received and verified. Copies of the qualification have been placed on the staff member’s personnel file and are available for inspection. All new staff qualifications will be fully verified prior to onboarding. A copy of the full QQI Level 5 Major Award will be required and retained in the staff file; module transcripts alone will not be accepted. A standardised Staff Qualification Verification Checklist will be completed for all new and existing staff to confirm compliance with minimum qualification requirements. The Person in Charge/Service Manager will be responsible for checking, signing off and securely storing qualification documentation before a staff member works directly with children. Annual audits of staff files will be conducted to ensure all required documentation remains complete, current and inspection ready
3 December 2025
Lios na nOg Playgroup CLG, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a)&(b) • Two staff members did not have a 2nd written and validated reference available for inspection
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a)&(b) • The registered provider has obtained 2 new references. • The following will be noted in the recruitment policy - as requested by regulation 9, the employee must produce a reference from their last place of employment. If this reference from the last employer is deemed unsuitable or if the last employer’s company policy does not provide references, then a character reference will be sought from another source
15 October 2025
Jellytots Daycare Ltd, Drogheda · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) Police vetting was not available for 1 staff member who had resided outside the jurisdiction for a period of more than 6 consecutive months as an adult. (4) One staff member did not have a complete childcare qualification
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(d) Police vetting has been obtained for this staff member. The registered provider will ensure that police vetting where required is obtained for staff members before they commence employment. (4)This staff member is now working with school aged children until she completes her childcare qualification
29 September 2025
CBS pre-school, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (c) Following review of staff files, it was found that there was no Garda vetting on file for one staff member. An immediate action notice was issued to the registered provider on 30 September 2025 in relation to no Garda Vetting available for the one staff member. An adequate response was received from the registered provider on 01 October 2025. (d) The required police vetting for the one staff member who lived outside the State for longer than 6 months as an adult was not available on file
Provider's corrective action:
- (c) A staff member's Garda vetting had been misplaced. A copy has since been submitted to the Inspector by email. I will regularly check that all records are present and up to date. (d) The required Police vetting has been obtained and submitted to the Inspector by email. In future when employing someone who has lived outside the state for more than 6 months, I will ensure to have the relevant Police vetting prior to commencement
25 September 2025
Little Steps Creche & Pre-School, Drogheda · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (a) (b) There were no written validated references available on file for one adult. The validation process had not been carried out on the two written references available for one staff member
Provider's corrective action:
- When verifying references, we called all references provided, but we never signed the date to show completion. In future, we will sign and date the forms with the name of the person who carries out the validation. When verifying, all references must be signed
18 September 2025
Little Partners Creche Ltd, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- 1. Insufficient evidence was available to determine that 16 out of 56 references were validated prior to staff commencing in the service. (d) 2. Documentary evidence was not available for one staff member who required international police vetting
- 3. Sufficient evidence was not available to demonstrate to the inspectorate that appropriate vetting procedures in relation to the validation of written references, and obtaining international police vetting where required, had been carried prior to staff being appointed in the service
- 4. Insufficient documentary evidence was available for 3 staff members to assure the inspectorate that they held the minimum required level 5 childcare qualification or a qualification deemed to be equivalent by the Minister
Provider's corrective action:
- All references have been verified signed and dated. The registered provider has stated that one of the references could not be verified.The telephone reference checklist has been updated to ensure that the content is verified, signed and dated. The registered provider also updated the induction booklet to ensure all references are validated, signed and dated. (d). 2. The registered provider has the required police vetting for one staff member. A checklist has been created to ensure that no police vetting, or international vetting is missed. CVs have also been updated to include the online courses for printed certificates
- 3. A checklist has been created to ensure that no police vetting or international vetting is missed. CVs have also been updated to include the online courses for printed certificates
- 4. The registered provider has printed the qualifications from a recognised learning source for 2 members of staff. The other staff member only has certain components on her training certificate so a new one has been requested, by the registered provider who states that the employee has completed childcare modules. A printed hard copy of the qualification list is now available for future reference
17 September 2025
Stabannon & District Community Pre School, Castlebellingham · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) One staff member did not have a second written and validated reference
Provider's corrective action:
- The staff member obtained a new reference from her previous college. Once received, a phone call was conducted to verify and confirm the reference. In future, the registered provider will ensure that all references are obtained, reviewed, and confirmed in advance
16 September 2025
Pugwash Bay LTD, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (4) Documentary evidence of a certified translation was available for 1 staff member; however this information was insufficient to assure the inspectorate that this equated to the minimum required level 5 childcare qualification
Provider's corrective action:
- s The service obtained the original qualification certificate from the staff member in question. The certificate has been reviewed and verified as authentic by management. The qualification has been confirmed to be on the DCYA (Department of Children and Youth Affairs) approved list, meeting the minimum Level 5 childcare qualification requirement. The original certificate has been professionally translated by a certified translation service to ensure accuracy and compliance with TUSLA requirements. A copy of both the original certificate and the certified translation will be retained on the staff member’s personnel file for inspection purposes. Each qualification is cross-checked against the DCYA approved list before employment commences. A full audit of all staff qualification records will be completed to ensure compliance with TUSLA and DCYA requirements. On going monitoring, The Person in Charge (PIC) or Deputy PIC will review staff files quarterly to ensure all qualifications remain fully documented and verifiable. Any missing or unclear documentation will be followed up immediately
13 August 2025
Toddlers' Hill Creche & Montessori, Ardee · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (9) (2) (d) A disclosure for one staff member who had resided outside of the state for a period of 6 months or more as an adult was on file. This staff member was recruited since 2012, whereby an International Child Protection Certificate is the regulatory requirement
Provider's corrective action:
- The employee immediately applied for the correct police vetting – The International Child Protection Certificate. Our Personnel File Check list was updated to include the name of the certificate needed so that when it is being checked it can be referenced. Registered provider, Manager, Deputy Manager and administration staff were informed of this requirement. Management will conduct regular audits on all staff files
17 June 2025
The Maples Montessori School, Drogheda · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) Police vetting was not available for one staff member who had resided outside the state for more than six consecutive months
Provider's corrective action:
- Police vetting for the staff member submitted to the Inspectorate
29 May 2025
Naiscoil Lorcan, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) Documentary evidence was not available of the required international police vetting for 1 staff member who have resided outside the Irish jurisdiction for a period of 6 months or more as an adult. (4) Sufficient documentary evidence was not available to determine that 1 staff had achieved the minimum required level 5 childcare qualification, or a qualification deemed equivalent by the minister
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(d) Through discussion with staff member it has been identified that she has not resided in the UK for a continuous period greater than six months therefore international police vetting is not required. Going forward all new staff will have international police vetting on file prior to starting in the service if they have resided outside Ireland for a continuous period of 6 months. (4) Staff member has completed her level 6 qualification and is awaiting level 6 qualification certificate. Notwithstanding, she has identified that a recognition of prior learning is needed she is awaiting correspondence from the education board to support her towards recognition of the completion of her level 5 certificate. Summary Comment The registered provider submitted details of the corrective and preventative actions taken in the service to address the non-compliances. The inspector accepts the registered providers response regarding the non- compliance under Regulation 9 (2)(d). However, as sufficient evidence of the required minimum level 5 childcare qualification or equivalent has not been received to date, the under compliance under Regulation 9 (4) has not been addressed and remains non- compliant
7 May 2025
Absolute Angels Creche, Drogheda · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a)(b) The following was not in place in relation to staff references: • There were no written references available in respect of 1 staff member. • A second written reference was not available in respect of 1 staff member
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been undertaken: Corrective Action
- • The misplaced 2 validated references for the office administrator have been located. • The second reference for a staff member was misplaced and a new one has been received from a reputable source. Preventive Action
- • Management will regularly check staff files to ensure all paperwork is correct
27 March 2025
Realt na Mara Preschool and Afterschool Club, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) The 2 written references for the student were not validated
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a) The two written references have now been verbally validated. The registered provider has a tick-box check list for students for what requirements are needed before they commence work in the service
20 March 2025
Pebble Beach Playschool, Castlebellingham · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- 1. There was insufficient documentary evidence available to confirm that 1 staff member who was observed working directly with the preschool children held the required minimum level 5 childcare qualification on the National Framework of Childcare Qualifications or a qualification deemed equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- The relevant staff member has re applied for a copy of their childcare certificate from the governing body. The registered provider will ensure that all staff certificates are on file before commencing employment. Summary Comment The registered provider submitted details of the corrective and preventative actions taken in the service to address the non-compliance. However, documentary evidence of the required childcare qualification for 1 staff member has not been submitted to date. Regulatory compliance under Regulation 9 (4) has not been achieved. The registered provider is required to submit evidence of a childcare qualification when it is received
3 March 2025
Children's World, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a)(b) Documentary evidence was not available to confirm that 5 out of 6 written references available had been validated
Provider's corrective action:
- All references have now been validated Staff manager will ensure these are validated going forward
27 February 2025
Early years service TU2017LH501, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The following documents were not available for inspection: (2)(a)(b) One staff member who provides relief in the service did not have documentary evidence of a suitable 2nd written and validated reference. (4) Documentary evidence was not available to confirm that one staff member who provides relief in the service held at least the minimum required level 5 childcare qualification on the National Framework of Childcare Qualifications or a qualification deemed equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- The staff member that provided relief is no longer a member of staff within the service and all staff files have been removed from our files. We will add emergency staff or relief staff to our yearly mandatory staff check in September. This will include checking all staff files are up to date with regulations i.e. vetting, photo ID, references, qualifications, or training programmes. By completing mandatory staff checks in September, it means we can plan for upcoming first aid or re-vetting
12 February 2025
Little Mochtas, Louth Village · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The following documents were not available and were not in place prior to the staff member commencing in the service; (2)(a)(b) One staff member did not have 2 written and validated references available. One staff member did not have a 2nd written and validated reference available. Seven written references available were not validated. (3) From the documentary evidence available for inspection 4 staff members had commenced working in the service prior to Garda Vetting being obtained. (4) Sufficient documentary evidence was not available to demonstrate that 3 members of staff, who work directly with the pre-school children held at least the minimum required level 5 Childcare Qualification or a qualification deemed equivalent by the Minister
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a)(b) All staff files have been updated and currently have evidence of validated references. The registered provider has purchased the references check sheet and will utilise this document, going forward for any new staff members. (3) All staff to have Garda vetting on file which will be obtained and complete before staff commence. Staff are not permitted to commence employment until their Garda clearance has been obtained. (4) The staff members qualification was sent before close of business on the date of inspection, the registered provider has also attached another employee’s qualification which demonstrate a minimum level 5. The third staff members qualification has been sent to the governing body for additional assessment. All staff files to be complete before staff member commences employment
18 November 2024
Castletown Girls Preschool, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (a) (b) The registered provider had not completed the reference validation process in relation to five staff references
Provider's corrective action:
- References have been signed and are now on file. In future the registered provider will ensure that when verifying a reference, it will be documented immediately
18 November 2024
Tiny Tots Creche, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) The registered provider did not ensure that appropriate vetting procedures had been completed for all staff. The following documents were not available: (a)(b) The required 2 written and validated references for the contracted music teacher who attends the service on a regular basis were not available for inspection. (d) Documentary evidence of international police vetting was not available for the contracted music teacher who had resided outside the Irish jurisdiction for a period of 6 months or more as an adult
Provider's corrective action:
- (a)(b) The registered has obtained two written references for the contracted music teacher. These references have been validated. These records will be kept on file and should any other external services be used in the future the registered provider will obtain all the necessary records before they attend the service. (d) The registered provider has obtained Garda vetting and international Police vetting for the contracted music teacher. All records will be kept on file and going forward the registered provider will obtain all the necessary records for any external services before they attend the service
14 November 2024
Ready, Steady, Grow: Stonetown, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (4) Documentation was not available to demonstrate that one staff member who was observed working directly with children on the day of the inspection held at least a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications or a qualification deemed eligible by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs
Provider's corrective action:
- (4) Staff member has been removed from the morning preschool staff rota. Staff member will not be permitted to re-commence without the minimum level 5 childcare qualification on file. Summary Comment The registered provider submitted details of the corrective and preventative actions taken in the service to address the non-compliance. Based on this information the non-compliance under Regulation 9 has been addressed
7 November 2024
Tír na nÓg Naíonra Childcare Service, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The registered provider did not ensure that appropriate vetting procedures had been completed for all staff:
- One staff member who works with children attending the school aged service did not have a 2nd written and validated reference available for inspection. (4) One staff member who was observed working directly with the children on the day of inspection did not have documentary evidence available to confirm that they held at least the minimum required level 5 childcare qualification on the National Framework of Childcare Qualifications, or a qualification deemed equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- The staff member has obtained a second reference which has been verified and is now on file. A copy of the certificates has been requested. The staff member has been told there is a waiting list for these to be issued To prevent situations like this arising again the registered provider will ensure staff members have all relevant paperwork in place before employment commences
30 September 2024
Children's World, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) The following vetting procedures were incomplete: (a)(b) Documentary evidence of validation of 2 references was not available for 1 staff member. (d) Documentary evidence of international police vetting was not available on file for 1 staff member who had lived outside the Irish jurisdiction for a period of greater than six months
Provider's corrective action:
- The references that were not validated for one staff member have now been validated. The staff member that lived outside the Irish Jurisdiction is currently working with the embassy to acquire Police vetting. The registered provider will follow up on this and have requested it as a matter of urgency. The registered provider will ensure all references are validated in future and that all vetting processes are in place before employing in future
26 September 2024
Periwinkles Preschool, Termonfeckin · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a)(b) One staff member did not have a 2nd written and validated reference available for inspection
Provider's corrective action:
- A second written and validated reference is now on file in compliance with Regulation 9. Ensure staff files are kept up to date - Monthly checklist to be carried out by acting manager
23 September 2024
Clever Clogs, Drogheda · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(c) There was no Garda vetting disclosure available for 1 adult who was present in the service and working directly with the preschool children. An immediate action notice was issued to the person in charge on-site
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider submitted the Garda Vetting. Summary Comment The registered provider has addressed the non-compliance
12 September 2024
Mol an Óige Community Childcare, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) The following vetting procedures were incomplete: (a)(b) • The service file for the contracted music teacher who the attends the services on a regular basis did not have documentary evidence of 2 written and validated reference available for inspection. • Two written references for two staff members, including one childcare staff and one staff member who was on a community employment scheme, were not validated. (d) Documentary evidence of international police vetting was not available on file for the contracted music teacher
Provider's corrective action:
- • The registered provider validated references for 2 staff members. All validations required for each staff member will be placed alongside each member’s file. (d) The registered provider has received international police vetting for the contracted music teacher plus 2 references. Going forward, all vetting and relevant documents will be placed on the service files before commencement of any additional staff in the setting
19 July 2024
Kool Kidz Creche, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (a)&(b) • One staff member who provides relief in the service did not have documentary evidence of 2 written and validated references. • A 2nd staff member who also provides relief in the service did not have evidence available that 2 written references available were validated. (3) All vetting procedures were not completed prior to 2 staff members being appointed or allowed contact with children in the service. (4) The requirement for all staff members who work directly with children to have an appropriate childcare qualification was not achieved as follows; • Although not present on the day of the inspection, one staff member who is reported to provide relief in the service did not have documentary evidence of the minimum required Level 5 childcare qualification. • A 2nd staff member who was observed working directly with the children during the inspection did not have documentary evidence available of an official translation of their qualification to determine that it meets the minimum required level 5 in childcare
Provider's corrective action:
- s (2) (a)&(b) • Both staff members now have 2 written and validated references each. These documents have been emailed to the Early years inspector when they were received. In future all staff will have 2 written and validated references before they start work. (3) The staff members had garda vetting. In future these documents will be in place before staff start working with the children
- • The relief staff members level 5 childcare qualification is now on file. The 2nd relief staff member has emailed the college to get a translation of the qualification and is waiting on a response from the college. In future all documents that is needed for inspection for each staff member is in the staff folder, including any required translation
14 March 2024
Redeemer Creche & Playgroup, Dundalk · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) and (b) Two staff and 1 student did not have 1 of their written references validated. (d) Two adults who resided outside the Irish jurisdiction as an adult did not have acceptable evidence of a processed international police vetting available for inspection
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a) and (b) The registered provider has thoroughly reviewed all the staff files and made sure that all the references that were previously un-verified have been validated. (d) International police vetting was received from both adults. All new employees must provide international police vetting, and files will be regularly checked for accuracy