Regulation 9 in Monaghan
Management and Recruitment: 31 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.
20 April 2026
Klaine Childcare LTD, Castleblayney · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) See Statutory Notice section in relation to Improvement Notice IAN 1301 served. (2)(a) One staff member did not have two written and validated references. This was found to be non-compliant at the last inspection on 11/4/25. The corrective actions submitted following that inspection stated that all members of staff will have two sufficient written references. The service was to complete a checklist so that staff commencing employment would have two written references in place. The actions outlined did not prevent recurrence of this non-compliance. (4) One staff member did not have documentary evidence of having a qualification equal to a minimum Level 5 in childcare this is a recurring non-compliance and at variance to the registered provider’s response at the previous inspection, Service will “ensure all staff in preschool rooms have a minimum level 5 in qualification in Early Years or an equivalent”. The actions outlined did not prevent the recurrence of this non-compliance
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a) Staff member obtained new references, which were verified by management. The staff list for each member has been re -checked and new management has been made aware to ensure staff do not start working within the service until all relevant documentation has been received. (4) The staff member has sent in their application to the DC DE and does not currently work with preschool age children. The registered provider will ensure that staff send their qualification in to the DCDE if they do not have a childcare qualification
12 March 2026
Glenpark Montessori School, Monaghan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) and (b) • One student did not have their 2 written references validated. • One staff member did not have 1 of their written references validated. • One staff member required a second written and validated reference. (d) Two members of staff who had resided outside the Irish jurisdiction for a period of 6 months or more as an adult did not have international police vetting. (3) The registered provider did not ensure that all vetting procedures as specified above were carried out prior to any person being appointed or having access to the preschool children
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a) and (b) The registered provider has validated the two references required for the student. The registered provider has validated one of the staff members written references. The registered provider has validated a second reference supplied by the staff member. The registered provider has introduced a mandatory pre-employment checklist to ensure all required documentation, including written references, are fully validated prior to a staff member commencing employment. The service has strengthened the recruitment procedure to ensure all references are obtained and verified prior to start dates. (d) The registered provider spoke to the two staff members immediately and the process was started for the international police check. One of the staff members has completed their international police check. The other staff member has started the process. The registered provider has introduced a mandatory pre-employment compliance checklist, which includes international police vetting as a non-negotiable requirement prior to commencement. (3)The registered provider acknowledges the non-compliance in relation to vetting procedures not being fully completed prior to appointment or access to preschool children. Immediate corrective actions were taken to ensure all outstanding vetting requirements, including international police vetting where applicable, were completed without delay. No further staff are permitted access to children until full compliance is confirmed
10 March 2026
Carrickroe Community Childcare, Emyvale · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- • One staff member did not have a second written and validated reference. • One student required 2 written and validated references. (4) On staff member did not have documentary evidence of their qualification being equivalent to a minimum Level 5 Childcare qualification
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a) The registered provider contacted the staff’s referee in order to validate the staff’s second reference. The registered provider stated that references were sought for the student which were then validated. Several actions have been taken to prevent reoccurrence. These include updating our recruitment procedures to ensure references are obtained and verified prior to employment, including updating our Student Recruitment to clearly outline what documentation is required on file, introducing a staff file checklist and assigning responsibility to a second senior member of management as a designated person for compliance oversight completing monthly checks on all files to ensure up to date compliance. (4) The registered provider contacted the staff members and requested that they make an application to the DCDE Early Years Recognition department and seek clarification regarding their certification meeting the minimum standard of qualification. Upon hiring staff members with qualifications outside the standard Irish Early Years Qualification Frameworks, we will request the provide proof of qualification & they can make an application for clarity before starting at the service. This has now been added to our recruitment policy
6 March 2026
Laurelhill Community Childcare, Castleblayney · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) Two members of staff required a second written and validated reference
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a)Both staff members supplied the service with another reference and they have been validated with their source. The person in charge will ensure that any further employee does not present a reference from the Registered Provider, the Recruitment policy has been updated to reflect this
11 February 2026
Little Rascals, Monaghan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) The references for one staff member were not validated. This is a recurrent non-compliance and is at variance to the registered provider’s assurances that “all staff validation forms” would be accessible in staff files. (d) Following a review of the 3 new staff files presented on the day of inspection international police vetting was required for 2 staff members who had resided outside the jurisdiction for a period of greater than 6 months as an adult. While it is acknowledged that vetting disclosures were available there was no English translation available
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a) Reference check of the staff member has been completed and added to the file. A staff file check list has been created to ensure all required document are added to staff files pre- commencement of employment. (d) International police vetting for the two staff members has now been translated into English. A staff file checklist has been created to ensure all required document are added to staff files pre-commencement of employment
3 February 2026
Naíonra Eois, Clones · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) One staff member required a second written and validated reference. (4) Documentary evidence was not available for 1 of the staff members who worked directly with the preschool children to demonstrate that they held a minimum Level 5 Childcare qualification or equivalency
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a) The registered provider stated that a second written and verified reference is now on file for the staff member who only had one reference. All staff members are required to provide two references prior to starting employment. (4) One staff member is still waiting for their qualification certificate to demonstrate they hold a level 5 qualification. The staff member has been in touch with the training provider and they estimate she should have her certificate by Easter
27 January 2026
Tree Tops, Monaghan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Following review of the staff files, the following was not available; (2) (a) (b) There were no written, validated references on file for one staff member. One written reference available on file for one staff member was not validated. (4) There was no qualification on file for one staff member who the registered providers advised works with preschool children in a relief capacity
Provider's corrective action:
- (2) (a) Reference’s received, printed and validated. (b) Reference printed and validated. (4) Qualifications are pending from the governing body. This relief staff member will continue to work in afterschool and will not be used as a relief preschool staff member until qualifications have been received
25 November 2025
The Crayon Box, Monaghan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- • One staff member did not have 2 written and validated references available for inspection. • Two staff members did not have a 2nd written and validated reference. • The second reference for one staff member was not validated. (d) There was not an officially translated copy of the international police vetting for 1 staff member available for inspection
Provider's corrective action:
- To ensure full compliance with Regulation (2)(a) the registered provider will ensure that all staff have two written and validated references on file at all times. Following the inspection, all missing and unvalidated references have been obtained and validated and all staff files are now fully compliant. Compliance will be monitored using a staff file checklist and through quarterly audits of personnel files to ensure ongoing adherence. The registered provider will ensure a staff recruitment and personnel file checklist is used for all staff to confirm that two written and validated references are in place. No staff member will commence employment until both references have been received and validated. I will review and sign off on all staff files prior to commencement and will complete quarterly audits of personnel files to ensure ongoing compliance. (d) To ensure full compliance with staffing requirements, the provider will ensure that officially translated copies of international police vetting are obtained and retained on file for any staff member where vetting is issued in a language other than English. Following the inspection, an officially translated copy of the international police vetting for the staff member identified has been obtained and is now available for inspection. The registered provider will ensure that officially translated copies of all international police vetting documents are obtained and placed on staff files where vetting is issued in a language other than English. No staff member will commence employment until the translated vetting is received. A staff recruitment checklist will be used to verify compliance, and the registered provider will complete quarterly audits of personnel files to ensure ongoing adherence
11 November 2025
Busy Bees Montessori Ltd, Clones · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) Two staff members required a second written and validated reference. (d) One staff member who lived outside the Irish jurisdiction for a period of 6 months or more did not have the correct international police vetting documentation available for inspection
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a) A new updated second reference has been obtained and validated for 2 members of staff. (d)An international Child protection cert has been got for the member of staff. New staff cannot start working with children until all references are obtained and validated and vetted
14 October 2025
Carrickmacross Preschool Playgroup, Carrickmacross · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) One staff member required a second written and validated reference
Provider's corrective action:
- The staff member was asked to submit a reference which was then checked and validated by the manager. Targeted questions were asked to the referee before validating the reference. The registered provider will ensure a more robust approach to the references moving forward when hiring new staff and ensuring they are verified verbally- clear questions will be asked to ensure the registered provider is getting a clear picture of the candidate
11 September 2025
Bright Stars Childcare, Castleblayney · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) The second reference for one staff member was not validated. (4) Documentary evidence was not available for inspection for 1 staff member to show they had a minimum Level 5 childcare qualification
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a) Staff member’s reference was validated and submitted. The registered provider has stated that measures are put in place prior to a new member of staff commencing in the service, that references are received and validated and signed by management. (4) The staff member referenced is currently present for training experience while completing modules to obtain an overall Level 5 qualification and not counted in ratio, is not to cover breaks or left unsupervised with the children. All existing staff have a full childcare certificate and management will ensure that a full childcare Level 5 qualification will be obtained prior to a new staff member commencing in the service
18 July 2025
Tru Beginnings Community Childcare Centre, Emyvale · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) One of the international police vetting disclosures available for inspection did not have an accompanying English translation
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(d) Police Vetting form has been translated into English and placed in the staff file. In future the manager will ensure that all Police Vetting certificates and staff documents are in the English language before they commence working in the service
10 July 2025
Tots to Teens, Scotstown · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) and (b) 1. Three staff members did not have 2 written and validated references. 2. Two written references were not validated. (c) One staff member did not have a processed Garda Vetting disclosure available for inspection. A Garda Vetting, immediate action notice was issued to the registered provider on the day of the inspection in relation to no Garda vetting being available for the staff member. (d) Two staff members who had lived outside the jurisdiction for a period of 6 months or more did not have the required international police vetting. (3) Appropriate vetting procedures in relation to obtaining written references, validation of written references, obtaining Garda vetting and international police vetting where required, had not been carried prior to all persons being appointed as per the findings of Regulation 9(2) above
Provider's corrective action:
- (2) and (3) Missing references have been received and validated. References on file that had not been validated have now been checked. Missing Gardai Vetting was received on the 17/07/2025. Two staff members who resided outside the jurisdiction have now received international police vetting. Going forward management will ensure all vetting and validated references are on file prior to any staff member commencing the service
28 March 2025
Aghabog Early Years, Smithborough · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) and (b) • One staff member required a second written reference. • One staff member required their second reference to be validated. (4) One staff member who worked directly with the preschool children did not have documentary evidence of having a minimum Level 5 childcare qualification
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a) and (b) A second reference received from the staff member and both staff members references are validated. Staff references to be kept updated and need to provide 2 when starting employment. (4) Staff member has provided proof of qualifications. New staff cannot start working with children until they provide all proof of qualification
30 January 2025
St. Oliver Plunkett’s Community Preschool, Castleblayney · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (3) From the documentary evidence available for inspection one of the new staff members had commenced working in the service prior to Garda Vetting being obtained
Provider's corrective action:
- (3)Employees will not be permitted to commence employment prior to Garda vetting and all documents being obtained and updated as per Staff File check list. Summary Comment The Inspectorate accepts the registered provider’s response, and the non-compliance has been addressed
15 January 2025
Daisy Chain Childcare, Carrickmacross · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (a) (b) The registered provider had not completed the validation process in relation to four written references. There were no written references on file for one staff member. (2) (d) One police vetting certificate was not available for one staff member
Provider's corrective action:
- Reference Validation for four references. Ensure reference checks are completed as Staff are recruited. Written references for staff member were put into file. Ensure regular checks and organisation of staff files. Police vetting obtained. Regular checks of staff files, maintain a checklist for all needed on files
10 December 2024
Edenbeag Childcare Centre, Emyvale · 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)(d) Documentary evidence of international police vetting was not available for one staff member who had resided outside the Irish jurisdiction for a period of 6 months or more as an adult
Provider's corrective action:
- The staff members international policy vetting has been applied for and submitted to the Office of the Early Years inspectorate. The registered provider will check all staff members CVs for any period of employment in a foreign country plus the staff files checklist has been updated to include international police vetting if necessary, previously the checklist only included Garda vetting
22 November 2024
Bright Sparks, Carrickmacross · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) One staff member did not have a second written and validated reference. (d) Following a review of the staff files presented and available on the day of inspection, international police vetting was not available for the 1 staff member who had resided outside the jurisdiction for a period of greater than 6 months as an adult
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a) The registered provider obtained a second reference for the staff member and it has been checked and validated by the manager. The registered provider will ensure all references are sought and checked before new staff start in their role. (d) International police vetting was obtained for the staff member. The registered provider will ensure that staff members have police vetting before they start their role if required
18 November 2024
Clones Community Childcare, Clones · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Two staff members did not have their 2nd written references validated appropriately
Provider's corrective action:
- Following the last inspection two written and validated references have been provided and placed in staff files . A checklist document has been created to ensure that the required documentation is on file for all staff members. Staff references will be checked prior to commencement of employment with the service
13 November 2024
Kids Korner, Carrickmacross · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (d) The required police vetting for 1 adult who had lived outside the State for a period of longer than 6 consecutive months was not available on the day of inspection
Provider's corrective action:
- Application for police vetting was made. Amendments have been made to our interviewing process so that new staff members are asked if they have lived abroad for more than 6 months. If they have, we will request a cert from the country they resided in
11 November 2024
Naionra Lorgan, Castleblayney · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (d) The required police vetting for one adult, who had lived outside the State for a period of longer than 6 consecutive months was not available for inspection
Provider's corrective action:
- The staff member completed the police vetting application, and the final police vetting certificate has been received and submitted to the inspector. Management will ensure that all vetting procedures are followed, ensuring anyone who has lived outside the country will be vetted for the correct region as well as garda vetted
23 October 2024
Scotshouse Community Childcare, Clones · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) One staff member did not have a 2nd written and validated reference. One written reference was not validated
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a) A 2nd written reference obtained and validated for staff member. The reference was validated for the 1 staff member. The person in charge has introduced a checklist for each file, to make sure the necessary documents are present, validated and up to date
17 October 2024
Wee Drummers Preschool, Drum · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) One staff member did not have their second reference validated
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a) The staff member is no longer employed by the registered provider and her personal information has subsequently been removed from the service files. For future reference all information will be filed in staff folders on commencement date of employment. Summary Comment The registered provider’s response is accepted and addresses the non-compliance
23 September 2024
Knockatallon Community Childcare, Scotstown · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) Following a review of the staff files presented and available on the day of inspection, international police vetting was not available for the 1 staff member who had resided outside the jurisdiction for a period of greater than 6 months as an adult
Provider's corrective action:
- International Police Vetting was applied for and has been granted for the relevant staff member. The manager and the board of directors have updated their knowledge on police vetting by revising the Early Years Inspectorate guide on ‘Vetting Guidance for Early Years Services’. This guide will be used during the recruitment process to enable the registered provider to ensure that any new employees who have lived outside of Ireland for more than 6 consecutive months are police vetted before they commence employment. The recruitment policy has been updated in order to highlight this issue and prevent it from happening in the future
4 September 2024
Top of the Tots, Monaghan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) Two written references were not validated
Provider's corrective action:
- The staff member provided her cv and 2 written references. The registered provider has been in contact with both referees to confirm that they are legitimate. The registered provider will check staff files regularly and ensure to have 2 written and validated references for any staff member prior to commencing employment
2 September 2024
Doohamlet Childcare Ltd, Castleblayney · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) Two written references were not validated
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a) Going forward, when a new member of staff is employed by Doohamlet Childcare Ltd, the person in charge will ensure that references will be validated before staff member can commence work. Following on from inspection, person in charge contacted the two referees of the staff member to verify the references
11 June 2024
Newbliss Childcare Services, Newbliss · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (4) One staff member who was observed working directly with the children did not have documentary evidence of having at least a minimum Level 5 qualification in childcare available for inspection
Provider's corrective action:
- (4) The relevant staff member obtained a letter verifying completion of Level 8 qualification in childcare. The registered provider will request a letter stating qualifications as soon as job is offered
5 June 2024
Riverbank Community Childcare CLG, Emyvale · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) and (b) 1. Two staff members did not have a second written and validated reference. 2. Six written references were not validated
Provider's corrective action:
- (2) (a )and (b) 1. Management immediately sought the written references. 2. All staff members references have been validated, signed and dated by the person responsible. A second signature added to the staff file showing that each new staff member has been cross checked by both manager and deputy manager. All staff files are re-visited annually to update in July of each year or immediately if the need arises
19 April 2024
Lisdoonan Kids Korner Ltd, Broomfield · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) and (b) The second written reference of one staff member was not validated
Provider's corrective action:
- Written reference supplied and verified for staff member
12 April 2024
Iontas Childcare, Castleblayney · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) Following a review of the staff files presented for inspection, documentary evidence of international police vetting was not available for 1 member of staff for whom it was required. (4) A qualification in childcare at a minimum Level 5, or equivalent was not available for 1 member of staff working directly with the preschool children
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(d) The police vetting has been obtained for the staff member. All police vetting must be obtained and filed in staff folder prior to commencement of employment. (4) The registered provider has acknowledged that the staff member does not have the minimum Level 5 qualification in childcare, therefore she has been relocated to the School Age Service until her qualifications are obtained. The full Record of Award of a childcare qualification must be obtained and copy in staff folder prior to commencement of employment
4 April 2024
Inis Óg Childcare Ltd, Inniskeen · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a) &(b) The following non-compliances were recorded in respect of references: • One staff member did not have one written reference validated. • One student did not have 2 written references validated
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a) &(b) References have been validated for both staff member and student. Management will ensure all references are correctly validated prior to commencement of work