Regulation 9 in Mayo
Management and Recruitment: 42 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
Little Bears Preschool, Newport · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- 1(a)(b) There were not the required two validated references from a past employer or a reputable source on file for two staff members. (3) The procedures specified in paragraph (2) were not carried out prior to any person being appointed, assigned or allowed access to or contact with a child attending the pre-school service
- The registered provider stated the following in their reply Corrective and Preventive Action The required references were not accessible on the day of inspection but are now printed and stored in the staff file
11 June 2026
Little VIP's Pre-school, Castlebar · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (d) There was no officially translated copy of an international police vetting certificate on file for one adult for whom it was required, posing a potential risk to the children
- (d) A certified translated copy into English of the international police vetting is now on file for the staff member for whom it was required. The registered provider will ensure that all documentation requiring translation is received before any adult has access to or contact with the children
21 May 2026
Robeen Community Playschool, Hollymount · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (3) The procedures specified in paragraph (2) were not carried out completely before two staff members were appointed, assigned or allowed access to or contact with a child attending the pre-school service. (4) There were two staff members working directly with children who was unable to provide evidence that they had obtained an award in Early Childhood Care and Education at least to level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework
- The service reviewed the qualification status of all staff members following the inspection. One staff member has provided evidence of qualification recognition. The second staff member has been allocated to school-age childcare duties only and is not counted towards the preschool qualification requirement while qualification recognition is being processed. An application has been submitted through the fast-track qualification recognition process and the service is currently awaiting a decision. Management will continue to monitor progress and ensure compliance with qualification requirements
14 May 2026
Barnacarroll Pre-school, Claremorris · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (9)(2)(a)(b) Two written and appropriately validated references were not available for one staff member working in the service
- Two written and validated references are now on file. A recruitment file checklist has been added to staff files to ensure all the required documents are on file for new staff members
29 April 2026
Tir Na Nog Crèche & Montessori School Limited, Belmullet · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The following documentation was unavailable for inspection: (2) (a) There was no evidence of the validation of a reference for a staff member. A second written validated reference from a past employer was required for one staff member as the reference on file did not meet the regulatory requirements
- The registered provider submitted a written response to state evidence of validation of a reference was obtained for one staff member and a second reference with evidence of validation was obtained for one staff member
21 April 2026
Naionra Montessori, Swinford · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The following vetting information was unavailable for inspection: (2) (a) and (b) Two written, validated references were required for one of the adults
- The registered providers advised in writing that: Corrective and Preventive Action The two required written validated references have been obtained and submitted by the adult. A mandatory recruitment and student placement checklist has been introduced. This checklist including two written validated references must be fully completed before any individual begins work or placement. Management will verify all references upon receipt to ensure they meet requirements. No staff member or student will be permitted to start until their vetting is fully completed. A quarterly audit of all staff files will be carried out to ensure ongoing compliance and to identify any missing or outdated documentation
16 April 2026
Ballinrobe Bright Beginnings, Ballinrobe · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a)(b) A written validated reference for two staff members was not on file in the preschool service. (3) The procedures specified in paragraph (2) were not carried out completely before two staff members were appointed, assigned or allowed access to or contact with a child attending the pre-school service
- Two written and validated references are now on file for the two staff members. Going forward these procedures will be carried out prior to any staff members taking on duties within the service
31 March 2026
Ballyglass Community Childcare Service, Claremorris · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The following vetting information was unavailable for inspection: (2) (a) Evidence of the validation of one reference from a past employer was required for one adult. (c) The garda vetting documents on file for one adult did not meet the regulatory requirements. (d) An International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) was required for one staff member who had lived outside of the state for a period longer than six months as an adult
- The service advised in a written response that: Corrective and Preventive Action (2) (a) The written reference for the staff member in question has been validated. A checklist has been devised which will be completed before an employee commences employment in the service and approved by the Manager. (c) Updated Garda vetting documents were obtained for the adult. The service has devised a Garda vetting schedule which clearly shows when employees must be re -vetted and will submit applications in a timely manner. A checklist will be completed before an employee commences employment in the service and approved by the Manager. (d) The staff member has applicated for an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) which may take up to 20 days to be issued. The certificate will be submitted to the Inspectorate on receipt. A question relating to international police vetting requirements will be included in all future interviews. A checklist will be completed before an employee commences employment in the service and approved by the Manager
19 March 2026
Claremount Early Learning and Childcare Centre Limited, Claremorris · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a)(b) There was one adult working in the service that did not have the two required written validated references on file. There was one student on work placement in the service, that had the two required written references, however these references were not validated by the registered provider or a person acting on their behalf. Following the inspection of the 11/11/25 management stated the following in the corrective and preventative action plan (CAPA). Management will ensure that the Recruitment Policies are adhered to and all required vetting, references, ID and records of employment are in place and validated for the staff member before employment starts. (3) The correct vetting procedures specified in paragraph (2) were not carried out prior to any person being appointed, assigned or allowed access to or contact with a child attending the pre-school service. (2)(d) International police vetting was not available for one adult working in the service that had lived in another state for a period longer than six months
- (2)(a)(b) Written and validated references are now on file for the one staff member and student present in the service. (2) (d) Internation police vetting has been applied for. (3) Vetting procedures will be completed in full prior to any person taking on a position within the service
11 March 2026
Abbey Tots, Claremorris · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The following vetting information was unavailable for inspection: (2) (a) Two written, validated references from past employers particularly their most recent employers were required for one of the adults. (d) The work history/curriculum vitae on file for one staff member had gaps in information and was incomplete. Additional information was required to confirm that international police vetting was not required for the staff member in relation to these gaps. (4) The documentation available for inspection regarding the qualification for a staff member who worked directly with the children was insufficient to show that the qualification met the regulatory requirements
- The service advised in writing that: Corrective and Preventive Action (2)(a) The staff curriculum vitae has been reviewed, and references have been obtained from the two most recent previous employers. The service has Introduced a mandatory recruitment validation form for all candidates and has planned a monthly audit of staff files. (d) All staff files were reviewed and any gaps in employment were identified and clarified directly with the staff member. Curriculum vitae were updated to reflect accurate employment and education/training timelines. The service has introduced a curriculum vitae screening checklist requiring all gaps to be explained before progressing a candidate. Recruitment staff have been trained and monthly audits scheduled in the service. (4) The staff member has received confirmation from the relevant body that the qualification does not meet the regulatory requirements. The staff member is in the process of undertaking the training required to complete the award and is not now considered in the adult:child ratio. An additional qualified staff member is now working with the children in the playroom while the staff member completes their award. The service will inform the Inspectorate when the qualification has been completed by the staff member
4 March 2026
Knockmore Rathduff Butterflies Community Playschool, Ballina · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The following vetting information was unavailable for inspection:
- (a) A second written validated reference from the staff member’s most recent past employer was required to be obtained
- The service advised in writing that: Corrective and Preventive Action
- (a) The staff member was requested to provide a second employer reference which was validated by the person in charge and placed on file. The service’s policies was updated to prevent similar future non-compliance
2 March 2026
Bangor Childrens Centre, Ballina · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) A second validated reference from a past employer was required for one adult in the service
- The service advised in writing that:
- Corrective and Preventive Action A second reference was obtained for the adult. In future the staff will ensure that all staff files are up to date
27 February 2026
Mulranny Community Playgroup Ltd, Mulranny · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The following information was unavailable for inspection:
- (d) International police vetting was unavailable for one adult in the service who had lived outside of the State for longer than six months as an adult
- The registered provider advised in writing that: Corrective and Preventive Action An application was submitted for an International Child Protection Certificate for the staff member. The certificate was obtained and is now on file. The service will ensure that if any future member of staff has lived outside the State for longer than six months, that they will obtain international police vetting. A checklist has been created for the staff folder, to ensure that all necessary documentation is received and kept on file for each member of staff in the future
23 February 2026
Carracastle Community Childcare Service, Ballaghaderreen · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The following documentation was unavailable for inspection:
- (a) Two written validated references from sources other than past employers were on file for one adult who had previous employments that references were required to be sourced from. A second written validated reference from a past employer was required for two of the adults. (c) The garda vetting on file for one adult was from an educational body and not the required garda vetting for this adult from the service. (d) International police vetting was unavailable for one adult new to the service who had lived outside of the State for longer than six months as an adult
- The service advised in writing that: Corrective and Preventive Action
- (a) Two written references were sought, validated and are now on file for one adult who had previous employments. A second written and validated references were obtained and are now on file for two other adults. All new staff coming to the service will be required to provide a reference from the most recent previous employer and it must be validated before they commence in the service. All staff files have been carefully reviewed to ensure full compliance with this regulation. (c) Garda vetting has been received for the adult in place of the educational body vetting on file. This disclosure is now on file. In the future, the service will ensure that the correct Garda vetting is on file for any adults working directly with children in advance of their start date in the service (d) International police vetting has been obtained for one adult who is new to the service and had lived outside the country for longer than 6 months as an adult. This vetting is now on file. In the future, all vetting and international police vetting must be obtained in advance of any staff commencing in the service. The service has updated interview processes in relation to this
26 January 2026
Ballyheane Buttercups, Castlebar · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (4) The documentation available for inspection regarding the qualification for a staff member who worked directly with the children was insufficient to show that the qualification met the regulatory requirements
- The service advised in writing that:
- Corrective and Preventive Action Clarification in relation to the qualification was sought from the relevant bodies however the staff member left the service before a final outcome was received. In future, the manager will conduct a more through review of qualifications. In cases where a full qualification certificate may not be available, the manager will seek confirmation from the relevant Government department to ensure the service remains compliant with all regulatory requirements and the documentation will be kept on file for inspection
4 December 2025
Tigh na Leanai, Kiltimagh · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (a) A written validated reference from a past employer was required for one staff member
- (2) (a) The service advised in writing that: Corrective and Preventive Action The registered provider and staff member were actively working on sourcing a reference from a past employer. Curriculum vitae will be thoroughly checked to make sure that the most recent references are in place before employment commences
15 October 2025
Little Acorns Pre-School, Westport · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- One written and validated reference was not available for 1 adult working in the service
- The written and validated reference is now on file. A recruitment compliance checklist has been established and will be signed off by the manager before a staff member takes up duties within the service
14 October 2025
Killeen Childcare Ltd, Louisburgh · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a,b,d) On the day of inspection, there was 1 staff member that did not have full staff file. A record of work experience and 2 validated written references were not available for inspection. The inspector was unable to establish if police vetting was required as evidence in the form of history of employment was not available for review. This posed a risk as inappropriate vetting procedures carried out to prior to staff being recruited. (4) On the day of inspection there was 1 adult that did not have police vetting for a period of 3 years that they lived outside the jurisdiction
- submitted by the registered provider The registered provider stated the following in their reply: Corrective and Preventive Action All staff will have their vetting reviewed prior to commencing work. We updated our Staffing Policy to include the requirement of overseas vetting
13 October 2025
Kilkelly Footsteps Childcare Co. CLG, Kilkelly · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The following vetting information was unavailable for inspection:
- (a) There were no written validated references from past employers particularly their most recent employer available for two adults. A second written validated reference was required for three adults. There was no evidence of the validation of two written references from past employers for three adults. There was no evidence of the validation of a written reference from a past employer for two adults. (d) There were no international police vetting documents available on file for one adult whose vetting documentation indicated that it was required. There were gaps in the employment histories available for two staff and it was unable to be confirmed if international police vetting was required for these individuals
- The service advised in a written response that: Corrective and Preventive Action
- All staff now have two validated references each and one of these is from their most recent employer before starting with in the service. The registered provider will ensure to validate every reference for any new staff starting in the future and will ensure that they have a reference from their most recent employer. (d) The staff member requiring international police vetting has now applied for the international police vetting. A staff member who had gaps in employment history has updated their curriculum vitae. The second staff member with gaps in their employment history has left the service. In the future the registered provider will ensure that any staff starting in the service who has worked abroad will obtain their international police vetting before commencing work in the service. The registered provider will ensure that employment histories are complete for any new staff starting in the service
22 September 2025
Ardnaree Community Playgroup Ltd., Ballina · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (4) The evidence available on file was insufficient to show that the qualifications for one staff met the regulatory requirements
- Corrective and Preventive Action The staff member obtained confirmation of successful completion of a relevant qualification and provided same to the service. A checklist has been introduced in the service to ensure that all new staff provide verified documentation including qualifications before commencing work
7 August 2025
Bright Beginnings Childcare Centre, Westport · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (a) (b) Two references and validations were missing in respect of 2 staff members for whom they were required. (d) One of 2 adults did not have a curriculum vitae, therefore overseas police vetting for this adult could not be established. (7)(a) Supervision of staff was not taking place as per the supervision policy of the service. While the policy stated that supervision took place every month, records documented that the last date recorded for supervision was in the first quarter of 2022. This posed a potential risk that staff are not being given the opportunity to engage in regular supervision to support their work practices and ensure that best practice in childcare is being maintained
- The following statements were received from the registered provider; (2) (a) One staff member has since left the service and 2 references and validations are now on file for the second adult. In future, all required documentation will be in place prior to commencement of employment. (d) A curriculum vitae is now on file for the staff member for whom it was required which indicated that no overseas police vetting was required. (7) (a) Supervision sessions have been arranged with staff members for the end of September 2025 when all staff have returned to work. Further sessions will be carried out every 3 months in line with the revised Staff Supervision and Support Policy. Informal and formal meetings take place regularly with staff members
31 July 2025
Mayo Acorns Childcare Limited, Castlebar · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The following vetting information was unavailable for inspection:
- (a) and (b) A second written validated reference from a past employer was required for one adult. There was no evidence of the validation by the service of two written references from sources other than past employers file for one adult. It was established from this adult’s employment history that references from past employers were required as the adult had previous employments
- The service advised in a written response that: (2) (a) and (b) Corrective and Preventive Action A second written reference from a past employer for one adult has been received and validated. Written references from past employers for the second adult have been received and validated
18 June 2025
The Mulberry Tree (Kilmore), Ballina · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (4) There was no documentary evidence on file in the service to demonstrate that three staff employed to work directly with the children in the service held the relevant qualification in early childhood care and education
- The registered provider submitted a written response on 8th and 16th of September to state that three new staff have commenced in the service. The vetting details for the three new staff was submitted
5 June 2025
Aughagower Community Childcare Ltd., Westport · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Two written validated references were not available for one adult working in the service. There were five references available in respect of three staff, however these references had not been validated
- Two written and validated references were provided for the adult working in the service. The registered provider has incorporated extra protocols including a reference validation book to ensure all references are validated
12 May 2025
Sugradh Le Cheile Pre-school and Afterschool, Ballintubber · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- A written validated reference was not on file for one of the adults working in the service
1 May 2025
Tigh na Leanai Childcare Ltd, Kiltimagh · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The following vetting information was unavailable for inspection:
- (a) & (b) There were no written validated references on file for one adult. (d) There was no employment/experience history for one adult, and it was unable to be verified if international police vetting was required for this adult
- The registered provider advised in writing that:
- Corrective and Preventive Action (a) & (b) There are now two references on file for the adult. The service will make sure that each staff member will have two references on file. (d) The registered provider has confirmed with the adult that international police vetting is not required and obtained an up-to-date curriculum vitae for the adult. The service will make sure that each staff member has an up-to-date curriculum vitae on file
23 April 2025
Happytots Childcare, Claremorris · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- One written validated reference was not available for one staff member working in the service
- A written validated reference was provided for one staff member. The registered provider will ensure there are two written validated references for staff members on file
20 March 2025
Stepping Stones Montessori, Newport · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (d) The required International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) was not available for one adult who had lived outside of the State for longer than six months as an adult
- The registered provider advised in writing that: Corrective and Preventive Action (d) The International Child Protection Certificate has been obtained for the staff member and a copy is held on their staff file. It will be noted on staff files for future recruitment that any new staff members who have lived outside Ireland for 6 months or more must hold a copy of their International Child Protection Certificate on (ICPC) on file prior to commencement of employment
13 March 2025
Meelickmore Montessori, Claremorris · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Two validated references were not available in respect of one staff member working in the service
- The registered provider has validated the two references available for the staff member. Validation of references will be recorded for all staff members as part of the recruitment process
4 March 2025
Sasta Early Learning Centre, Charlestown · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (a) A second validated reference from a past employer was required for one adult. (d) International police vetting was required for one adult who had lived outside of the state for longer than six months as an adult. (4) There was insufficient evidence available to show that the qualification for one adult met the requirements of the regulation
- The service advised in a written response that: Corrective and Preventive Action (2)(a) The second reference for the staff member has been received. Regular checks will be carried out on vetting documents and followed up as needed. (2)(d) The international police vetting has been applied for. Regular checks will be carried out. The person in charge will always make sure that an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) is obtained where required. (4) The staff member has received their qualification certificate now and has applied to relevant body for confirmation that it is a recognised qualification. The service will ensure that the relevant authorities are consulted with when needed before employment in future
25 February 2025
Smarties Montessori School, Westport · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (d) International police vetting was not available for one of the adults that had lived outside the state for a period of longer than six consecutive months
- A copy of the international police vetting is now on file for the adult who had lived outside the state for a period of longer than six consecutive months
14 February 2025
Joanna's Preschool and Afterschool, Ballina · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) A written validated reference was required from one staff member’s most recent employer
- The registered provider advised in writing that: Corrective and Preventive Action The service has obtained a reference from the staff member’s last employer. In future the service will make sure new employees have a reference from their last employer
6 February 2025
Foxford Childcare Group Ltd - The Growing Tree, Foxford · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (a) There was no evidence of the validation of two references for one adult. Two adults’ employment histories showed that both adults required a second reference from a past employer instead of the references that had been obtained from other sources
- The service advised in writing that: Corrective and Preventive Action The references and validations required were obtained for both staff members. Any future employee, student or scheme personnel, will have a checklist at the beginning of their staff folder. Each document that is required must be checked, verified to be correct and be signed and dated before commencement of position
31 January 2025
Darias Daycare, Ballina · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (a) A reference was required from one of the adults most recent employer. (4) There was insufficient evidence available to show that the qualification for one adult met the requirements of the regulation
- The registered provider advised in writing that: Corrective and Preventive Action (2) (a) The reference has been obtained and is now kept on file. The reference will be kept on file in future. (4) The proof of qualification has been obtained and is now kept on file. The proof of qualification will be kept on file in future
13 December 2024
Naionra Dhun Chaochain, Béal An Átha · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) Two written validated references were required for one adult. Photographic identification was required for one adult
- The service advised in writing that: Corrective and Preventive Action (2)(a) Two written validated references and photographic identification for one adult have been provided. Two written validated references and photographic identification will be requested and kept on file for all staff and replacement staff
22 October 2024
Carrakennedy Community Childcare Limited, Westport · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a) There was no evidence of the validation of two written references from past employers for one staff member. (d) There was no employment history/experience available for one staff member
- The registered provider stated in a written response that:
- Corrective and Preventive Action (a) The two references for the staff member have now been validated. The service will make sure that references will be validated in the future. (d) An employment history is now in place for staff member. Employment history will be sought for candidates seeking employment
15 October 2024
Stepping Stones Community Playgroup, Claremorris · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- - One written validation was not available in respect of one adult working in the service. - It was noted on the day of inspection that one reference presented for one staff was not accepted as it did not include the date. - Three written references in respect of the two students working in the service were not available. This was a non-compliance on the previous inspection. (4) No evidence was provided of one staff members qualification
- (2)(a)(b) The service advised in a written response that: - A written validation was provided for one adult working in the service. - The reference on file was dated and signed. -Three written references were provided for the two students working in the service. (4) A level 5 award in Early Childhood Care and Education for the staff member was provided
9 September 2024
Naíonra Céimeanna Beaga, Westport · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a) There was no written reference from one of the staff member’s most recent employer available on file
- The registered provider advised in a written response that: (2) (a) Corrective and Preventive Action A reference was provided and validated. In future the service will ensure that all the relevant information is received prior to a staff member’s start date
17 July 2024
Little Treasures Creche, Castlebar · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The following vetting and qualification documentation was unavailable on file for the new adults:
- (a) Two written validated past employer references were unavailable for two adults in the service and one written past employer reference was unavailable for one adult. One adult required a reference to be obtained from their most recent employer and there was no evidence of the validation of a reference from a past employer for another adult. (d) The record of the employment/experience history available for two adults was incomplete and it was unable to be confirmed if international police vetting was required for these adults. (4) There was insufficient evidence available to show that qualifications for one adult met the requirements of the regulation
- The service advised in a written response that: Corrective and Preventive Action
- (a) All references have now been updated and validated by phone. Two references will always be validated by phone. (d) The updated curriculum vitae were submitted to the Inspectorate. All employees will be asked to ensure they have no gaps in information on curriculum vitae. (4) The staff member’s qualification has been verified and evidence has been forwarded to the Inspectorate. The required evidence is available on the staff member’s file
25 June 2024
Mini Mi's Pre-school, Balla · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a) There were no written references available on file for one staff member. (d) There were gaps in information in the curriculum vitae/experience for one staff member and it was unable to be confirmed if international police vetting was required for these time frames
- The registered provider advised in a written response that: Corrective and Preventive Action (a) The two references required were obtained and submitted. The registered provider is to ensure that all written references are sought before employee starts employment (d) The staff member has filled in the gaps on their curriculum vitae. The registered provider will ensure all employees have no gaps in information on their curriculum vitae
9 May 2024
Curious Minds, Castlebar · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (4) There was no evidence on file to show that the qualification for one member of staff new to the service met the requirements of the regulation. It is acknowledged that after the inspection the inspectorate was informed by the registered providers that the member of staff had left the service
- The registered providers advised in a written response that: Corrective and Preventive Action The staff member was replaced with a member of staff whose qualification meets the requirement of the regulation. To ensure compliance with the regulation the service has adapted their personnel file form to include verification that qualifications meet the regulatory requirements. The management will be responsible for the completion of this personnel file form
23 April 2024
Guardian Angel Montessori, Ballina · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a) A second written validated reference from a past employer was required for one adult. There were no written validated references available for a second adult. (d) There was no employment history/experience available for one adult and there were gaps in employment history details for one adult new to the service
- The registered provider stated in a written response that: Corrective and Preventive Action
- (a) A second written validated reference from a past employer for one adult was received and validated. Two written references were received for the second adult . All new staff will have two written references which have been validated and up to date curriculum vitae on their file before their start work in the service. (d) A curriculum vitae has been obtained for one adult and the gaps in the employment history for the other adult been addressed. All new staff will have two written references which have been validated and up to date curriculum vitae on their file before their start work in the service