Regulation 9 in Meath
Management and Recruitment: 40 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.
28 May 2026
Kidology Childcare (Mulhuddart) Ltd, Mulhuddart · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (d) See Statutory Notice section in relation to Immediate Action Notice IAN 0262 served
18 May 2026
Fonthill Lodge Childcare, Clonee · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The following information was not available on the day of inspection. (4) It was not possible to evidence if a major award at level 5 or above, had been obtained in the case of one staff member
Provider's corrective action:
- The official QQI certificate now since been obtained. Employees who have completed a qualification but are awaiting their official QQI certificate will not be employed until the official QQI award has been received and verified
14 April 2026
Bettystown's Little Stars, Bettystown · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (9) (2) (d) See Statutory Notice section in relation to Improvement Notice IN1221 served
1 April 2026
Ashbourne Tiny Tots Care Creche & Montessori Ltd, Ashbourne · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (d) See Statutory Notice section in relation to Immediate Action Notice 1043 served and Improvement Notice 1063 served
30 March 2026
Dolphins Early Education and Childcare Centre, Dunshaughlin · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) & (b)A second validated written reference was not available for one staff member. (d) See Statutory Notice section in relation to the Immediate Action Notice IAN 0981 served. (3) One staff member commenced employment in the service prior to all of the required references being in place. (d) Documentary evidence was not available to confirm that 1 staff member whose files was reviewed and who works directly with children in the service held an appropriate childcare qualification at Level 5 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications or a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action (2)(a) & (b) Registered provider has reviewed an updated all staff files accordingly to ensure all required documentation is on each file. She received a 2nd reference from the staff member and have since verified same. (3) Staff member had references checked on 5/12 and started employment 30/11. This oversight has now been highlighted and all other files checked in accordance. (d) The staff member has completed a level 5 course was is waiting on certificate to be processed. Preventive Action (2)(a) & (b) As this was an error from previous management, as part of new management teams action plan going forward, the assistant will now complete regular checks on all staff files. (3) An oversight by previous management, however the files of new starts are all up to do date and compliant. As part of staff induction, a checklist for new starts has been put together for them to use a guideline and reassurance everyone has references checked. (d)Staff member assigned alternative role so therefore is no longer working directly with the children until cert is issued
12 March 2026
Snugglemuffins Montessori LTD, Navan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) Vetting procedures were not carried out appropriately to ensure one staff member was suitable and competent to work with children in the service. (a)&(b) Two validated written references were not available either from a past employer or from a reputable source. (d)As there was no curriculum vitae available on file it could not be determined if this staff member had resided outside the jurisdiction for a period of more than 6 consecutive months as an adult. (4) There was no documentation on file to demonstrate that this staff member had a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 and above on the National Framework of Qualifications or a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a)(b)(d)&(4) The staff member file was located and forwarded to the inspectorate on day of the inspection. A staff check list has now been created to ensure all files are available for inspection
10 March 2026
Tots Creche Ruxton Oaks, Navan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (a)&(b) Two written references available for one staff member were not accompanied by a translation from a reputable source. (d) The police vetting available for a staff member was not accompanied by a translation from a reputable source
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a)(b)(d) All documents have been translated by a reputable source. A preventive action was not submitted
3 March 2026
The Village Preschool Nobber, Nobber · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (4) Documentary evidence available for review did not provide sufficient evidence that 2 staff members employed to work with the children held the appropriate childcare qualification. It is acknowledged that a provisional statement of results and a component certificate were on file
Provider's corrective action:
- One staff member has sent her transcript to the Department of children for Validation. This email was sent on the day of the inspection and to date no respond has been received. QQI cannot issue a cert as she qualified before 2016. The second educator had completed her course and was waiting for her graduation and final cert, she is currently on sick leave and if she returns her file will be updated appropriately and within regulation. Those who cannot get a replacement cert will contact the Department to validate their transcript of results
26 February 2026
Happy Days Creche & Pre School, Rathmoylon · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (1)(b) The designated person in charge was not on the premises when the inspector arrived unannounced to carry out the inspection. (2)(d) Police vetting was available for one staff member who required vetting however a translation was not available and therefore the inspector was unable to determine its outcome
Provider's corrective action:
- (1)(b) To address this, the staff rostering system has been reviewed and updated. All staff present on the premises, regardless of their role, are now clearly recorded on the daily roster to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and to provide an accurate record for inspection purposes. This includes the designated person in charge will be present and reflected on the roster. (2)(d) The police vetting document has been professionally translated into English, and a copy of the translated document has been added to the staff member’s file alongside the original documentation. The service will ensure going forward that all vetting documentation in a language other than English is accompanied by an appropriate translation to allow for clear verification of outcomes and to maintain full compliance with regulatory requirements
5 February 2026
Early Buds Creche, Slane · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a)(b) References were not available as follows • Two references were not available for one staff member • A second reference for one student was not available • Two references for another student were not available
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action The registered provider stated that the required references were received. Preventive Action The registered provider will ensure the references are verified and received at appropriate timing
26 January 2026
Scallywags Playgroup & Afterschool Care, Navan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) Police vetting was not available for one new staff member who had resided outside the jurisdiction for a period of more than 6 consecutive months as an adult
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(d) Police vetting has been obtained for this staff member and is now available on file. The registered provider will ensure that Police vetting if required is sought before any staff member commences employment
27 November 2025
Jonix Educational Services, Kentstown · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) International police vetting required for one staff member, to ensure suitability for their role, was not available. (4) There were three staff members who worked directly with the children who did not hold a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent to a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 - 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. It is acknowledged that the service had applied to the Department of Education and Youth regarding these three staff members qualifications, however the response indicated that they did not hold an equivalent qualification
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(d) The registered provider submitted evidence that an application for the international police vetting had been applied for. However, this had not yet been obtained, and the staff member is not actively working in the service. As a preventive action the registered provider stated that the issue was immediately addressed in a management meeting, and they will ensure that they do not have any new staff on the premises whilst awaiting vetting. (4) The registered provider stated that the Department of Education and Youth is aware of the current situation with regards to the service’s dual qualification criteria and are engaging with the departments in finding a fair solution. The service is engaged with a training provider regarding qualifications which meet the Level 5 criteria. All staff are registered with the teaching council in accordance with Department of Education criteria, and are qualified to teach in primary schools including preschool classes Summary Comment The actions submitted by the registered provider demonstrate that the service is actively engaged in addressing the non-compliances and their responsibility to achieve compliance with regulation 9(2)(d) and 9(4). However, at this time the criteria for compliance had not been met and regulation 9 (2)(d) and 9 (4) remain non-compliant and an update will be requested from the registered provider following publication
12 November 2025
The Hive Childcare, Summerhill · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) One staff member who had lived outside the jurisdiction for a period of more than six months did not have police vetting available
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action (2)(d) Police Vetting obtained from Australia for relevant staff member Preventive Action: Review all employee & student/volunteer files ensuring all correct vetting is in place. Initiate the vetting process to obtain police vetting for affected staff member immediately. Conduct regular reviews to ensure ongoing compliance with police vetting requirements
28 October 2025
Daoine Oga Childcare Centre, Navan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) Police vetting was not available for one staff member who had lived outside the jurisdiction for more than six consecutive months. Action submitted by the Registered Provider
Provider's corrective action:
- Police vetting obtained for the staff member.e vetting obtained for the staff member Review procedure regarding vetting from other countries, all vetting carried out prior to a person been employed
29 September 2025
Cookies Early Learning Centre Ltd, Dunshaughlin · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) A written reference that was on file for one staff member had not been validated with the person who provided the reference
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action (2) (a) The reference has now been validated and is on the staff member’s file. Preventive Action (2) (a) Their checklists when hiring new staff have been updated to ensure that all compliant related documentation and cross checks are followed through in their entirety by all branch managers. They have also added a ‘sign -off’ sheet for both the branch manager to sign to confirm they have processed all checklist paperwork and an area for the senior management to sign to acknowledge testimony and/or their acknowledgement of same
11 September 2025
Cazzy Cuddles Pre-School, Ashbourne · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (4) For one staff member working directly with the children there was insufficient information on inspection that they held a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications or a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent. Another member of staff observed working directly with the children did not hold a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications or a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- (4) The registered provider stated that the ancillary staff member will not work directly with the children. The registered provider submitted information that the other staff member’s qualification did not meet the requirements of a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications or a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent. The registered provider stated that the staff member was no longer employed in the service and going forward they would ensure qualifications met the minimum standard
9 September 2025
Lámha Beaga, Stamullen · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (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:
- Registered provider applied for vetting for staff member who lived in UK, we received email to say this has been processed and was posted on 31st Oct. Ensure adequate read through of CV’s to make sure documents are up to date
4 September 2025
Butterflies Playschool, Duleek · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a)(c) Vetting procedures had not been completed for the person who provides cover in the event of emergency; two validated references and Garda Vetting were not available for inspection. The registered provider stated that this person had not been required to attend the service to date
Provider's corrective action:
- Vetting now in place for the emergency contact person. The registered provider will ensure the garda vetting is renewed before the expiry period
2 September 2025
Simonstown Childcare Facility CLG, Navan · 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
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action Police vetting has been sought for this staff member and submitted it to the Inspectorate on the 15th September 2025. Preventive Action Management will review the staff folders more frequently but also will be more mindful in reviewing CV’s and identify staff who have worked aboard for a period of time to comply with police vetting
26 August 2025
Oak Childcare Ltd, Stamullen · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (a) (b) There were no written references on file for one adult
Provider's corrective action:
- Manager and registered provider has reviewed all staff files. Reference have been received and verified for staff member who was missing references. Manager and deputy manager reviewed induction process. Templates are used for induction and reference validation. Review of all staff files and templates used for all future inductions
12 August 2025
Tigers Childcare, Navan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) Police vetting was not available for 2 staff members who had resided outside the jurisdiction for a period of more than 6 consecutive months as an adult
Provider's corrective action:
- A full audit of all existing staff files within the service was conducted to verify that up-to-date International Police Clearances are on file for all current employees. The two colleagues identified during the inspection have since completed and submitted the required police clearance documentation. All managers responsible for recruitment and onboarding have been reminded of their responsibility to ensure police clearance is received and filed before any employee commences work. HR has provided a refresher briefing on compliance expectations and documentation standards. For all future acquisitions, our HR team has developed an audit tool which will be used to check staff files for completeness during the acquisition onboarding process. Our existing recruitment procedures already ensure that new hires have the correct documentation prior to starting employment, and this additional audit step will ensure the same level of compliance for all colleagues prior to starting employment
13 June 2025
The Kilberry School of Montessori, Navan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (d) Police vetting was not available for two staff members who had resided outside the jurisdiction for a period of more than 6 consecutive months as an adult
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action Staff member 1: The registered provider and staff member has started the process of seeking police vetting, it is historical vetting and are seeking advice regarding same. Staff member 2: The registered provider and staff member have begun the application process of seeking police vetting, making it in person through the Embassy. Preventive Action Prior to employment in the future all clearances will be in place. The recruitment policy of the school has been amended to ensure this is adhered to
11 June 2025
Maria's Montessori, Drumree · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a)(b)One staff member did not have 2 validated written references either from a past employer or from a reputable source
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a)(b)Two validated written references have been obtained for the staff member and have been placed on file. Staff files will be checked on a regular basis to ensure compliance
29 April 2025
Kiddy Academy, Navan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (4) The registered provider did not ensure that all staff working directly with the children held an appropriate childcare qualification. One staff member had not fully completed a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 and above on the National Framework of Qualifications or a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- (4) The staff members now has a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education with their qualification certificate placed in their file. The registered provider will ensure that no staff member is employed in the service without a full childcare qualification
7 April 2025
Here We Grow Preschool, Dunshaughlin · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(c) A Garda vetting disclosure was not available for 1 staff member who works directly with the children in the service. This staff member was on leave and not present in the service on the day of inspection. (4) Documentary evidence was not available to confirm that 1 staff member whose files was reviewed and who works directly with children in the service held an appropriate childcare qualification at Level 5 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications or a qualification deemed by the Minister to be equivalent
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action (2)(c) Registered provider has not yet received a hard copy of the garda vetting form due to recent national changes of organisations responsible for vetting processes . Evidence of an application reference number was provided and application made for vetting. Employee is on bereavement leave. (4) Staff qualifications were displayed on the wall on the day of the inspection. Preventive Action (2) (c) Ensure all garda vetting is stored on site. (4) Staff qualifications are always on display on the wall in the room
1 April 2025
Dara's Scoil Na n-og Montessori School Teoranta, Navan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(c) Garda vetting disclosure was not available for one staff member. An immediate action notice was issued on the 4th April 2025 as one staff member did not have garda vetting. A response was received on the 7th April which was accepted by the Inspectorate to be appropriately addressing the non compliance
Provider's corrective action:
- Garda vetting received for the staff member and submitted to the Early Years Inspectorate
11 March 2025
Cookies Early learning Centre, Athboy · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) Police vetting was not available for 1 adult who had resided outside the jurisdiction for a period of more than 6 consecutive months as an adult. It is acknowledged that the adult had made reasonable attempts to obtain police vetting with no success
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(d) The adult has provided documentation stating that she cannot access police vetting from the country she resided in. The registered provider will ensure that all staff members and students have police vetting were necessary before commencing employment
10 March 2025
The Grange Preschool And Early Years Centre, Drogheda · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) One adult had a standard police certificate available rather than the required international child protection certificate (ICPC) which is a requirement for any staff member who has lived in the UK for 6 months or longer as an adult since October 2012 and who commenced working in an early years service after that date. Evidence was submitted to the Inspectorate by the registered providers that this staff member promptly applied for the required international child protection certificate within 2 days of the inspection
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered providers stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been carried out: Corrective Action (2)(d) The staff member in question applied for the required police vetting on 12/03/2025 and it was received on 17/04/2025. Preventive Action (2)(d) The employee in question had a standard UK police vetting certificate and the registered providers were unaware this document was not sufficient. The registered providers will ensure going forward that as advised the required ICPC is sought for any new staff that require UK vetting prior to them commencing employment
24 February 2025
Rainbow Lane Preschool, Kildalkey · 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
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(d) Police vetting has now been obtained for the staff member. The registered provider will ensure that police vetting if required will be sought before a staff member commences employment
20 February 2025
Jumping Joe’s Crèche and Montessori, Stamullen · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) In relation to the 12 files reviewed, international police vetting was not available as required for a staff member who had resided outside of the Irish jurisdiction for more than 6 consecutive months as an adult
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been undertaken: Corrective Action The staff member applied on the day of inspection for her international police vetting and has since received the document which has been placed in her staff file. Preventive Action The registered provider will ensure to check each and every new employee's work history and if they are in need of an international police vetting it will be obtained before the commencement of employment
12 February 2025
Reach For The Stars - The Arches, Dunshaughlin · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- While it is acknowledged that a police vetting disclosure was available for one staff member working in the service, who had lived outside of the state for a period of longer than six consecutive months, this disclosure was not available in English or Irish. It is a requirement that documents are available in English or Irish and are translated by a certified translator
Provider's corrective action:
- The service has retrieved the translation of the international police clearance. All international vetting will be translated prior to employment commences going forward
23 January 2025
Oakleaves Pre-School, Navan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (d)Police vetting was not available for one staff member who had resided outside the state for a period of more than 6 consecutive months
Provider's corrective action:
- Police vetting submitted to the Eary Years Inspectorate on the 13th February 2025. To ensure all future staff that have lived outside the country to have police vetting from that country, or staff coming to work in the service from another country to submit police vetting from their home country as part of the employment process. Added to recruitment policy check list
20 November 2024
Little Steps Pre-School ltd, Ballivor · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (4) One staff member did not have a full childcare qualification. This staff member is doing a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 which will be complete by April 2025
Provider's corrective action:
- (4) This staff member will work under the supervision of a qualified staff at all times. The staff member will be qualified in March 2025 and proof of qualification will be forwarded to the Inspectorate when received. Summary Comment The registered provider has provided assurances that this staff member will work under the supervision of a qualified staff at all times. Proof of qualification will be forwarded to the Inspectorate when obtained. This non-compliance remains outstanding
11 November 2024
Spraoi Childcare, Bettystown · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) &(b) Two validated written references were not available for 2 staff members whose files were reviewed. (d) International police vetting was available for one staff member, however it had not been translated and therefore could not be interpreted; international police vetting was not available for a further 2 staff members
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action (2)(a) &(b) The 2 references for the student were in another file. Managers have been informed to keep all files together for inspection Checklist amended for staff. (d) All Managers have had meeting on all non-compliances that have arose from inspection and have informed staff of these. Staff member has reapplied for police vetting for her staff file. Preventive Action (2)(a) &(b) All student and staff files to be filed together for future inspections. All staff to have completed files prior to starting their position, checklists are in place that have timeframe to complete. (d) All staff to have completed files prior to starting their position, checklists are in place that have timeframe to complete. Staff to provide translated police vetting prior to starting position. Staff will only be able to commence in their positions when staff files are completed. Staff checklists have been updated and must be completed prior to staffs first day in
7 October 2024
The Montessori Story, Navan · 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 full childcare qualification. This staff member had a Special Needs Module completed and is in the process of completing a level 5 childcare qualification
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(d) Police vetting has now been received for the staff member. The registered provider will ensure that staff members who require police vetting have vetting on file before commencing employment. (4) This staff member will work under the supervision of a qualified staff at all times when providing support to a child with special needs. The staff member will be qualified in February 2025 and proof of qualification will be forwarded to the Inspectorate when received
24 September 2024
Teresa's Playschool, Trim · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (a) (b) A second written validated reference was not on file for three adults. Two written references provided for one adult were not validated
Provider's corrective action:
- Five validated references for the four adults were submitted. Ensure that references are validated prior to start date, with a checklist implemented
31 July 2024
Churchfields Tiny Tots, Ashbourne · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (4) On the 30/07/24 In the Clever Cookies room, the two staff members caring for 10 pre-school children did not have a childcare qualification
Provider's corrective action:
- (4) The younger children in this classroom had finished their ECCE pre-school year and were all due to start school 3 weeks later. They had moved into the school aged room, to enable them to settle into this new group with new teachers before the next transition of starting primary school. An early years qualified staff member will now be placed in the school aged classroom with the younger age group who are due to start school. Summary Comment The assurances from the registered provider that an appropriately qualified staff member will care for the pre- school children has addressed the non-compliance
29 April 2024
Secret of Childhood, Trim · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (d) Police vetting was not available for the registered provider who had resided outside the state for a period of more than 6 consecutive months as an adult. Evidence was submitted indicating that the registered provider had tried to obtain the required police vetting following the previous inspection
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action: The registered provider has tried for several years to obtain police vetting for when working as a Montessori Directress in Denver, Colorado in 1988/89. I have learned that the VISA I was on then (36 years ago) did not require me to have a social security number. Without this evidence police clearance is unobtainable
22 March 2024
Little Rascals Playschool, Trim · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (4) One staff member did not hold a childcare qualification
Provider's corrective action:
- Corrective Action The existing contract of employment is due to expire, and the contract will not be renewed once expired. Preventive Action Ensure all staff have the appropriate qualifications when being employed. Summary Comment Thie Regulation remains outstanding as one staff member does not hold a childcare qualification
12 March 2024
Naíonra Bruach na h-Abhann, Ashbourne · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) Police vetting was not available for 1 staff member who had resided outside the jurisdictions for a period of more than 6 consecutive months as an adult
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(d)An application has been made for police vetting for the staff member who had resided outside the jurisdictions for a period of more than 6 consecutive months as an adult. Summary Comment The registered provider s in the Corrective Action and Preventive Action plan has not addressed the non - compliance for regulation 9 (2)(d) as police vetting has not been submitted to the Inspectorate. This non- compliance remains outstanding