Regulation 9 in Waterford
Management and Recruitment: 33 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.
29 June 2026
Tir na Nóg, Carrick-On-Suir · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(c) See statutory notice section in relation to Immediate Action Notice IAN1886 served. (4) Evidence was unavailable to demonstrate that the qualification held by one of the adults met the minimum requirement of a level 5 award in early childhood care and education
Provider's corrective action:
- The following response was received from the registered provider: Corrective and Preventive Action The staff member is assigned to work with school age children until evidence of a minimum of a level 5 qualification is received
19 June 2026
Passage East Childcare Initiative, Passage East · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a)(b) The registered provider did not take adequate measures when recruiting two new staff members. Of the four references required, two were not available for one staff member and for a second staff member one reference available was not validated. (3) The registered provider did not take appropriate measures to ensure that all employees were suitable to work in an early years service prior to their commencement. (4) From the records available on the day of inspection, it was not evident that one new staff member held the required qualification in early learning and care at the minimum level 5 or equivalent as recognised by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE). (7) Corrective and preventative actions submitted by the service in response to non-compliance identified on inspection on 21 January 2026 were not implemented. New staff members were not provided with training on the services policies on commencement in the service. In discussion with the person in charge, existing staff members have not had time to review the services policies since the last inspection
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a)(b) Two references are now in staff members file, validated by registered provider and available for inspection. Going forward, any advertisement for staff will include request that two references are supplied at interview level. The position will not be filled until references are checked, validated by registered provider. (3) (4) The staff member is no longer in ratio and has sent her qualifications to DCDE to see if her modules match the required for Level 5. If not, she will complete the missing modules over the next couple of months. Before any new member of staff is employed, we will ensure that copies of all Childcare Qualifications are given to interview panel at interview stage and will be then checked insuring they meet the DCDE/Tusla requirements (7) All staff have now been informed and have read policies. Any new member of staff will be trained on policies on the day of their induction, given a copy of policies to take home and study before commencing employment
17 June 2026
Kiddies Kingdom, Kilmeaden · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Inspectors identified that the governance arrangements and management structure were inadequate, given the scale of the service, to ensure that risks were appropriately monitored and responded to. Following the previous inspection in February 2026, the actions submitted by the registered provider included the creation of three quality liaison posts to prevent a recurrence of non-compliance. However, on the day of the inspection the following was noted: 1. Following the previous inspection, the registered provider stated that management would regularly monitor to ensure sleep checks were completed correctly. The absence of this oversight contributed to an ongoing and increased risk to sleeping children. The findings regarding room temperatures, absence or inaccessibility of thermometers were consistent in each of the six rooms where children slept. Please refer to Regulation 23 Safeguarding health, safety, and welfare of child. 2. Procedures for recruitment were found to be ineffective during the previous inspection in February 2026. This included the absence of police vetting for four staff members. Measures to reduce the likelihood of this known risk re-occurring were not implemented effectively following the previous inspection. Please refer to section Regulation 9 Management and recruitment (2) (d). 3. The registered provider submitted assurances through the CAPA process that management would monitor any potential works required within the service. These checks were ineffective to reduce the likelihood of non-compliance reoccurring. Please refer to section Regulation 29 Premises(d). 4. Based on the layout of the service and the number and age of the children, management structures were ineffective to ensure effective governance of fire safety risk. Please refer to Regulation 23 Safeguarding health, safety and welfare of child and Regulation 26 - Fire Safety Measures. (2) (a)(b) While it is acknowledged that validated references were available in 16 files, a validated reference was not available for one staff member. This had been a previous non-compliance in February 2026 and April 2025. The corrective and preventive action submitted by the registered provider stated that a review of all staff files had been completed to ensure all relevant documentation was present. (d) See Statutory Notice section - Immediate Action Notice IAN 3261
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated that: 1. A meeting was held with the liaison staff to emphasise the importance of regular sleep check logs, it was agreed that management and the liaison staff would regularly spot check sleep logs to ensure they are completed correctly and any irregularities are to be acted on immediately. A system to monitor the temperature for the office is to be installed. Digital thermometers were sourced and going forward the new monitoring system will support management to monitor safe sleep and react accordingly. 2. A full internal audit of the staff files was completed to ensure there will be no more discrepancies going forward. Going forward at interview stage, prospective staff will be required to provide information on previous work history and if they resided outside of this jurisdiction for six months or longer. This will ensure the required documentation is available for each staff. 3. Management have planned weekly meetings with maintenance personal for updates and a maintenance log has been created to record this. 4. In consultation with the fire officer all fire risk has been eliminated. Fire evacuation cots have been purchased. Weekly check swill be carried out to ensure all fire measures are in place
2 June 2026
Naionra Philib Barún, Trá Mhór · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(c) See Statutory Notice section in relation to Immediate Action Notice IAN 1424 served
11 May 2026
An Duine Beag, Montessori School, Dunhill · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (9)(2) Following a discussion with the registered provider, it was determined that they employed 10 staff members and these files were reviewed. (a)(b)(c)(d) While it is acknowledged all the documentation required for staff in this regulation was available for nine staff members, documentation for one staff who had joined the service that day was unavailable. The registered provider, once it was acknowledged that Garda vetting and other vetting documents were not available, organised that the new staff member would work off site until all the required paperwork was received. The staff member left the premises at this time
Provider's corrective action:
- (9)(2) The registered provider stated that the staff member works from home until the Garda vetting has been received and the required documentation has been inserted into the staff files. A new procedure has been introduced where both the manager and deputy manager will sign off on the vetting documents once received
29 April 2026
Naíonra Scoil Gharbháin, Dungarvan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a)(b) Written validated references for two staff were not available on file
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated that both references have been validated and going forward all references will be validated by phone or in person prior a to a new member of staff commencing
24 April 2026
Tina's Playschool (Kinder Care), Dungarvan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a)(b) Written validated references for three staff were not available on file
- While it is acknowledged that eight staff members’ qualifications were available for review by the inspector, evidence was not available to demonstrate that one staff member’s qualification was equivalent to at least a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework
Provider's corrective action:
- (2)(a)(b) The registered provider stated that all references have been validated and a new system to document the verification of references has been developed. (4) The registered provider stated that the staff’s qualification has been highlighted on the Department of Children Disability and Equality (DCDE) Early Years Recognised Qualifications Verification list and a copy of this added to the file. An updated staff file checklist has been developed to prevent non-compliance from re-occurring
22 April 2026
Respond Early Years Service, Lisduggan, Lisduggan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) See Statutory Notice section in relation to Immediate Action Notice IAN1422 and Improvement Notice IN1404 served
15 April 2026
Glor na Mara Playschool, Tramore · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a)(b) The required validated references were not available for one staff member
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated that they have validated the required references and a staff recruitment policy has been developed to include this step as part of the recruitment process. They stated that this process will be followed moving forward
8 April 2026
Jigsaw Day Nursery, Waterford · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) See Statutory Notice section in relation to Immediate Action Notice IAN1401 and Improvement Notice IN1381 served
19 March 2026
Waterford Childcare Centre, Waterford City · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a)(b) The required validated references for six adults were not available to the inspector. (d) Documents reviewed demonstrated that the required police vetting was not available for two staff members
- On inspection of the staff files, vetting procedures, including the acquisition of Police vetting and the assessment of references were not thoroughly conducted prior to some staff being appointed, assigned, or allowed access to children in the service
- On review of a previous non-compliance in March 2025, the qualification records of seven staff members were reviewed, five staff had successfully achieved the required award. However, while it is recognised that two staff members were studying for a major award in Early childhood Care and Education at Level 6 on the National Qualifications Framework, they did not hold the required qualification on the day of the inspection
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated that the required validated references are now on file. International Police vetting has been received and documentation submitted demonstrated the second adult did not require police vetting. The personnel file checklist has been updated to include a prompt to check new staff’s C.V.’s for the possible requirement of police vetting. The registered provider will ensure this check list will be used to ensure all documentation is in place prior to new staff joining the team. Documents submitted demonstrated that staff members were continuing their training and were not included it the adult child ratio until they had reached at least a Level 5 major award in Early childhood Care and Education at Level 6 on the National Qualifications Framework
9 March 2026
Tiny Tots Playgroup, Dunhill · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a)(b) Required validated references were not available. (d) Documents reviewed demonstrated that police vetting was required for two staff members, however only one of these was to the available the inspector
Provider's corrective action:
- (a)(b) The Registered Provider submitted the required validated references. (d) The registered provider stated that the police vetting has been received. They have developed a checklist to which will be used as a recruitment file check going forward to ensure all documents are in place
24 February 2026
Cappoquin Childcare Facility, Cappoquin · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a)(b) The required validated references were not available in three files of the four reviewed
Provider's corrective action:
- (a)(b) A copy of the required validated references was submitted to the inspectorate. The registered provider stated that to prevent further non-compliance they have developed a spreadsheet to record Garda vetting, training requirements and expiry dates as required
12 February 2026
Tip Toes Community Childcare Centre, Waterford · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(a)(b) Two validated references were not available for one staff member from either a past employer, or from a reputable source. Sixteen validated references were available for eight new staff members
Provider's corrective action:
- Two validated references have now been obtained. We will ensure validated references are on file prior to staff commencing post
28 January 2026
Kilmacthomas Montessori School, Kilmacthomas · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a)(b) Two written references for two staff were not available on file. (c) While the service demonstrated compliance with the Early Years Inspectorate Regulatory Notice requiring services to renew Garda vetting every 3 years, a Garda vetting disclosure was not available in respect of one adult. An immediate action notice was issued on the 28 January 2026 regarding this non-compliance. An adequate response was submitted to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate on the 28 January 2026 to demonstrate the actions taken to correct the non-compliance
Provider's corrective action:
- (a)(b) The registered providers stated that the required validated references and Garda vetting has been filed in staff folders and they have developed a recruitment check list to ensure all documents are in place before a new employee takes up their position
26 January 2026
Our Little Treasures LTD, Waterford City · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- On review of the staff files, while it is acknowledged that evidence was available to demonstrate that nine staff members working with preschool children had achieved at least a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework or a qualification deemed by the minister to be equivalent, one staff member did not have the required qualification
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated that while the staff member is waiting to receive their level 5 qualification a relief staff member, who is qualified, is being employed full time to work in their place. Going forward only fully qualified staff will be employed
23 January 2026
Discovery Bay Preschool, Dunmore East · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) On review of the staff files, the following was noted: (d) Police vetting was not available for two staff members who had resided outside of the jurisdiction for a period longer than six months
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated that police vetting has been completed and the outstanding vetting had been applied for. A recruitment policy has been developed and includes the requirement for all police vetting to be in place before the commencement of employment
15 January 2026
Co. Waterford Child Care Centre T/A Le Cheile, Dungarvan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (d) One International police vetting certificate was not available in respect of one staff for whom it was required
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated that police vetting was filed in the sister service as this employee had commenced work there and it is now placed in the service files too. They stated that they will ensure that if a staff member moves between the two services, they will retain a copy of all their details in each service. Staff files will be checked on a monthly basis and documented & signed off on by Management. They will use the Tusla check list to check all information is available for our Staff
13 January 2026
Birchwood Pre-School, Waterford · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a)(b) Validated references were not available for two staff members
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated that all staff references have been validated where possible. One reference was unable to be validated as the early years service is no longer registered. It was validated at the time of receipt but not signed off. They stated that going forward any recruitment of staff will have reference validation as mandatory
7 January 2026
The Growing Tree Pre-School, Lismore · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) On review of the staff files, police vetting was not available for one staff member who had resided outside of the jurisdiction for a period longer than six months
Provider's corrective action:
- Polie vetting was applied for and received by the registered provider. They stated that they have developed a recruitment checklist, which will be used when employing new staff members. This form includes the requirement for police vetting if a person has resided outside of the jurisdiction for a period longer than six months and they stated that this checklist will act as a reminder to ensure a thorough recruitment process has been applied
27 November 2025
Waterford Women’s Centre, Waterford City · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a) Validated references were not available for one work experience student from either a past employer, or from a reputable source. (d) International police vetting was not available for one staff member who had lived outside the state for a period over 6 months
Provider's corrective action:
- (a) The service contacted the college notified them that two referees need to be supplied in all student packs. Two references were provided. A checklist of student documents has been developed. (d) International police vetting has been applied for. Any new employees will be required to have international police vetting
25 November 2025
Tir Na N’óg, Tourneena · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a)(b) Validated references were not available for one adult
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated that they have validated the references and going forward all references will be validated by them before a new staff member starts employment
22 October 2025
Little Buddies Creche, Portlaw · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- Documents required to demonstrate whether two adults required police vetting were not available to the inspector
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated that all staff folders have been updated and the documentation demonstrated that staff did not require police vetting. A checklist has been developed to support management in ensuring that all relevant documents are received from new staff member going forward
24 September 2025
Sunny Days Montessori School, Tramore · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (d) Police vetting was required for two adults within the service and it was available for one adult. The documentation for the second adult was not available was in place. (3) Recruitment and vetting procedures were not carried in full in advance of appointment of adults. The registered provider did not consider police vetting for one staff member prior to their appointment
Provider's corrective action:
- (d) The police vetting was received. (3) The registered provider will make sure to ask newly employed staff members if they lived outside of this jurisdiction when completing vetting forms
17 September 2025
Naoinra KCK, Dungarvan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (a)(b) Of the files reviewed, references were not available for one staff member. (d) While it is acknowledged that Police vetting was available for two staff members who had resided outside of the state longer than 6 consecutive months, there was no evidence available to demonstrate whether one staff member required police vetting. (4) While it is acknowledged that evidence was available to demonstrate that two staff members held at least a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5, there was no evidence available for one staff member
Provider's corrective action:
- (2) (a)(b) The registered provider submitted copies of validated references which had been outstanding for one staff member. (d) The registered provider submitted evidence demonstrating that police vetting was not required for the staff member. They stated that individual staff folders have been created, and all required documentation will be filed in these. (4) Evidence to demonstrate that all staff held at least a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 was submitted. The registered provider stated that a copy of the list of qualifications from the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality will be available to evidence the staff members level of training
22 May 2025
Small Talk Pre-school and Creche, Dungarvan · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (a)(b) While it is acknowledged that the registered provider demonstrated that they had considered two references for employees, as there was evidence of 22 validated references from past employers and 15 validated references from sources other than past employers, 5 validated references were outstanding
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider submitted evidence of the required validated references. The registered provider stated that, in future, a member of the management team will check all references and complete written verbal reference check form
26 March 2025
Villierstown Montessori School, Cappoquinn · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) The inspector reviewed eight files including an external contracted person. (a)(b) While it is acknowledged that references were available for six staff members, two of these required validation and a seventh staff member required references. (d) While it is acknowledged that police vetting was available for two adults who had lived outside the jurisdiction for more than six months, records were not available to demonstrate if police vetting was required for two adults
Provider's corrective action:
- (a)(b) The registered provider stated that the two references had been verbally validated at the beginning of employment, but these are now documented. The additional reference was received and validated. (d) Documents submitted by the registered provider demonstrated that police vetting was not required for one adult and they stated the second adult does not work in the service any longer. The registered provider stated that management would ensure that all documentation required will be in place prior to an new staff member commencing employment
25 March 2025
Scallywags Lismore Community Childcare Centre Ltd., Lismore · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- The person in charge was not on the premises when the inspector arrived; however, they arrived on the premises within one hour. Staff verbally confirmed that there was no named deputy person in charge if the person in charge was not available. There was no management structure in place in the absence of the person in charge, which would have identified the lines of authority
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated that a recruitment campaign has commenced to employ additional management personnel. The role has been advertised and the position will be filled by the 21st of May 2025
20 March 2025
Waterford Montessori, Waterford City · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2) (a)(b) Of the seven files reviewed, validated references were not available for four adults
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated that the required references were validated and going forward all references will be validated prior to a new staff member commencing employment
12 February 2025
H & H Ladybird Daycare Limited, Tramore · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- A Garda vetting disclosure was not available for one staff. An immediate action notice was issued to the registered provider
Provider's corrective action:
- An immediate action notice was issued to the registered provider on the 13th of February 2025 regarding a non- compliance identified under Regulation 9(2) Management and Recruitment. The registered provider submitted an adequate response to the office of the Early Years Inspectorate on the 13th of February 2025 to demonstrate the actions taken to correct the non-compliance
11 February 2025
Park Montessori School, Waterford · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- There were no references available on file for one staff member
- One staff member had two references on file which were not validated
- There were three students in the service who had three references on file which were not validated. All adults in a service are required to have two written and validated references available on file in the service. It is acknowledged that all required written and validated references were received shortly after the inspection by the inspector and are now in place in the service
Provider's corrective action:
- All required written and validated references will be obtained and available on file in the service prior to staff commencing work in the service going forward
2 December 2024
Play Together Pre-school, Waterford City · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- (2)(d) International police vetting was not available for one staff member who resided outside the Irish jurisdiction for longer than six consecutive months as an adult
Provider's corrective action:
- Application was made for police vetting Registered provider received police vetting
29 May 2024
Naionra Na Tsean Phobail, Dún Garbhán · Regulation 9 — Management and recruitment
- 2(a) One staff reference was not available on one staff file. (d) Police vetting continued to be unavailable since the last inspection for a staff member who had resided outside of the jurisdiction for a period of longer than six consecutive months. The inspector contacted the relevant Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta development officer on 5 May 2024. The inspector was informed that attempts had been made to contact the embassy of the relevant jurisdiction but to no avail. The inspector requested evidence of this
Provider's corrective action:
- (a)The registered provider stated in the response on 5th July 2024 that the employee has provided a second reference. (d) The registered provider stated in the response on 5th July 2024 that Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta and the employee had sent a number of emails to the relevant embassy to obtain police vetting, and had not received any response. The employee had also contacted the previous employer in the jurisdiction in question for assistance with no success. These attempts to contact the relevant embassy have been ongoing since the employee began employment with Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta